In a recent discovery, a collection of religious ritual songs and dances performed in a Temiar long-house has shed light on the shamanic, animistic faith of the community. This traditional music, reportedly given by a tiger spirit to a chief in Ulu Nenggiri in Kelantan, carries a significant message that led his group to establish a new settlement at Ajin, near the border of Cameron Highlands. This remarkable find provides insight into the spiritual beliefs and cultural practices of the Temiar people.
Song was given by a tiger spirit to a chief in Ulu Nenggiri in Kelantan. Its message led his group to make a new settlement at Ajin, just over the border of Cameron Highlands
Temiar dream music - religious ritual songs and dances performed in a Temiar long-house. Polyphonic singing, accompanied with beating of membranophone.
1CS0087301 S1 MALAYA BROADCASTING CORPOR; 9CS0021027 S1 MALAYA BROADCASTING CORPOR
1CS0087301 S1 MALAYA BROADCASTING CORPOR1; 9CS0021027 S1 MALAYA BROADCASTING CORPOR1
Temiar dream music - religious ritual songs and dances performed in a Temiar long-house [shamanic, animistic faith]
Recording of "Dalam guni" features religious ritual songs and dances performed in a Temiar long-house, reflecting the shamanic and animistic faith of the community. The music conveys a message from the spirit of the hills to a shaman in Ulu Perak, telling the story of a sack of rice that was buried in the ground and resulted in a very rich plantation.
Dalam guni, or inside the sack, conveys the message when the spirit of the hills told a 'hala' [shaman] in the Ulu Perak that once upon a time a sack of rice was buried in the ground, and a very rich plantation resulted
Temiar dream music - religious ritual songs and dances performed in a Temiar long-house. Mixed chorus singing with call and response, alongside the steady beating of membranophone
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In the Ulu Nenggiri region of Kelantan, a member of the AlusTemiar community had a dream in which the spirit of the tiger gave him a song while he and his group were clearing a new area for cultivation. The song was a token of peace, as the tiger spirit was amazed and somewhat frightened by the power of the group to fell large trees. The ritual music, rooted in the shamanic and animistic faith of the Temiar people, is performed in long-houses and reflects a connection to the natural world and its spirits.
In the Ulu Nenggiri in Kelantan dreamed this song when he and his group were felling a new clearing for cultivation. The spirit of the tiger gave him a song because - "we tigers here are amazed and not a little frightened of the power of you fellows - you even fell the biggest trees. We leave you in peace and give you this song as a token"
Temiar dream music - religious ritual songs and dances performed in a Temiar long-house. Group singing, call and response between, lead and group singers, consisting both male and female singers, accompanied by steady percussive beat.
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1CS0087307 S1 MALAYA BROADCASTING CORPOR1; 9CS0021021 S1 MALAYA BROADCASTING CORPOR1
Recording contains information about the Temiar people and their religious ritual songs and dances, which are performed in a long-house as part of their shamanic, animistic faith. The recording specifically mentions a song given to the shaman, Bah Sain, by the spirit of the wind among the bamboos, which tells the Temiar that the wind in the bamboos is the force that moves the airplanes they see flying in the sky. This information sheds light on the spiritual beliefs and cultural practices of the Temiar tribe from Telom in Pahang.
From Telom in Pahang comes a song given to the 'hala' [shaman] Bah Sain by the spirit of the wind among the bamboos. The song tells the Temiar that the wind in the bamboos is the force that moves the aeroplanes they see flying up in the sky.
Temiar dream music - religious ritual songs and dances performed in a Temiar long-house. Group singing consisting of solo and group vocals, with call and response between each other. Singing is accompanied by beating of drum(membranophone)
Solo and group singing, male and female singers
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Recording of Hanjoi Temiar dream music, religious ritual songs and dances are performed in a Temiar long-house, reflecting the shamanic and animistic faith of the culture. The title of the recording is a play on words, representing the disappearing form of a man diving into a pool to catch fish. This variation on the saying "the higher the fewer" conveys the theme of disappearance and transformation within the music and rituals of the Temiar people.
Title is a play upon words based on the disappearing form of a man who has dived into a pool to catch fish. His body gets smaller until it disappears. This is a variation on the higher the fewer.
Temiar dream music - religious ritual songs and dances performed in a Temiar long-house. Call and response between solo and group vocals, consisting of male and female singer. Accompanied by the steady beating of membranophone.
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Recording "Telei bah peb" refers to the Temiar people's religious ritual songs and dances performed in a long-house in Pahang, Malaysia. The songs are associated with shamanic and animistic faith, and in one particular song, the spirit of a wild banana warns the shaman to collect ripening fruits before they are eaten by civet cats. These ritual songs are an integral part of the Temiar culture and belief system.
Song from the Ulu Telem in Pahang. The spirit of a wild banana warns the 'hala' [shaman] that his group must make haste and collect the ripening fruits before the civet cats eat them
Temiar dream music - religious ritual songs and dances performed in a Temiar long-house [shamanic, animistic faith]. Mixed chorus with call and response (male and female), accompanied by membranophone (Temiar drums).
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Recording depicts the religious rituals and songs of the Temiar people, who practice shamanism and animistic faith. The lyrics of the song warn of the potential dangers of contact with outsiders, specifically mentioning the spread of disease brought by white strangers from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Ipoh. This warning is attributed to the Spirit of the Siku mountain, and it reflects the Temiar's concerns about the impact of outside influences on their community.
While the Temiar were helping to clear the jungles for the hill station of the Cameron Highlands, the Spirit of the Siku mountain warned the 'hala' [shaman] of the possible dangers of contact. The verse of the song runs - " White strangers come from Kuala Lumpur, From Singapore they come, From Ipoh in their motor cars up the Batang Padang, But with them comes disease"
Temiar dream music - religious ritual songs and dances performed in a Temiar long-house. Mixed chorus, with beating of membranophone.
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Recording features various musical instruments, including a chorus and drum. The chorus and drum cells indicate a combination of vocal and percussive elements in the music. This recording showcases a diverse and dynamic sound with the inclusion of these instruments.
Mixed chorus (male and female), drums and idiophone.
1CL0072087 S2 BD1 BBC ARCHIVE; 9CL0029975 S2 BD1 BBC ARCHIVE; 9CL0030031 S2 BD1 BBC ARCHIVE
1CL0072087 S2 BD1 BBC ARCHIVE1; 9CL0029975 S2 BD1 BBC ARCHIVE1; 9CL0030031 S2 BD1 BBC ARCHIVE1
The musical performance "Dato yuli-alAding" featured a mixed chorus and drum accompaniment, showcasing a blend of vocal and percussive elements. The ensemble brought together diverse musical talents to create a dynamic and engaging experience for the audience.
Ading with mixed chorus (male and female), drums and idiophone
1CL0072087 S1 BD1 BBC ARCHIVE; 9CL0029975 S1 BD1 BBC ARCHIVE; 9CL0030031 S1 BD1 BBC ARCHIVE
1CL0072087 S1 BD1 BBC ARCHIVE1; 9CL0029975 S1 BD1 BBC ARCHIVE1; 9CL0030031 S1 BD1 BBC ARCHIVE1
Music from Malaya. Aborigines. Lanoh negrito bamboo jaws harp
Music (Instrumental)
Music from Malaya. Aborigines. Lanoh negrito bamboo mouth flute
Music from Malaya. Aborigines. Semai senoi: wedding dance
Music (Vocal and instrumental)
Music from Malaya. Aborigines. Semelais frog song
Music from Malaya. Aborigines. Semai senoi nose flute
Music from Malaya. Aborigines. Chanting acc. bamboo stampers
Music from Malaya. Aborigines. Semelai flute: serunai
Ketoprak (popular theatre). Comedy: Dialogue, gamelan and crowd laughter
Recoding, labeled "Ketoprak (popular theatre)," contains a 30 cm 78 rpm mono disc with the code BBC ARCHIVE 22570 1CL0072057. It features comedy, dialogue, gamelan music, and crowd laughter performed by unnamed individuals. The disc is stored under the code 9CL0029181 in the BBC Archive.
