TNAG-2275-FCO40-3274-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-1991 — Page 103

CODE 18-77

Reference.

Mr Rogers

Information Department

OAB G/106

Whits 301/1

BBC WORLD SERVICE/RTHK

OAKABZ/CVL

pa

Media

14

1. You sent me a copy of your minute of 30 January covering the text of a proposed agreement between the BBC and RTHK for a 24 hours relay of the BBC World Service in English. The agreement is to run till 31 December 1999, ie after the reversion of Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty.

2. You ask whether the FCO needs to give formal approval of an exchange of letters of this kind. And the letter from Hong Kong raises the question of the Secretary of State's approval. This is obviously a matter primarily for the Legal Advisers. I have spoken to Ms Barrett, who advises on Hong Kong matters and she suggests that we should first check whether the Secretary of State's approval is required by the BBC. She does not think it is necessary from the Hong Kong point of view, but we can make sure of that once you have ascertained the BBC's position. We think it would make sense to find out how the BBC stands first.

5 February 1991

cc: Mr Llewellyn, Legal Advisers

Ms Barrett, Legal Advisers

K. Sanaders

KAM Saunders

Hong Kong Department WH311

270 3544

15