TNAG-1077-FCO40-1327-Broadcasting-in-Hong-Kong-proposed-BBC-relay-station-1981 — Page 36

CODE 18-77

Reference...

Mr Searle (Hong Kong & Gener Department K 242)

Sear

HICK 30611

MAXXY NO. 51

2 8 AUG 1981

DESK OFFICI

Action Telen

3.

142

INDEX

No

محمد

BBC EXTERNAL SERVICES: PROPOSED HONG KONG RELAY STATION

1.

We spoke earlier today about Mr George Howard's further letter (dated 22 August) to the Secretary of State. There seems to us to be little point in extending still further these exchanges with the BBC on what Hong Kong did or did not say about their willingness to help finance the proposed relay station.

2.

Nevertheless, on the assumption that you propose to send some form of acknowledgment, we would be grateful if you could incorporate a sentence or two along the following lines:-

'We are still waiting for your experts to let us know what would be the technical and commercial advantages to Hong Kong in broadcasting terms from locating the proposed new Far East relay station on the colony. We will need this assessment when we come to confirm formally to Hong Kong our interest in the project and put the case for a Hong Kong contribution towards its costs.

We are

looking at the political factors. Mean- while, discussions on the choice of site are continuing.

If you think it might be helpful, we would be happy to look at your draft reply before it is submitted.

See (46)

26 August 1981

J F Holding

Information Dept