1 disc 2 sides 30 cm 78 rpm mono. BBC ARCHIVE 22570 1CL0072057 1 Analogue disc Store 9CL0029181
Second stage initiation ceremony of the Sumarah Mystic Society [1]
The Second stage initiation ceremony of the Sumarah Mystic Society featured a solo male singer chanting on a 30 cm 78 rpm mono disc with 2 sides. The recording is part of the BBC Sound Archive collection under catalog number 22570. The singer remains unidentified.
Solo man chanting. 1 disc 2 sides 30 cm 78 rpm mono. BBC Sound Archive 22570
Second stage initiation ceremony of the Sumarah Mystic Society [3] Javanese music
The Second stage initiation ceremony of the Sumarah Mystic Society featured Javanese music and a solo man chanting. The recording is part of the BBC Sound Archive, with a single disc containing two sides and measuring 30 cm. It was recorded at 78 rpm and is in mono format.
1CL0072057 1 Analogue disc Store 9CL0029181 1 Analogue disc Store 9CL0029182 1 Analogue disc Store 9CL0030144 1 Analogue disc Store
Solo man chanting. BBC Sound Archive 22570 1 disc 2 sides 30 cm 78 rpm mono
Related Material : Holdings Notes: 12RH 88640
Recording features a song by an unidentified child singer is featured on disc 2, with 30 cm sides and a playback speed of 78 rpm. The recording is in mono and is part of the BBC ARCHIVE as item number 22570.
1 disc 2 sides 30 cm 78 rpm mono. BBC ARCHIVE 22570
Ketoprak (popular theatre). Comedy: Dialogue and crowd laughter
Recording contains a recording of the popular theatre show Ketoprak, featuring comedy with dialogue and crowd laughter. The recording is on a 30 cm disc with 2 sides and plays at 78 rpm in mono. It is part of the BBC ARCHIVE with the code 22570.
No dates are mentioned in the given text.
Recording contains information about a Buffalo horn folk songs and music recording on a 30 cm disc with 33 rpm. The recording is labeled as BBC ARCHIVE 27027 and starts at 00:08:45.22, ending at 00:09:34.01. Side 2 of the disc begins at 00:10:37. The recording likely contains traditional folk songs and music played on Buffalo horns, captured from BBC ARCHIVE LP 27027.
Solo wind instrument with background voices and some crowing of roosters.
Folk songs and music. 1 disc 2 sides 30 cm 33 rpm. BBC ARCHIVE 27027 Label match: BBCARCHIVELP27027. Starts at 00:08:45.22 to 00:09:34.01. Side 2 begins at 00:10:37
Recording is a classical dance and music ensemble, is featured on a 30 cm, 33 rpm disc with the label BBCARCHIVELP19654. The recording, which starts at 00:18:24.02 and ends at 00:25:52.01, includes traditional folk songs and music performed by the Gamelan Orchestra from Pilatan, Indonesia. Additionally, the performance incorporates the art of Topeng, a form of dance by masked dancers.
Gamelan Orchestra from Pilatan, Indonesia
Published record
Performance notes: Baris (classical dance) and Topeng (dance by masked dancers) Folk songs and music. 1 disc 2 sides 30 cm 33 rpm. BBC ARCHIVE 19654 Label match: BBCARCHIVELP19654. Starts at Recording Notes: 00:18:24.02 to 00:25:52.01
Tambulilingan / Tamulilingan (Oleg, type of dance)
Recording is a 30 cm, 33 rpm disc with folk songs and music, as well as modern dance created by Mario. It is labeled as BBC ARCHIVE 19654 and includes a Gamelan Orchestra from Pilatan, Indonesia.
Modern dance created by Mario. (I Ketut Mario)
Modern dance created by Mario. Folk songs and music. 1 disc 2 sides 30 cm 33 rpm. BBC ARCHIVE 19654 Label match: BBCARCHIVELP19654
Recording features a performance of Kapi Radja (King of the apes) by the Gamelan Orchestra from Pilatan, Indonesia. The music is traditional Kebiar music, including folk songs and music, recorded on a 30 cm disc with 2 sides at 33 rpm. The label for this recording is BBCARCHIVELP19654 and the performance starts at 00:03:05.16.
Performance notes: Kebiar music. Folk songs and music. 1 disc 2 sides 30 cm 33 rpm. BBC ARCHIVE 19654 Label match: BBCARCHIVELP19654. Starts at 00:03:05.16
Legong classical dance and folk songs and music are featured on a 1 disc with 2 sides, measuring 30 cm and playing at 33 rpm. The recording, labeled BBCARCHIVELP19654, begins at 00:06:10.09 and ends at 00:26:22.11, showcasing the Gamelan Orchestra from Pilatan, Indonesia.
Classical dance. Folk songs and music. 1 disc 2 sides 30 cm 33 rpm. BBC ARCHIVE 19654 Label match: BBCARCHIVELP19654. Starts at 00:06:10.09 to 00:26:22.11
Features a recording of the Gamelan Orchestra from Pilatan, Indonesia, on a 30 cm 33 rpm disc from the BBC ARCHIVE 19654 collection. The recording begins at 00:14:22.10 and ends at 00:18:24.02, showcasing traditional Indonesian music. The label for the recording is BBCARCHIVELP19654.
Excerpt from Modern Dance. Folk songs and music. 1 disc 2 sides 30 cm 33 rpm. BBC ARCHIVE 19654 Label match: BBCARCHIVELP19654. Begins at 00:14:22.10 to 00:18:24.02
In a rare find, the BBC ARCHIVE 19654 label matches the KebiarModern dance in Classical Style from Bali Music (Instrumental) album, which contains 1 disc with 2 sides and plays at 33 rpm on a 30 cm record. The album, which starts at 00:06:10.09, features the Gamelan Orchestra from Pilatan, Indonesia, providing a unique blend of traditional and modern dance music from Bali.
Modern dance in Classical Style from Bali Music (Instrumental). 1 disc 2 sides 30 cm 33 rpm. BBC ARCHIVE 19654 Label match: BBCARCHIVELP19654. Starts at 00:06:10.09
Mr. George Simpson: Shipping Agent Singapore, British North Borneo, Penang, Malaya, Hong Kong 1948-1980
Mr. George Simpson, a Shipping Agent in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong from 1948-1980, is the focus of the Scottish Decolonisation Project collection at the National Library of Scotland. The collection includes three compact cassette recordings of interviews conducted by Mr. Bill Dorward, covering Simpson's work in Singapore, British North Borneo, Penang, Malaya, and Hong Kong. Additional documentation is available from the library's Manuscripts Division.
