TNAG-2768-FCO40-3985-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-interviews--press-briefings-and-the--1993 — Page 15

CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL

FM FCO

TO IMMEDIATE UKREP JLG HONG KONG

TELNO 33

OF 271702Z AUGUST 93

AND TO IMMEDIATE HONG KONG, PEKING

30111

ps Media (151) (Bise Nanshutter)

005726 MDHOAN 7312

TO COPY I Gyur?

YOUR TELNO 267: FUTURE OF THE BBC TRANSMITTER IN

HONG KONG

1.

As you will remember, we have considered the future of the BBC transmitter in Hong Kong on several occasions in the past when the BBC were wondering whether it would be possible to raise the matter with the Chinese. Our consistent view has been that there was minimal chance of the Chinese agreeing to the BBC continuing to use the transmitter. The news in TUR therefore

no surprise, even though the manner of its delivery was as you say pretty abrupt.

came as

2. The assumption in your para 5 is correct. We see no practical purpose in challenging the Chinese decision on this. But we will need to discuss the implications with the BBC. They will presumably want to consider among other things the costs involved in dismantling the transmitter and what exactly they would want to remove when the time came. Grateful to know whether you see any objection to our telling the BBC in confidence of this development.

3.

Meanwhile, in case the news should become public, we need a Low-key line to take. Unless you see any objection we propose something like:

- It is not unexpected that the Chinese authorities should refuse to agree to any foreign transmission stations operating in Hong Kong after June 1997.

- Important that the BBC World Service should maintain its ability to broadcast effectively to all countries in the region. This does not depend soley on the Hong Kong station. Confident that by 1997 satisfactory arrangements can be made to provide the necessary coverage.

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