HC Deb 24 July 1950 vol 478 cc33-4
59. Major Tufron Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Burma Government recently refused to relay British Broadcasting Corporation programmes; and if he will ask them to reconsider their decision, in view of the fact that they are in receipt of a very considerable Commonwealth loan designed to assist them in their struggle against Communism.

Mr. Ernest Davies

Yes, Sir. I am aware that the Burma Broadcasting Service terminated the relay of the B.B.C. Burmese-language programme in April, 1949. The B.B.C. are, however, in touch with the Burma broadcasting authorities with regard to the resumption of relays. The loan to which the hon. and gallant Member refers involved no conditions relating to broadcasting. The answer to the second part of the Question is, therefore, "No, Sir."

Major Beamish

Is there no help which His Majesty's Government can give the B.B.C. to try to encourage the Burma Government to take advantage of the skill of the B.B.C. in this important matter?

Mr. Davies

We have made approaches to the Burma Government and we hope that eventually there will be a resumption of these relays, but at present we have not succeeded.

Mr. Wyatt

Is my hon. Friend aware that the reason why the Burma Government Broadcasting Corporation discontinued these broadcasts was because they entirely failed to reflect the changes which had taken place in this country since the end of the war? Is he aware that the notification of these changes, to the Far East in particular, is our greatest weapon? Is he further aware that until the Labour Government issues propaganda to the effect that one can have social progress without Communism, we shall not be able to persuade these people in the East to come on to our side?

Mr. Davies

I cannot accept all the assumptions which my hon. Friend advances. It is true that there was some criticism of these broadcasts, but that does not appear to be the reason why they were dropped. The reason was that the Burma Government needed the air time for the expansion of their own domestic services.