Collection title: Scottish Decolonisation Project ^A259507 Product title: Mr George Simpson: Shipping Agent Singapore, British North Borneo, Penang, Malaya, Hong Kong 1948-1980 Documentation/Sleeve notes: Additional documentation available from the National Library of Scotland Manuscripts Division Product note: An additional handwritten note on all of the cassette inlay sleeves reads 'Interviewed by Mr Bill Dorward. Product note: An additional handwritten note on cassette inlay sleeve of MS.22794 reads 'Singapore, British North Borneo, Penang, Kuching, Kuala Lumpur 1948-1966...Hong Kong 1966-1980..Shipping Agent'. 3 compact cassettes. Dubbing ref no.: National Library of Scotland (NLS). Scottish Decolonisation Project. MS.22794 Dubbing ref no.: National Library of Scotland (NLS). Scottish Decolonisation Project. MS.22795 Dubbing ref no.: National Library of Scotland (NLS). Scottish Decolonisation Project. MS.22796
In the memoir "Building the Burma-Siam RailwayTalk," a former prisoner recounts the brutal conditions endured while constructing the railway for the Japanese. The prisoners faced harsh working conditions, including being pelted with iron rivets by a Japanese engineer and working in non-stop downpours during the monsoon season. Cholera outbreaks, lack of proper clothing, and extreme exhaustion from long work shifts further compounded their suffering. Despite the high death rates and disease ravaging the crowded camps, the Japanese enforced a speedup of work, neglecting to address the epidemic. The prisoners endured meager rations and slept in leaky, overcrowded huts.
The Japanese told us that our job was to build a section of a new railway from Siam to Burma. i especially remember one jap engineer in charge of the working party. his favorite way of getting his orders quickly carried out was to chuck down iron rivets his bars from his perch from the top the of the bridge on to the head of our officers and men who were working below. when the monsoon broke out with a 72 hour non stop downpour most of us prisoners were very nearly at our last gasp. the rains which immdetialy turned the embankment into quagmires drenched us day and night. and sent the death rates soaring. Almost at the same time cholera broke out and decimated the crowded camps.. You'd have thought that the Japanese in their own interest might have taken some steps to stem the ravages of the disease. but they didnt, instead they actually started a speedup.. we had to work in shifts of 14, 20 and 36 hours at a stretch. we were practically naked by now for the japanese issued hardly any clothing. weary and worn out we used to lurch back to our huts to eat the rice and slush called stew. but often nothing infact but a radish or bamboo root in boiling water. lapsed into exhausted slumber wet and jammed on top of each other in leaky windswept huts.
First broadcast of the BBC Empire Service
The inauguration of the British Empire Broadcasting Service features speeches from Mr. J.H. Whitley, the chairman, and Sir John Reith, the director-general of the BBC. The text outlines the significance of the occasion, the history of British broadcasting, and the goals of the Empire Broadcasting Service. Sir John Reith discusses the technical aspects, including transmission zones, wavelengths, and transmission times for different regions of the British Empire. The message emphasizes collaboration with listeners for feedback, program suggestions, and the importance of shortwave technology. Additionally, Mr. Ashbridge and Cpt Graves express gratitude for the assistance received during preliminary testing. https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/inauguration-of-bbc-empire-service British Library public link
This is London Calling, London calling the austroasian zone through GSD11750 kilo cycles, 25.53 meters, and GSC9585 kilocycles 31.3meters before beginning our first programme, mr J h whitley the chairman and St john reed, the director general of the BBC are going to speak to you. Mr Whitley will speak first and will be followed immediatley by sir john reeth. Mr J H whitley. (01.30) Good evening everybody, my colleagues and I, the governers of the BBC send our warm greeting to listeners everywhere. For a long time we have been thinking of the possibility of an empire broadcast service. today we are happy to send out the first programme, remember it is only a beginning, for we depend on your cooperation to make the service better and better as time goes on. Much devoted work, thinking, planning and building, on the part of the director general and his staff has made this beginning possible. We shall spare no effort to make this service a real link between the homeland and the people overseas who share our heritage of speech and thought. This wireless, one of the great gifts of providence to mankind, is a trust of which we are humble ministers our prayer is that nothing mean or cheap may lesssen its value and that all its messages will bring happiness and comfort to those that listen, now i make way for sir john reith / to whom broadcasting owes a very great debt. his vision has been the main factor in the building up of the great service to which today we admit partners. (3.25) Good evening, ladies and gentleman, this occasion is as significant as any iin the 10 years of british broadcasting, it is a signifcant occassion in the history of the british empire. how significant, it would be unwise to forecast. a great deal of experiment has yet to be done. there are many troubles to overcome, some of these in the technical sphere may be worse than is at present realised. From today however, programmes will be broadcast regularly from the empire station, the experimental days of broadcasting as such are over. there must be few in any civilized country, who have yet to realise that broadcasting is a development with which the future must reckon and reckon seriously. the more consideration given to it today, the more experience gained, the more it will be realised that here is an instrument of almost incalculable importance in the social and political life of the community. its influence will more and more be felt in the daily life of the individual, in almost every sphere of human activity in affairs national and international. now it becomes a connecting and coordinating link between the scattered parts of the british empire. here at home, from the earliest days it has been our resolve that the great possibilities and influences of the medium should be exploited to the highest human advantage. it matters little in order what puts its various funcitons, the service as a whole has, and is dedicated to the best interests of mankind. if we succeed in dispelling some of the isolation and lonliness which is the lot of so many of our kindred overseas. if we bring to them and to others some share of the ammenities of the homecountry and of metropolitan intersts and cultere. which for one reason or another which may not be fully available. if we can induce among the constituant parts of the empire a greater understanding and a greater sympathy, if we can broadcast at home some programmes from overseas, if we can in general as is our hope, the several far scattered units of the family drawn closer together. Then our efforts which culminate in a preelimanry sense today and definetley in the afternoon of Christmas day when his majesty the king for the first time will speak to the empire as a whole. then i say our efforts are amply rewarded. It is many years since we first we thought in terms of empire broadcasting and it should be noted that we always did so of in terms of an exchange between the dominions and colonies and ourselves. 4 years ago an experimental station began its tests, 2 years ago we felt ourselves to be in a position to make concrete proposals to the empire and colonial conferences for financial and technical reasons these proposals could not be fully endorsed. Last year we decided to that the matter was of such importance as to admit no further delay. British prestige was at stake and now a short explantion to the preeliminary plans. everyday a series of programmes will be sent out to all parts of the empire, somewhat between 5 afternoon and midnight local time we have assumed thios to be the most convinient period for listening, although it is not the best technically. for this purpose, the empire has been divided into 5 time zones. and a seperate transmission will be sent to each, if a transmission is intended for reception in a certain limited area, it is obviously wasteful to broadcast in all directions. each transmission will therefor be directional. thus more energy will be given in a particular direction as required then if the transmission was literally broadcast allround. further we have arranged to broadcast on various wavelengths to each zone in order to meet the changing seasonal and physical conditions which will be encounterd. in general therefore, each zone has 2 or 3 aerial arrays, each array designed for a particular wavelength and a particular zone. the zone transmission may eventually overlap each other to some extent. but this will not happen in the early stages. since we are sending only 2h of programmes to each. we have installed 2 transmitters so that programmes to two zones can ultimately be sent simaltaneously. apart from this, to cover the desireability of occasinal transmitting to all zones at once, we have provided a number of omnidirectional aerials, one for each wavelength likeley to be used. the empire station you will see is fairly fully equipped. it experienced ___ if necessary and if financial circumstances improve, additional plans can easily be installed. to enable us to consider improvements and modifications and we know that some will be necessary. we are entirely dependant on reports from overseas based on careful observations, the longer the period covered the more valuable they will be. and we ask you to collobarate with us in this respect. as to programmes, dont expect too much in the early days. for smetime we shall transmit comparatively simple programs to give the best chance of intelligible reception and provide evidence as to the type of material most suitable for the service in each zone. the programs will neither be very interesting or very good. we must broadcast material of all sorts and checkup zone by zone how it is received and then the program material will be altered so as to give better results. the hours we have chosen are as follows: these are given in GMT, for the austrailian zone 9.30-11.30 am, for the indian zone 2.30 in the afternoon to 4.30 - african zone 6-8 in the afternoon, the west african zone 8.30 to 10.30 and the canadian zone 1 in the morning to 3. i should leave you to turn these into your various local times. but it should never be earlier than 5 in the afternoon or 12 midnight. eventually we expect and hope to fill these 2h with programmes that will satisfy our oversseas listeners, but in this respect also, a great deal of evidence is needed by us before we can be certain what to do. i hope you will feel that we are doing all we can here. at any rate, you will be in no doubt as to which the immense interest and enthusiasm which we feel with respect to this new service. without your cooperation progress will be slow and unsatisfcatory. the rate of progress, the satisifcation to be derived from the service, will be determined by the measure of your cooperation by the volume of suggestion and constructive criticism both of a technical and of a general nature, recieved from you. apart from technical information, we want to know the kind of material you would like to have from us and the time. but please remember the limitations of short wave work. for it may be necessary for you to confine your suggestions, to that type of program which experience shows to be capable of good transmission to your own zone. i suppose we are considering primarily those who posses short wave recieving sets and who are out of touch with local broadcasting organisations. but we shall also expect and welcome requests from overseas broadcasting organisations. to relay our programmes. and now we send you greetings from london and from broadcasting house and the bbc in particular and we believe this to be the beginning of an association, happy and useful and important in the annales of empire. now just a word from mr ashbridge, the chief engineer and cpt graves, the empire service director. (14.30) i want to take this oppurtunity of thanking all those who sent in reports on the preeliminary tests which we have been carrying out during the pst few weeks we have recieved over 300 cable grams and nearly 1000 letters and although we are acknowledging each one individually. i should like to express my thanks on this occasion. (15.17) mr ashbridge has just thanked you for the help he has already recieved during the preeliminary testing period, as the official who is responible for the programmes which will be transmitted from the british empire station i cannot as of yet follow his example. i am hoping however that before many weeks have passed i shall be in a position to do so, and that i shall recieve many letters of suggestion with regards to the eventual construction of your program, please do not hesitate to write, i need your help and cooperation.
