TNAG-2276-FCO40-3275-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-1991 — Page 68

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Government, the relationship could not be exactly the same.

Lord Derwent recognised this, but said his company would be very unhappy, and find it very hard to accept, if the Government took a basically different view of WSTV and its value to the UK from its

view of the radio service. Mr Li said there was substantial

political risk for Hutchison in the venture because of possible censorship. They feared pressure for them to be taken off the air from some Government which took offence at material which had been

transmitted. In such circumstances it was very important for

Hutchison to have the confidence that HMG would support and use its

influence on behalf of the service, just as it would defend BBC

radio. Mr Irwin said that with WSTV the BBC had gone down the

commercial road as requested, and felt it now had the right to

except support from the Government to enable it to succeed as a commercial venture, in necessary partnership with another company.

5. Miss Spencer replied that she could not give a blanket assurance

of official support in any circumstances. In any case it was not

always right, or in the BBC's own interests, for the Government to

rush in on its behalf. This could cast doubt on the BBC's

independence. Lord Derwent agreed that situations had to be looked

at individually and might have to be handled differently. What was sought was general moral support and the same level of official goodwill and encouragement which the Government gave to the radio

service. This was a most important point. If such support were not

forthcoming Hutchison would have to think very hard whether they

could proceed with the project. They would therefore like the

Government to make clear its blessing or endorsement for the

venture, for instance by means of a "letter of comfort".

He was

hoping to have a word soon on the subject with the Secretary of

State too.

6.

Mr Davies asked if Hutchison could clarify its priorities. Were

they saying specifically that the service could not go ahead without

a subscription operation or without Cantonese programming; or was the main issue that of a more general statement of official support? Mr Li said the priorities were as listed in the paper he had handed

over. The expression of support came first, then subscription

programming, then Cantonese. Mr Irwin said that a subscription

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