TNAG-0351-FCO40-387-Future-of-broadcasting-in-Hong-Kong-1972 — Page 184

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the disposal of the experts and generally to assist Government

in any way that could be useful to enable them to write their

tender for a new licence. In the view of our Chief Engineer

the plan produced for the TV Working Party was based on theory without the backing of field tests which only our Company could have provided and willingly so. Further having now been given

the opportunity to examine the propagation plan, our engineer is

gravely concern about the high risk of interference.

Upon my return from my travels, I was informed

that draft legislation had nearly been completed which would

legislate against our representations and overrule our objections

thus taking the entire matter out of the realm of legality and

equity altogether.

In these circumstances, I felt bound to see The

Governor who is an old friend and for whom I have the warmest

regard. I myself could not think of a single valid reason for such action and for your convenience, I enclose a copy of my letter which I handed to MacLehose before we had our private

talk. Murray very kindly expressed great admiration for the

very responsible manner in which TVB had operated and for the

cooperation extended to his Government. But I gained the clear

impression that MacLehose felt bound by the views of his

'Advisers'.

On this basis, I did not think it useful to

continue to argue my case at great length especially as I realise that he had inherited the situation to a large degree.

I fully realise that whatever I say on these

These

matters would all too quickly be labelled as being "self-

interest", "delay tactics" and such absurd nonsense.

thoughts have obviously been well and truly planted in certain

quarters. The simple fact is that my Company's shareholders,