In early 1971 at least two newspapers published articles
critical of security arrangements at Butterworth. Subsequently two specialist
officers were sent to the base to report on the security situation and the
arrangements in place.
Their report, dated 25 May 1971, made specific mention of
the role of RAAF Radio Butterworth at paragraphs 50 – 53:
50. RAAF Radio Butterworth (RRB) is a voluntary staffed organization sponsored through welfare grants, mess donations and their own fund raising efforts. To maintain RRB a budget of about $M12,500 is required annually. The station broadcasts for 134 hours per week giving 24 hours service on Friday and Saturday and 0600-2300 hours service on other days. A staff of about 60 is employed; dependants strongly supporting serving members. The standards of broadcasts have been praised by ABC authorities.
51. Within the terms of HQBUT Operation Orders 1/70 the station provides a necessary link between RAAF authorities and families and arrangements have been made for scheduled broadcasts and message passing during an emergency security situation.
52. Radio Malaysia accepts RRB broadcasting in opposition to its own services. However tight control is maintained on programme content. Notwithstanding the licence to operate could be withdrawn at any time.
53. The service provided is essential for morale reasons, and dissemination of messages etc in emergency circumstances. Financial backing for the facility and its continued operation should therefore be assured.
The full report provides the historical background to the
permanent deployment of a rifle company to Butterworth to ensure adequate
security forces were present to respond to the assessed risk. More will be
posted after I return from a couple of weeks holiday.
Source: NAA. A703, 564/8/28 Part 3, RAAF Butterworth –
Ground defence plans (171).
No comments:
Post a Comment