In this clip, John Reith, the founding director general of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), opens the first programme of the BBC Empire Service. The service went on air at 9:30am on Saturday 19 December 1932, and Reith’s address was read out five times over the day to reach different parts of the world. Expectations of the service were initially low; in the recording, Reith warns that in the early days, ‘the programmes will neither be very interesting, nor very good’. But he also celebrates radio broadcasting as ‘an instrument of almost incalculable importance in the social and political life of the community’. What was the BBC Empire Service? At its inception, the BBC Empire Service was an English-language radio broadcast service that was initially established to link up English-speakers in the far reaches of the British Empire. Programmes were originally reused recordings from the BBC’s home radio service. The service quickly started broadcasting its own news and music programmes, and in 1938, started broadcasting in other languages. Over the years, global developments, conflict, and decolonisation influenced the broadcasting service to have a broader international focus. In 1939 the service changed its name to the General Overseas Service to reflect its growing expansion brought on by the Second World War. In 1965, it changed it again to what we now know as the BBC World Service, currently broadcasting in over 40 languages over TV, radio and online.
London Calling Asia: Ruth Pitter on George Orwell
Ruth Pitter on George Orwell: Ruth Pitter discusses her poetry and life in a conversation with a male speaker. The recording includes a talk by Ruth Pitter on George Orwell, where she recounts personal memories of Orwell and reflects on his impact on English thought.
43:58 - Good evening George Orwell has become a portentous name in our time and especially in the five years that he has been dead. He was a left wing idealist who joined the Burma police and resigned for reasons of conscience, who fought for the popular front in the Spanish War and years later devoted his best talents to a savage satirical attack on communism. I don't think any satirist has made such an impact on English thought since Dean Swift wrote Gulliver's Travels. You probably know . 1984, a brilliant, gloomy, of life in Britain under a totalitarian regime. and Animal FArm, where a goes through a process of tyranny in the Bolshevik pattern. Animal Farm has been made into a popular cartoon film and 1984 created into a Television film which created an impact when it was made a year or two ago. We have here in the studio soomebody who knew george Orwell well in the days before his fame and brief . Ruth Pitter, acclaimed poetess recipient of the Hathorne and the Queen's gold medal for poetry. She is going to recount some of he rpersonal memories . Miss Pitter. I first saw Orwell, or Eric Blair, that is his real name in 1920. He was then about 17
Copied by the British Library from the National Archive on 9th of May 1991.
Introduction 0:50- 2:00 This is National Sound Archive Tape T10271W R and this is track W. And this tape comprises recordings borrowed from the National Archive and is being copied on 9th of May 1991. And all these recordings feature the poetess Ruth Pitter, although there are other tracks and bands amongst this recording. The first one I shall transfer is BBC Sound Archives LP 23052. Personal Call of Ruth Pitter interviewed by Stephen Black. This was transmitted on a network which had the BBC had in those days entitled London Calling Asia on the 24th of October 1955, having been recorded on the 19th of October. This is a double-sided 10 inch LP total duration is 17 min 17 sec. and I shall join the 2 sides up. A conversation between Ruth Pitter and Male speaker about Pitter's poetry and life. 02: 00 - 29:28 29:30 - Unidentified male speaker 43:33- The back of BBC Sound Archives LP 2981 is a talk by Ruth Pitter on the subject of George Orwell. Introduced by AW Russell, broadcast on London Calling Asia on 3rd of January 1956. No recording date is given so I assume it's the same date. 17 min. and 2 sec. BBC LP 22981. Broadcast BBC Far Eastern Service (London Calling Asia) 1956-01-03 Dubbing of BBC LP 22981
London Calling Asia: A composer and his public
A composer and his public: Michael Tippett considers his relationship with the people to whom his work is offered. Tippett discusses the impact of long-distance communication on art, the revival of the song recital, and services to new music by radio. He addresses the stranglehold of consumer demand on creative artists, the fear and hatred of new art in totalitarian societies, and the challenges faced by composers in modern Western capitalist societies. Tippett talks about writing works on commission and the difficulties of state patronage in the age of cultural anarchy.
A composer and his public: a talk in which Michael Tippett considers his relationship with the people to whom his work is offered. Item note: Modern preoccupation with long distance communication, particularly radio, and its effect on art. Radio's revival of the song recital and services to new music. The stranglehold of consumer-demand upon the creative artist (with special reference to composers) in modern Western capitalist societies. Totalitarian societies' fear and hatred of new art. Partok's fate. Speaker's personal artistic ambitions, under these circumstances. Writing works on commission: why state patronage, in the present age of cultural anarchy, cannot be satisfactory. How a composer makes a living, while hoping to produce works of permanent worth. BBC Sound Archives CD 110151 Original issue no.: BBC Sound Archives 842266. Broadcast Eastern Service, in London Calling Asia. Recording note: Talk as broadcast was five minutes longer
London Calling Asia: A poet and his public
A Poet and his Public: Robert Graves discusses his relationship with the people to whom his work is offered. Graves explores the unjustified search for a public, his dependence on writing historical novels rather than poetry, and the true compulsion behind writing poetry. He defines a poet's 'public,' criticizes the evils of ambition and experimentation in young poets, and emphasizes why poetry should not be expected to pay. Graves reflects on being a 'secret friend' rather than a public figure.
A Poet and his Public: a talk in which Robert Graves considers his relationship with the people to whom his work is offered. Item note: A poet's unjustified search for a public. Why the speaker depends for a living on writing historical novels rather than poetry. The two main categories of writing: a) that in the public domain and b) that in the private domain. The true compulsion behind writing poetry. Definition of a poet's 'public'. The evils of ambition and desire for experimentation in young poets. Why poetry should not be expected to pay. A recent conversation with a middle-aged publishing friend on the nature of true as opposed to artificial poetry or paintings. A poet should be a 'secret friend', not a public figure. CDR dubbed copy of BBC Sound Archives CD 110151. BD5 is silence; BD6 is a test tone. Broadcast the Eastern Service, in London Calling Asia.
