CONFIDENTIAL
HUB 140/2
( 8 SEP 1993
CONFIDENTIAL
FM FCO
TO PRIORITY HONG KONG
TELNO 808
OF 09155OZ SEPTEMBER 93
INFO PRIORITY UKREP JLG HONG KONG, PEKING, BANGKOK
PA TV File
ר
036623
MDLOAN 1109
YOUR TELNOS 1391 AND 1425 AND PEKING TELNO 1173: FUTURE OF BBC TRANSMITTER IN HONG KONG
1.
We have discussed this latest Chinese move with the senior management in Bush House. It came as no great surprise to them, and they have confirmed that they do not want to have an argument with the Chinese over this. They are now committed to setting up a transmitter in Thailand and would prefer not to risk provoking the Chinese into putting pressure
into putting pressure on the Thais. (See paras 4-6 below.)
2. Mr GoodLad discussed with the Governor on the telephone this morning what our response should be and they agreed that, in the view of the clear BBC preference to play this cool, we should respond in a fairly low-key way. We suggest the following:
- We are surprised the Chinese side has chosen to raise this issue with us in this context and in this manner.
The BBC has an international reputation for producing fair, neutral and balanced reporting of international news, for which it is widely respected. Its editorial policy is independent of HMG.
The BBC was in fact well aware that this matter would need to be discussed at some stage.
- In our view the future of the BBC operation in Hong Kong might more appropriately have been the subject of discussion between the SARG and the BBC after 1997. (See JD 134.)
But we have taken note of the Chinese position. If we have any further points we reserve the right to raise them.
- Meanwhile, when news of the BBC's withdrawal becomes public, the British side will comment as it deems appropriate.
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