TNAG-1077-FCO40-1327-Broadcasting-in-Hong-Kong-proposed-BBC-relay-station-1981 — Page 119

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be a benefit to them in so far as the Chinese Government

would appreciate better reception in China of BBC programmes,

but they feel that the Finance Committee of the Hong Kong

Legislative Council would not be swayed by such an intangible

argument. I would like to think that in the next few months

they can be persuaded to change their minds.

norat

all

that ful

In my view it would be a tragedy for this country, for Hong Kong and for the BBC, if we allowed this opportunity to slip

from our grasp.

There is no doubt that the dedicated and

hard-working men and women of the BBC Chinese Service have

achieved great success. It would be nice to feel that they

will be given the chance not only of maintaining that success,

but of building on it, in the exciting future which lies

ahead".

30.4.81