London Calling Asia: An actress and her public
An Actress and Her Public: a talk in which Dame Edith considers the responsibilities of her art, and her relationship with the people to whom it is offered.
Item note: An Actress and Her Public: a talk in which Dame Edith considers the responsibilities of her art, and her relationship with the people to whom it is offered. Item note: Part played by talent and training in acting. Actor's responsibility to the author. History of Shakespeare productions and textual alterations. Modern interpretations of Shakespeare. Necessity for faithfulness to author's wishes. Playing Orinthia in Shaw's Apple Cart. Advisability of co-operating with producer. Actor's relations with his audience. Necessity of controlling the audience and for combining involvement with detachment. Need for love, understanding and observation of humanity. Drama as an act of worship between cast and audience. BBC Sound Archives CD 110151 Original issue no.: BBC Sound Archives 842264. Broadcast Eastern Service, in London Calling Asia. Recording note: It is not known whether or not this talk is as broadcast.
Grammatical error: "It is not known whether or not this talk is as broadcast."
London Calling Asia: A novelist and his public
A talk in which Joyce Cary considers his relationship with the people to whom his work is offered.
A novelist and his public: a talk in which Joyce Cary considers his relationship with the people to whom his work is offered. Item note: Definition of a novelist's 'public'. Relationship between writer and his reader. How a writer acquires a public. False nonchalance and detachment of best-selling writers: 'no writer can hide behind his book'. Penalty of being a bore in print. Place of ideas and of morals in the world and in the novel. Evils of censoring the reading of bored adolescents. The reading public and its reading habits. The different needs fulfilled by different authors. Reader's special intimacy with an author. BBC Sound Archives CD 110151 Original issue no.: BBC Sound Archives 846203. Broadcast for the Eastern Service, in London Calling Asia. Recording note:It is not known whether or not this talk is as broadcast
London Calling Asia: Henry Moore excerpt from Personal call
Excerpt from 'Personal Call' with sculptor Henry Moore.
Sculptor Henry Moore interviewed by Stephen Black in extracts from 'Personal Call' No. 32, broadcast in London Calling Asia, 3 May 1954. Recorded at Moore's home at Much Hadhem, Hertfordshire, partly indoors and partly in studios. BBC summary: Moore: Was born in small mining town, Castleford, 10 miles from Leeds; concentrated industrial atmosphere, 5 coal mines, potteries, chemical and glass works. Father worked in coal mine. First art training, drawing lessons at elementary school. Became interested in sculpture through trying to draw Gothic carvings on Metheley Church. Heard of Michaelangelo at Sunday School. Soon after went to Grammar School. From age of ten always said wanted to be sculptor..Piece of work on deis not yet completed; one of series, idea of a form inside another form - "interior exterior forms..one inhabits the hole inside another"..Mother and Child idea. "Space incide..kind of cave"..like the "air-raid shelter drawings.."figures inside a tunnel".."almost imagine oneself inside". This idea of holes, cave or space his (purely) personal contribution to modern sculpture. In 1931-2 was carving and decided he wanted to free it a little more instead of usual idea of compact and solid thing: this gradually led to making holes conscious element in his work. "Sculptor is somebody who is trying to make shape and space absolutely real..complete for realisation.." Enjoying touching it not criterion of good piece of sculpture because some materials feel unpleasant yet form might be good, but desire to touch is great part of sense of shape. Photograph of group in final plaster state before casting into bronze; 2 seated figures symbolising a King and Queen: how idea grew..idea of Kingship..primitive father of race. Part he takes in village life: visits village pub and just carved 2 heads for church; during war in Home Guard: likes to feel part of local life but not so that work is interfered with: sometimes goes to church. Hopes to go on living here: likes landscape, and garden can hide several pieces of sculpture - always thought it art of open air, likes to relate his to natural surrounding not hidden in even beautiful building: living in country important and essential part of his job. Recorded at Much Hadhem, Hertfordshire, U.K. ( Moore's home). 1 disc 1 side 25 cm 33 rpm BBC ARCHIVE LP 20955. Broadcast BBC General Overseas Service 1954-05-03 but also 'Personal Call' No. 32, broadcast in London Calling Asia, 3 May 1954. Recorded at Moore's home at Much Hadhem, Hertfordshire, partly indoors and partly in studios.
Extract from General Sir Gerald Templer's address.
Extract from address to Malayan villagers after murder of government employee by Communist terrorists. Recording note: Possibly an excerpt from a broadcast on the BBC Far Eastern Service (London Calling Asia).With interpreter. 1 disc 2 sides 30 cm 78 rpm mono. Broadcast Label: BBC ARCHIVE 19248.
London Calling Asia: Work and Hobbies of the blind
Broadcast about Mr. Walsh, blinded in WWI, and his hobbies.
Broadcast title: Brief excursion: A visit to St. Dunstan's. Excerpt Mr. Walsh, blinded in World War I, interviewed by U.S. Deedes during a visit to St. Dunstan's. BBC summary: Wounded at Ypres in 1917; came to England, in hospital two months, afterwards at St. Dunstan's, Regents Park. Trained in typing, braille, stringwork. Only one band. Afraid of traffic at first. Does instracting himself now. Sir Ian Fraser thought it would encourage blinded of this war if taught by older ones; they can give little tips that a sighted person does not discover. Hobbies? A little bit of thinking. Formed a dance bond, learned to play trumpet though has only three fingers; dominoes, molo, darts, bridge, whist. Explains how they play darts: a strip of wood to give position on floor; they know where numbers are on board and throw for what they went: some of the boys very good, and go all over country giving demonstrations. Never goes out without a stick; gets about all right: you get used to feeling different objects you pass: surface of fence, lamp-post or wall. Knows Brighton very well in this way. 1 disc 2 sides 30 cm 78 rpm mono. Broadcast : BBC Far Eastern Service (London Calling Asia) 1953-06-05 ^A246768
London Calling Asia: The future of socialism
Summary of a discussion on the future of socialism featuring Aneurin Bevan, Hugh Gaitskell, and Frank Byers. Topics include British progress, challenges of denationalization, potential industries for nationalization, and insights from Bevan and Gaitskell on socialist policies, parliamentary procedures, and the role of Trade Unions. Gaitskell emphasizes the need for maintaining controls to prevent inflation.
