TNAG-2769-FCO40-3986-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-interviews--press-briefings-and-the--1994 — Page 91

CONFIDENTIAL

FM HONG KONG

TO IMMEDIATE FCO

TELNO 1882

OF 150837Z DECEMBER 1993

F

CONFIDENTIAL

HKB 30111

TOP COPY DIST?

133

INFO IMMEDIATE PEKING, BANGKOK, UKREP JLG HONG KONG

BBC RELAY STATION

Summary

pa Media ї вове

156534

MDHIAN 7059

211)

HKB301/1

We need to reply to a press enquiry on the future of the BBC relay station.

Detail

2. Tin Tin Daily News have asked the following questions

3.

a) when will the telecoms licence granted to the BBC for the

relay station at Tuen Mun expire?

b) has HMG/HKG discussed with the BBC or China continued

operation of the station after 1997? If so, through which channels?

c) what would happen to the site (and the apparatus) if the

relay station does not operate after 1997?

The answer to the first question is 28 June 1997.

We assume that the BBC have yet to conclude their discussions with the Thais and that we should therefore continue to play this down. We therefore suggest replying to the second two questions by saying that we understand that the BBC are working out arrangements to maintain its ability to broadcast effectively to all countries in the Region. HKG will consider the way forward after receiving a formal proposal from the BBC.

5. If we are pressed on whether there have been discussion with the Chinese we will have to fall back on the confidentiality of diplomatic contact.

6.

Grateful for confirmation that this is acceptable deskby 0900 HK Time on 17 December.

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