TNAG-2769-FCO40-3986-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-interviews--press-briefings-and-the--1994 — Page 114

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BBC WORLD SERVICE:" JAMMING OF MANDARIN SERVICE TRANSMISSIONS

1.

Lorna Bull, Deputy Head of the Chinese Service, returned my call. She tells me that the last time this happened it coincided with a visit bu the Secretary of State to Peking, when he raised the matter. The Chinese authorities characteristically denied all knowledge and responsibility. Jamming is currently being experienced on all frequencies and from all five tranmitter sites (Hong Kong, Singapore, and the 3 Russian transmitters on which the WS hires air time, in Tashkent, Chita and Irkutsk).

2.

-

The World Service are now tracing the source of the jamming emissions, which they fully expect to be inside China. At that point they will compain to the International Frequency Board in Geneva and consider whether to take any further action such as asking for our assistance on the ground. Apparently the Mandarin transmissions of Voice of America (VOA) are also being jammed, but those from Deutsche Welle and Radio Australia are not. Cantonese and English transmissions are so far unaffected.

3.

I have agreed with Mr Larner in News Department that we should avoid any comment if possible, but that if pressed we can say that the World Service are still carrying out investigations to compile more information before deciding what action might be appropriate.

4.

If you get the chance, you might ask VOA what action they are taking, when you see them next week.

Minabalue

M A Balmer

Information Department

3 December 1993

CC:

Mr Bristow-Smith, FED

Mr Morris, HKD

Mr Larner, News Department

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