TNAG-1077-FCO40-1327-Broadcasting-in-Hong-Kong-proposed-BBC-relay-station-1981 — Page 50

PRVE

Mr McInnes

Information Department

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Reference...

Hier 3061

RECETA TAXARY NO. 51

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INDEX

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BBC RELAY STATION IN HONG KONG

ONE

1.

Mr Kark's letter of 16 July to you.

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2. In his point 1 Mr Kark mentions that the relay station in Hong Kong would be served by satellite feeds from the UK, which would improve quality, and refers to consequent savings in payments for ad hoc feeds. This could indeed be a telling point but if the Hong Kong Government are to make a financial contribution to the station's construction, they will wish to know if the satellite feed facility is to be provided free or, at least, at a reduced charge. This would enable them to put the saving as ad hoc items in context.

3. Mr Kark's point 5 is obscure. He does not refer to the intention to withdraw the transcription service. Is he implying that special arrangements could be made for it to continue at a subsidised rate (or at any rate those positions not covered by the World Service), or is he just saying that Hong Kong should be grateful for what they have had up to now?

4. I doubt whether points 3 or 4 will be very helpful in talking to Hong Kong. Hong Kong's construction industry is, in fact, already having difficulties coping with a high level of demand. The need therefore, has been for more qualified workers rather than for new jobs. Similarly the argument of increased revenue for China Light and Power and other utilities, which are private companies, is not likely to carry much weight with the Hong Kong Government.

চক

22 July 1981

R D Clift

Hong Kong and General Department

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