Summary of discussion: Announcement. Q: Is British progress towards socialism impeded by denationalisation? What further industries should be nationalised? Gaitskell: Opposition minimises retrograde moves of Government. Transport and steel should be renationalized. Socialists must use parliamentary procedure. Nationalisation could stimulate food production, aircraft industry and heavy chemicals, but should be discussed with Trade Unions. Bevan: We are slipping back but denationalisation difficult. Recent Labour Conference has discussed programme to unite party as whole and speed up socialism. Q (to Bevan): Is Parliament effective to achieve real socialism; if not, should it be abolished? Bevan: Parliamentary machine flexible enough to achieve socialism; much more rapid than dictatorship. No alternative except civil war - not only ineffectual but uncivilised. True socialism - property from private to public ownership. Socialist state only achieved if we believe in it and right people to administer it. Q: People also should co-operate to achieve democratic socialism? Bevan: Through Trade Unions; people are now educated to take their part. Q: Abolition of House of Lords? Bevan: It is being slowly strophied. We don't abolish anything in Britain. Q: Objections to Mr. Bevan's policy? Gaitskell: Differences greatly exaggerated by Press: substantial measure of agreement. Bevan: When millions of people are trying to make up their minds about policy they make an awful row - not like conservatives, where leader makes up his mind. You can't get eight million people round a dinner table for a chat. No split in party, nor is there a graveyard. Q: Is it true, as "Observer" says, that Bevan's advice of two years ago is what Churchill advocates now? Gaitskell: Question of interpretation. Bevan: Using language of opponents. For real split read what Churchill said about conservative colleagues before war. Q: Socialist policy towards Malayan and Colonial Liberation movements? Gaitskell: Policy to raise standard of living and foster development: would change policies of present government. Unemployment is rising and production and investments falling. Socialist policy would aim to maintain high level of employment and keep necessary controls, to prevent inflation. Nationalisation in certain industries would raise productivity. Belief in a communal socialism and in equality; a man's position not depending on accident of birth but on merit and need. Q: Will British Socialism change into Communism, as Marx thought? Bevan: Marx believed in democracy; influence of 19th century rationalism. Socialism modified by local conditions: Communism in Russia very different from Socialism in Britain. Regrets first socialist experiment in country as backward as Russia. Gaitskell: British labour movement never influenced by Moscow. Socialist doctrine idealistic, sprung partly from Christianity - completely different background to communism. Very practical and unimaginative people (except Welsh:), not terribly interested in doctrinal distinctions. Communists instruments of Soviet government. Communist Party will not get control of British Labour Party: tiny minority. Chairman thanks speakers. (applause). 40cm coarsegroove disc. Dubbing of BBC Sound Archives 40cm coarsegroove disc lent to the NSA (1983-06); Transcription Service lib. no. X18939/40. Duplicate set held as 1CE0001213 and 1CE0001215
London Calling Asia: Cambridge University undergraduate Bernard Cousins interviewed
Interview with Bernard Cousins, a 23-year-old Cambridge University undergraduate, from the BBC program "Personal Call." Bernard discusses his academic journey, the impact of army life on maturity, and the nuances of studying English literature at Cambridge. Touches upon the challenges of university life, the role of sports like rowing, and his aspirations in publishing and journalism.
From a BBC Programme called Personal Call. Black: Describes surroundings. Introduces Bernard Cousins: 23 years old; has completed 2 of a 3-year B.A. course. Reasons for studying English literature. After two years in army did not want to come to Cambridge: thought, mistakenly, it meant just "studying books". Enjoyed army life: which, like Cambridge, is a maturing experience. Army teaches self-confidence. Cambridge adds toleration, including appreciation of students from other countries. One benefits also from reading the works of great moralists on religious problems. Religious confusion common to youth, but only stage on journey: Cambridge gives opportunity to sort things out. Rowing as sport, and relaxation from study especially from Tripos term tension. A few students break down under strain of study, usually those without safety valve of sport. "Bumps Race" this week: describes. The satisfaction of rowing. Life as a freshman: difference between army and university discipline: latter camouflages orders as requests. Cost of being up at Cambridge. Local Councils pay grants to scholarship students from their own county. Describes Scholars, Exhibitioners and Commoners. His own grant. Early schooling. Staying out after College hours: proctors. Clothing regulations. Attending lectures. Hopes to enter publishing and/or journalism on coming down: creative work a necessity after Cambridge. Recorded at St Catharine's College, Queens' Lane, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, UK. Shellac with label BBC X 20643 1 disc 2 sides 44 cm 33 rpm; shellac. No. 38 in series 'Personal Call', broadcast in BBC overseas service London Calling Asia, 26 July 1954.
The Asian club: The writer and his times: Agnus Wilson
An extract from The Asian Club program features Angus Wilson discussing the serious message in his writings. He emphasizes the value of each human being and his interest in portraying the social dynamics of England.
S1: You did mention that any writer who has a serious message must sweeten his pill. What is the serious message that you have? S2: Mr Wilson? 0:10 S3: That is a very very difficult question. The serious message that I have, I hope, is that .. aah. human being must be considered as absolute values each one in himself. That nobody, uh, tht no personal vice or personal defect can make anybody other than absolutely valuable. And it’s often said to me that my characters are very unpleasant, it is my view that my characters are painted as real human beings, and that what is the trouble is that most people are taught only to like people when they have successfully sentimentalised them . My message is to try say that true liberalism consists in accepting all human beings as having equal rights to absolute good treatment. S2: Mrs Loban, I believe Mr Wilson has never given us this true message before, so we are quite lucky to have it . ( laughter) Shall we have the next question please? S4: I’m Amin from Pakistan. Do you agree Mr Speaker with your critics that you are too hard on contemporary Britons. What can be your object in exposing the people in preference to appreciating their weaknesses, and how far you have achieved that. 1:34 S2: Mr Wilson, here is Mr Amin from Pakistan who says do you agree with your critics that you are too hard on contemporary Britons? What is your object in exposing the people in preference to appreciating their weakness and how far do you succeed? S3: Ah, I take that in two parts if I may. I should say that I hope I am preeminently successful in appreciating the weaknesses to people, and I think I'm very sympathetic towards human weakness. I hope so. That I approach it ironically doesn’t mean that I don’t sympathise with it. Apart from that, I would say that I am interested in the social set-up of England today - the strains and stresses imposed upon the individual by the shifting social classes, ahh. the shifting social classes, the way in which the people are having to adapt themselves to a new social order, and of course to adapt themselves to a new national prestige. 2:43 Now, if you mean that nobody in England should be told that they are having to adapt themselves to a new social order, and to a new national prestige, then in telling them that, I am being very hard on them. But if you think as I do, then I can only hope to make any satisfactory and useful community in this country, when we accept this new developments, then it seems to me, that I am being both sympathetic and understanding in viewing people, as they really are, rather than as they would like to be thought. 3:28 But let me be a little honest, I do think that now and again, I have not , or shall we say, throughout my work, I have not perhaps, not given any very sympathetic character for this reason. That all my characters are treated from the outside. Most fiction, for a very long time, at any rate, since Henry James, has written from the inside. And this does mean that when you get in a book, the development of one or two individuals, and the neglect of most of the rest. I have tried to view everything from what I believe is called god’s eye view --of looking at all people from outside, and it does result in what I think is fairly good, fair share for all, but perhaps no very preferential treatment for anybody. 4:18 But I have become dissatisfied with this recently, and I am in my new novel, trying now, with great difficulty, to write from inside - actually a female character, and to give the maximum of sympathy to this woman, and maybe the other characters won’t come quite so well as they have in my other book.
Extract from the Broadcast entitled The Asian club: The writer and his times The interview questioned Mr Wilson on his books in an extract from the programme Asian Club from London Calling Asia. Questioned on his view of people as they really are rather than as they would like to be thought. Copy of BBC Sound Archives LP 23914 Angus Wilson talks to Roma Laban from 'London Calling Asia'.
Edward Ward reports on the war against communist 'bandits' in Malaya, featuring interviews with individuals affected by the conflict. The narrative provides insights into the challenges faced by residents and industries in the region.
