HC Deb 07 May 1956 vol 552 cc832-3
43. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what stations are beaming radio programmes containing anti-British propaganda upon medium wave-length to the Middle East, and, in particular, the region of Aden and Saudi Arabia

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I am advised that the principal medium wave transmissions of sufficient power to have more than local coverage in the area are the Egyptian Home and European language services, and the Egyptian "Voice of the Arabs". These are not normally audible in Aden, though they may be in parts of Saudi Arabia

Mr. Johnson

Is it not a fact that we, the British, have no medium wave station in the Middle East to counter this vicious stuff being poured out against us by the Egyptian station? Will not he do something about this? Cannot he have a booster station, for instance, at Hargeisa, or a medium wave station, perhaps in Cyprus?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

After my recent trip I have been looking into this matter. As the hon. Gentleman knows, short wave is in many ways most satisfactory from our point of view, but I will look into the matter again

Dame Irene Ward

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that we have been talking about doing something in the Middle East for a very long time? Is he aware that on the last occasion when this matter was raised I suggested that a revolution was necessary in our propaganda? How are we getting on with the revolution?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

My right hon. Friend the Minister of State recently gave figures to show that there have been increases in the broadcasting services to the Middle East

Mr. Hobson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that he has been entirely wrongly advised technically with regard to short wave reception and that the only stations which it would be possible to use are those with a radius of 200 miles or more which, of necessity, means medium wave stations? Will he tell his friends to obtain proper technical information from the Post Office, because apparently they are not in possession of it?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I will certainly look into this matter

Captain Waterhouse

Is it not a fact that it is not only the stations but the stuff we are putting over, which is far from adequate to meet the needs of the situation?