Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Peter Jennings) Report introduced.

(No location given: Ken Kashiwahara) Govt. raid in January of BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) office and confiscation of materials used in documentary on grounds of national security reported; details given, scenes shown. ABC's obtaining of copy of documentary, "The Secret Society", banned in Britain noted; scenes shown. Contents of program about plans for British spy satellite detailed. [Ex- science adviser to defense ministry Sir Ronald MASON - says he can't talk about satellite.] Intelligence experts' assertions that material in documentary is already available in public documents outlined. [In film, undersecretary for defense Sir Frank COOPER - says material already publisher] Police raid on BBC discussed. [ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) spokesperson Morton HALPERIN - compares British and American views of freedom of press.] [Journalist Duncan CAMPBELL - says film was about expenditures for the project, not about secrets.] [Parliament member Robert SHELTON - says costs should have been brought to his committee ] Possible charges against Campbell noted. [CAMPBELL - says he has not provided copy of film to Americans] Govt. position noted explained to ABC via telephone call. [International Institute for Strategic Studies Don KERR - says in Britain, you don't divulge classified info.]