TNAG-1817-FCO40-2578-Broadcasting-in-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 178

CODE 18-77

CONFIDENTIAL

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PBE 306/4

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20

Assistants/Regional Directors, Research Department

(Distribution list attached)

BBC MONITORING SERVICE: PRIORITIES PAPER

1. I would like to thank all who responded to my minute of 15 March about the BBC Monitoring Service for their helpful comments. It is clear that Monitoring Service material is considered valuable in many parts of the Office, and that it can be of particular importance at times like the recent Kuwaiti Airlines hijack. Your comments will be particularly helpful in our investment appraisal of an £800,000 Monitoring Service capital project, which we are currently evaluating.

2. Some Departments indicated a requirement for additional material on various topics. As you may be aware the Monitoring Service is "tasked" through a 'Priorities Paper'. This was drawn up in 1986/87 in consultation with FCO Departments and other Whitehall users. It is now due for annual review and I am recirculating it to you with the request that you examine those aspects which relate to the work of your Department and let me know of any additions, deletions, amplifications or changes of category you would like to see made.

3.

We

The definition of Category I and II priorities is explained in the Introduction. This broad categorisation has proved sufficiently precise and flexible to enable the Monitoring Service to meet customers requirements over the last year. consider it unlikely that there will be any need to redefine the categories themselves, but individual priorities need to be looked at carefully to ensure that the Monitoring Service remains as closely targetted to FCO priorities as possible.

4. We shall consider proposed changes with the MOD and Cabinet Office, with whom the Priorities Paper has to be agreed. For financial and technical reasons it may not be possible to meet all requests for additional requirements. (And, the MOD/Cabinet Office may oppose deletions or changes of category proposed by the FCO). When the paper has been agreed by Whitehall users, it has to be put to the Monitoring Service for their comments.

5.

You might find it helpful to remind Desk Officers that if at any time they should have a particular need for special coverage of any topic (either within the agreed priorities or in addition) for a limited period, we can ask the Monitoring Service for their assistance. They will do their best to help, either by increased coverage within SWB's (at the expense of other topics) or by supplying unpublished material direct to Departments. In an emergency such as a hijack or coup, material can be supplied by 'Newsfile' telex direct to the Emergency Unit (if activated) or to BBC Section of this Department will ensure that it is passed without delay.

CONFIDENTIAL

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