TNAG-2767-FCO40-3984-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-interviews--press-briefings-and-the--1993 — Page 57

1.taylor

DRAFT LETTER

March 1993

F Paul Taylor Esq

7 Kingsway

Frodsham

CHESHIRE

WA6 6RU

Thank you for your letter of 20 March in which you ask about the future of the East Asia Relay Station in Hong Kong and

additionally about funding for the BBC World Service.

I am glad to hear that you approve of what we are doing in Hong Kong. The Government is four-square behind Mr Patten and his proposals for more democracy and that includes the Foreign Office. But I cannot accept your characterisation of

the 1984 Joint Declaration. We regard it as the best possible basis on which to build a stable and prosperous future for Hong Kong, and we are committed to ensuring that

it is fuly implemented.

I welcome your view that the BBC World Service is so well regarded in China and we shall certainly do everything we can

to ensure that World Service broadcasts continue to be heard

there.

On the standing of the World Service in general, it is good

to know that distinguished individuals across the Atlantic

hold it in such high esteem. You may not be aware but the