Mr. Leon O'Broin mentioned to me confidentially on the telephone the other day that the short-wave broadcasting programme was one of the items in their Vote which might possibly come under the axe in the present economy drive. The Vote for the current year provides for the expenditure of £15,000 on short-wave broadcasting.

I mentioned the matter to the Minister yesterday. I suggested that short-wave broadcasting had a special importance in the case of this country in view of our lack of telegraphic news agencies, our inability to reach the public in certain countries otherwise than through correspondents in London, the feeling of our people in the United States and elsewhere that we don't do enough in the way of foreign publicity, and the great value which short-wave broadcasting facilities present in time of war. The Minister agreed generally, particularly if the short-wave station is capable of broadcasting telegraphic news messages.

The Minister would not view with favour the dropping of the short-wave broadcasting programme; but no action need be taken for the moment, and nothing should be done, if the matter does arise in concrete form, without further reference of the file to the Minister.