(Mrs Lucy Interview S1, Edward Ward, S2) 0:08 S1: The whole of our view from the bungalow is quite astonishingly lovely. S2: I think it is one of the most astonishing things I’ve seen.. S1: Those trees and flowers .. and the wonderful colours, that are so vivid, I don't think anywhere else in the world have I seen any colours quite so vivid as they are. S2: 0:27 so it really makes it worse to think of conditions as it is today S1: Yes as when I get up in the morning and go outside, the first thing one sees is the guards changing and marching past the barb wire. and one has to make sure that the gates are all shut so that the children can't run outside and um . it spoils the whole of the atmosphere.of the country at the moment S2: 0:54 The garden with its brilliant tropical flowers and shrubs, and the tall tulip tree blazing with flame coloured blossoms is exquisite. Mrs Lucy is a great gardener and she is very proud of her standing hibiscus, and the view beyond, as she said, is astonishingly lovely. You look out beyond the rubber trees with their pale grey mottled trunks, to a jungly mountainous valley. and somehow sitting out there on the lawn , drinking tea and eating mangosteens, I can hardly believe that a friend, who had driven me out from Kuala Lumpur, had rushed off in a hurry as he wanted to make sure he was home before darkness fell, and the road back would become a possible deathtrap form bandit attack. 1:36 Our conversation out there on the lawn, was constantly interrupted by Ms Lucy’s twin boys, lovely fair-haired friendly little fellows who kept coming up to share with their toys.. I asked Mrs Lucy how she manages cut off from the world that she is virtually in the high barbed wire fence that runs around the garden. 1:54 S1: The twins play about in their nursery in the first part of the morning, and the nursery, is like any other nursery in most ways, but it is surrounded by a two foot wide barricade of sand, so that no possible stray bullets can come into it. it is difficult to imagine that the twins never go for a walk.. they never go anywhere outside the barb wire unless they go in our armoured car. 2:32 and um , i think about a year ago, a small girl on an estate near us, was murdered by the bandits, and she was the same age as the twins. And since then, I have never left them, at any time, alone in the estate, without a European in charge. 2:49 S2: Some months ago the Lucy’s went through a very bad period when they were attacked by the bandits almost every night for over a month. You see what you got to understand about this Malayan war is that there are not only troops in the fight but everyone in the country - European and Asian, young and old men women and children. I asked Mrs Lucy if she could describe when a night attack started up. 3:12 1: Yes I can very well, because we have been attacked. The children live in...their room is an annex iof the house, and when the bullets start coming overhead - or are aimed actually at the bungalow - my first job is to actually get the children and bring them into the bungalow which is concrete .. And then, ah, after that, I telephone up the police and military providing that the telephone line hasn't been cut. very often they do cut the telephone line, and in that case, we really are entirely on our own. and we have to rely on our own resources. Then if the police lieutenant is not with us, I get out the Bren gun, and cock it and get ready for action 4:11 S2: You are quite useful with the Bren gun are you? S1: Yes I have had quite a lot of practice with it because very often I am left on my own, when my husband has to go on long tours, and which he does very frequently, about twice a week , to various parts of the country. and iIdo feel that a planter’s wife at the moment should be able to handle every weapon that is in the house. 4:40 S2: Yeah particularly when you’ve got children to think of S1: Yes, because so far, these terrible communists have not shown any mercy to anybody and I don't feel that either the children nor I are safe from their attacks. S2: And your one object is to get one isn’t it? S1: Yes.. (laughter) I was quite envious of my husband when he shot one the other day. I've always felt that i couldn't in some way repay the death of my various friends by getting one or two in return. 5:24 S2: Yes because they really don’t deserve much mercy S1: They don't deserve any mercy. They've committed such terrible atrocities - they are just like wild beasts. 5:39 S2:The fight with these wild beasts - the emergency in Malaya, that has been going on now for more than three and a half years.. a fight which which involves soldiers and police and homeguards and rubber planters and tin miners in fact everyone in Malaysia who is concerned in one form or another. That son of yours in the army maybe, , or that cousin of yours who manages a rubber estate.The origins of the emergency go back a long way. There has been a Malayan communist party
Edward Ward reports on the war waged against communist 'bandits' in Malaya, illustrated by interviews. 1. Interview with Mrs. Lucy, rubber planter's wife, on life under state of emergency; how the home and children are looked after and protected. She prepared with Bren gun 2. Mrs. Lucy: Feels she could repay death of friends by shooting bandit. No mercy deserved, they are like wild beasts. Ward: Fight has been going for over 3 1/2 years, everyone involved. Origin of emergency and progress. 30,000 troops and 100,000 police against 3-5,000 band its backed by Communist sympathisers who supply food etc. Bandits' main ally - jungle. Lt. Gen. Keightley, C. in C. Far-East Land Forces: battle against ban dits. Malaya 80% thick jungle, bandits on home ground. Ward: Emergency Informa tion Service - obtains material from bandits or documents. Mr. A. James, Head of Emergency Information Service: reads from Communist document extortioning funds from local people, threatening loss of property and life if demands not met. . Ward: whilst in Kuala Lumpur he met some of Suffolk Regimentt. - in Malaya 2 1/2 years. Lt. Godfrey of Suffolk Regt.: ambushes in jungle; worst they suf fered resulted in 4 casualties, but killed 5 bandits, corporal got DCM in this action. Sgt. Fowler, Suffolk Regt.: describes encounter with bandits disguised as E nglish detachment, got 3 bandits. Ward: Extraordinary small scale of this war. Met ex-bandit at resettlement area. Rec: Loudspeaker at bandit resettlement camp. 4. Loudspeaker at bandit resettlement camp. - Chinese voice. Mr. Howse of Psychological Warfare dept: that is ex-bandit talking, telling of past life in jungle and Communist deceptive propaganda. Ward: Describes resettlement area; protection of 1/2 million Chinese from outlying areas; protection of rubber estates and tin mines. Visit to Lucy's rubber plantation, noticed 3 hats on wall. Mr. Lucy, rubber planter: describes evening when he and constable got bandits. 5. Lucy: Constable very brave man, now personal guide. Ward: Lieut. Wright joined them. Police Lt. Wright: describes work. Police Lt. Wright: contacts Police HQ on car radio. Ward: Malaya needs its large police force. Malaya produces 51% of our dollar earning material. Mr. H. Facer on rubber industry. 1942-5 disaster descended on rubber 'people of Britain could stop eating on Friday and start again on following Tuesday'. 6. Mr. Facer: Rubber being produced at risk of their lives. Ward: Emergency nearly as acute in tin mines. Mr. D. Waring, Director of tin-mining co.: 123 staff in tin-mining industry have been murdered, over 240 attacks on mining installations. Effect on output; protection at work. Social activities over, undue strain put on staff. Prospecting work at standstill. Ward: Sketchy personal report, but hopes it gives idea of conditions and importance of work. Industry provides us with half our food (indirectly) and is fighting Communism in one of danger spots of world. 1CDR serial numbers: SL456C1069274 Dubbing of: BBC: T17734
London Calling Asia (Inaugural Broadcast)
London Calling Asia ( Inaugural Broadcast)
The inaugural broadcast of London Calling Asia in 1951 is introduced by Major General Sir Ian Jacob, the Director General of BBC's Overseas Service. The program aims to reflect British ideas and activities for audiences in South and Southeast Asia and the Far East, covering various topics such as cultural, scientific, and current affairs discussions. John Morris, the head of the BBC's Far Eastern Service, discusses the format and content of the program.
