some important capital expenditure decisions to be taken in the near future. These are primarily concerned with increasing the Monitoring Services' capability to monitor radio and TV transmissions by satellite, particularly in the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe and Arab world. Your assessment of the value of Monitoring Service's product, and views on whether it should be increased, reduced or stay the same will help inform these decisions.
4.
The Monitoring Service are naturally keen that their output should be as widely used as possible. They value direct contact at desk level with FCO Departments and welcome visits to Caversham. Within the context of the overall priorities set by Whitehall users, they are usually able to look out for topical items of special interest, if alerted by Departments. They also market their product commercially. There is no objection to Departments sending occasional examples of Monitoring Services product to individuals or organisations outside the FCO. However, whenever this is done, the recipient should be encouraged to subscribe to the service.
5. I should be grateful if you would complete and return the attached questionnaire to me not later than 14 April. We have tried to design the questionnaire so that it can be completed relatively easily, but urge you to ensure that your answers represent the considered view of the Department, as decisions on funding may well be based on them. When replying, a covering minute is unnecessary. There is space at the end of the questionnaire for any additional comments you wish to make.
15 March 1988
GH3ACL
SDR Brow
S DR Brown
Information Department OAB G/110 210 6120
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