BROADCASTS TO CHINA

HC Deb 28 July 1952 vol 504 cc1064-5

2. Major Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many hours per day broadcasting is done in the Chinese language; from which stations; with what objects; and why there is no proper liaison with the United Nations or the United States Governments, both of which also broadcast in Chinese.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

I presume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the output of the British Broadcasting Corporation. The Corporation broadcasts daily for 30 minutes in Kuoyu, that is to say, standard Chinese, and for 15 minutes in Cantonese.

These transmissions are radiated from the United Kingdom and relayed by the British Far Eastern Broadcasting Service, Singapore. Radio Hong Kong also relays the news bulletins in both languages. The purpose of the broadcasts is to provide a balanced and objective service of news and information in the main Chinese dialects.

I cannot accept the implication contained in the last part of the Question. Distance clearly makes it impossible to maintain close day-to-day contact on matters concerning programmes with the United Nations and with the "Voice of America" Radio Headquarters, both of which are in New York; but the B.B.C. does maintain liaison with the representatives of both these organisations in London.

On questions of Far Eastern policy there are constant exchanges between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of the United States.

Major Beamish

Does not my right hon. and learned Friend agree that there is considerable room for improvement in liaison and understanding between this country and other members of the United Nations and the United Nations itself so far as broadcasts to China are concerned? Would he please be good enough at any rate to consider whether there is room for improvement in the machinery?

Mr. Lloyd

It would be very rash indeed to say that there is no room for improvement and I will certainly look into it.

Sir W. Smithers

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that these broadcasts to China are monitored by an organisation who state that, in their opinion, there is much Communist propaganda in these broadcasts, which is encouraging our enemies in the Far East and making more difficult the task of our boys who are fighting in the cause of freedom?

Mr. Lloyd

I am surprised to hear that, but if my hon. Friend will give me a specific extract from any of these broadcasts I will look into it.