Begins with tolling of bells. Woman speaker announces: This is London calling Asia (Music is played till 0:01:14) 1:15 That music introduces London Calling Asia. The BBC’s new regional program in English for South and South East Asia and the Far East which opens today. Here to speak about LCA is the Director of the overseas services of the BBC, Major General Sir Ian Jacob. 1:36 Good Evening. want to tell you why we are starting this new program and what we hope to make of it. Up to the present, we've had several English programs for all audiences in different parts of Asia. There has been the English half hour, broadcast in the BBC’s FE Service, and there have been English language programs addressed to India, Pakistan and Ceylon in the Eastern service of the BBC. We have for some time thought that we would do better for our English speaking audiences in Asia if we replaced the separate programs by a new one, to which we are giving the title LCA. It will be directed by John Morris the head of our Far Eastern Service, who has just returned from an extensive tour of SEA and the Far East. LCA, will be on the air, everyday at 13:15 GMT. It will last for 45 minutes and we hope that you will find it easily audible throughout the countries of South and SEA and in the Far East. Many of you know that the General Overseas service in English, which is a World Service mainly intended for English people abroad, can also be heard in Asia. But the new program, LCA, will be composed of items of particular interest to those inhabitants of Asia who understand English, and will thus serve a special need which the General Service cannot meet. The new program will not include any news. Because there is already a world news bulletin everyday at 1300 GMT in the General Overseas Service. That is 15 minutes before LCA starts. And you will be able to listen to that. 3:46 Let me tell you a bit more about what we hope to do in LCA. In the first place, I would like to remind you, that the BBC tries in its programs to reflect the ideas and activities of people in Britain and stimulate understanding between the people of Britain and the people of distant lands. 4:09 We therefore intend to try and interpret to our friends in Asia, the various trends of British policy and thought on current affairs and to project the different aspects of life in Britain today. We shall give you reviews of the British press and commentaries on international affairs. We shall give you a weekly review of material relating to Asian affairs which have been published or broadcast in Britain. We shall bring representative men and women in Britain to the microphone to give their views on a wide variety of subjects, including literary and scientific topics and accounts of important events in the social, academic and cultural life of Britain. We hope in this way, that LCA will build a strong link of friendship and understanding between the people of Britain and the people in the Asian countries who can hear the program. It will also help to link the peoples of the various Asian countries to each other because, before long we shall arrange radio exchange programs between speakers of different Asian centres. Another plan is to broadcast commentaries about Asian affairs recorded in the studios of the various national broadcasting organisations of the Asian countries. 5:34 Now it is not easy to arrange for a single program to be easily heard over a vast area of the world’s surface. We believe that the new powerful transmitters, recently installed by the British Far Eastern broadcasting service, which will come into operation today, will help greatly to achieve this aim. We have for some time now been testing these transmitters, and the results show that you should get reception far better than we have been able to give it to you in the past. 6:04 We are particularly anxious to know what you think of our new program. We hope you will let us know about this. We want to know whether the time of the broadcast suits you and whether you like the various programs. We want to promote a two way flow of ideas and opinions and receive the views of our listeners. Because without this direct contact, our broadcast will soon become dull and lifeless. 6:35 There are many people in Asia who take a lively interest in affairs and who are eager to hear what life is like in this country. They want to know what new ideas are going forward in every field, and they want to be able to play their full part in the great movement in changing the world. 6:56 It is to these people that we have designed LCA, and I sincerely hope that we will successfully arouse your interest. Good NIght. 7:07 That was MG ICJ, director of the BBC’s Overseas service. You may care to know that an Asian listening panel is being formed to report regularly on LCA programs. If you would like to know more about this panel, or about the new , please write to LCA BBC London England. To LCA BBC London England. 7:49 Today, in place of the advertised press review London Opinion , John Morris, head of LCA is here to tell you about the LCA plans for this week. 8:06 Before I I must tell you what a great pleasure it was to meet so many of you during the tour of which I have only just come back. Well now, as you have already heard from Sir Ian Jacob, LCA one of our chief aims is to reflect the ideas and interests of people in Britain and to stimulate interest and understanding between the people of this country and the people of the various countries of Asia. 8:34 For instance, next Wednesday, that is May the 16th, Sir John Russell, the world famous agriculturist, is going to discuss the food position as he saw it in India and Pakistan as he saw it in a recent visit, which he undertook at the invitation of the two governments. Sir John Russell who went out to advise on agriculture problems discusses among other things, the difficulty of attracting skilled young men into village life. He puts the problem in India in this way: “ You remember what Tagore said .. in the keeping of the village lies the cradle of the race. And it's true, India will always have this terrible food problem until the land holdings are improved and the villages cleaned up and made so attractive that young men will want to go back from their school or college and put into practice the new methods in their own land and things they have learned. Its a a vicious circle. you cant get better farms until the villages are improved, and you can't imrpove the villages until the farming is improved. 9:45 That was an extract from the talk that Sir John Russellwill be giving next Wednesday. He will be speaking by the way, in a the regular feature Wednesday feature called Science and Life. Now another one of our aims in LCA is to interpret the various trends of British policy and thought on current affairs. we shall therefore give you reviews of the press and regular commentaries on current affairs. For instance next Thursday, you will hear a survey of Asian affairs by Michael Lindsay. who was a Professor in Yengching University before the war. After escaping from the Japanese, Prof spent 4 years with the Chinese guerrillas during the war, and about 18 months ago he went back to China again. and he is now a lecturer of economics at the University College of Hull. in LCA on Saturdays, you can hear regularly, reviews of important events in the social, academic and cultural life of Britain. Next Saturday for instance, you can hear an account of the Festival of Britain’s exhibition of Famous books which is at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Also a talk on the interpretation of Hamlet in the contemporary English Theatre, and a review of a recent book on Indian dancing that Ram Gopal and Serozh Dadachanji. And finally, a description of the opening of the fun fair which is part of the Festival of Britain's Pleasure Gardens in London. 11:22 And by the way, this music that we are now going to play, will introduce the program every Saturday. 11:30 Music. 11:45 Also next Saturday, Lord Hailsham, I dare say, most of you know him better by his former name Quintin Hogg, Lord Hailsham will contribute to the series I Speak for Myself. In this series, we will continue to invite men and women in various walks of life to come to the microphone and discuss their personal beliefs, or their personal experiences. Now there is a recording of the beginning of Lord Hailsham's talk. 12:16 We live in an age of change, rapid, cumulative continuous, and often violent. Not an aspect of human life, political, material, technical artistic, religious, has not been revolutionised during our lifetime. Not a sign of decrease in the rate of change. On the contrary, if anything, the tempo accelerates. 12:42 Lord Hailsham goes on from that premise, to advance his own views on life today. As I was saying, he will be speaking next Saturday. Well now, that is all I want to say today, except that I do hope that you're going to enjoy these programmes. 13:04 That was John Morris, head of LCA speaking about some of the broadcasts you can hear this week. We continue with today's programme, with question time, the weekly breaks. (?).
Inaugural programme of London Calling Asia, part of the BBC's Far Eastern Service, first broadcast on 13 May 1951 and recorded from transmission. The service transmitted daily between 13.15 and 14.00 GMT to South and South-East Asia and the Far East as a complement to English language programmes already being broadcast to these territories by the BBC's General Overseas Service. Recording consists of signature theme, announcements and introductory talks by Sir Ian Jacob (Director General of BBC Overseas Service) and John Morris (Head of Far Eastern Service). Big Ben chimes and signature theme. Introduction of Sir Ian Jacobs: Reviews previous programmes to Asia which the present one replaces. Gives times and duration of programme: there will be no news bulletin. Aims of programme are to "reflect ideas and activities of people in Britain" and will include cultural, scientific, and current affairs talks and discussions. Hopes that Asian friendship for Britain will be fostered by this. Proposals for interchange programmes between different Asian Stations. Description of audience to whom programme is directed. Link: Description of listening panel to the programme and details of how to find out more about it. Introduction of John Morris: Refers to recent visit to Asia. Introduction of part of a talk on agricultural problems of Asia by Sir John Russell. Pre-recorded insert: Sir John Russell on importance of Indian village. Description of talk to be given by Michael Lindsay on current affairs. Details of Saturday programme on cultural matters. Programme signature theme. Mentions Lord Hailsham's inaugural talk in the series 'I speak for Myself'. Conclusion and introduction of Question Time, the next programme.