Construction work at the station camp, which is in cleared bush country near Francistown; African security guards; equipment being prepared for installation; and one of the transmitter masts.




Initials JT/V/RM/EEH


EDITORS: SEE ALSO PRODUCTION NO. 11881/65 (SERVICED 11 DECEMBER) SHOWING EARLIER CONSTRUCTION WORK AND EQUIPMENT BEING FLOWN IN BY THE BRITISH AIR FORCE.

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Background: Rhodesians yesterday (Wednesday) heard for the first time a B.B.C. broadcast from the new relay station just across the border in Bechuanaland. The station, which is still under construction, relayed a test transmission, including a news bulletin.

The station is Britain's answer to Rhodesia's news censorship and its decision to no longer re-transmit BBC World Service broadcasts from London. Two transmitters - one medium-wave, one short-wave - are being built at a cost of GBP100,000.

Africans help guard the station day and night, Mr Harold Robins, a British Foreign Office official in charge of the station, said threats of sabotage had been made. He said that most of the local White population supported the illegal Rhodesian regime.