SECRET
POLICY COMMITTEE
Thursday, 22nd May, 1941.

BROADCASTING STATIONS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN.

1. The Crown Agent for the Colonies has undertaken to expedite the purchase of a transmitter to replace the equipment for Jerusalem which was lost by enemy action. The consulting engineers are working on the problem; and in the meantime unofficial enquiries are being pressed in America as to the possibility of getting really quickly what we need.

2. Sir Noel Ashbridge has given advice on the Mediterranean area in general. In addition to the second transmitter in Palestine, he advocates medium-wave stations in Gibraltar, Malta, Crete, and Cyprus. To give really effective coverage, all these ought to be of 50 kilowatts, but delivery of four large transmitters is bound to be slow. Accordingly, it is recommended that as an interim measure, transmitters of 5 kilowatts, (which are likely to be quickly available in America,) should be installed at all four centres, and that High-power transmitters to replace these as soon as possible, especially in Crete and Cyprus, should also be ordered. The approval of the Committee is sought for this course.

3. The most urgent matter to be cleared is whether the fighting services are prepared to accept the installation of broadcasting stations at these four important centres. It is suggested that a letter on the subject should be addressed to the Chiefs of Staff Committee, asking for an immediate reply. If this were favourable, approach would then be made to the Colonial Office and Foreign Office.

4. The staffing of the proposed stations is likely to present considerable difficulty. The B.B.C. in particular, could not release engineers or programme staff without interfering with some essential activity. It might be necessary to get men released or seconded from the fighting services.

5. Wavelengths will also have to be found for the stations.

J.C.S.M.

21. 5. 41.