§ 44. Mr. Benn Levyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what critical representations have been received in respect of British broadcasts on the European service from the U.S. representatives through either Foreign Office or other channels.
Mr. McNeilMy right hon. Friend is aware of only two representations. which might be termed critical, having been made during the past year by American representatives. The first, in November, 1946, concerned two news reports broadcast in German on 7th and 14th November, and the second related to certain items broadcast in Hungarian during the last week of March, 1947.
§ Mr. LevyWas it made clear at the time that such representations or attempted interferences from a foreign Power were improper and could not be accepted?
Mr. McNeilPerhaps my hon. Friend would like to see the text of the representations. I assure him that they were not improper.
§ Mr. ThurtleIs my right hon. Friend aware that these few American so called interferences with B.B.C. broadcasting are nothing compared with the number of official criticisms by Russia of the British broadcasting system?
§ Mr. LevyAm I correct in understanding from the Minister's reply that these were the only two representations and, therefore, that there were none from Russia?