Department of State
Washington

May 8, 1980

Dear Mr. Grossman:

I am enclosing a letter just received from the Ambassador to the United States of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressing his government's deep concern about reports the film "Death of a Princess" will be shown on the Public Broadcasting System. As you will see, the ambassador's letter explains why his government was deeply offended by the televising of the film in the United Kingdom.

I want to assure you that the government of the United States cannot and will not attempt to exercise any power of censorship over the Public Broadcasting System. We have no doubt that, in the exercise of your own programming judgment, you will give appropriate consideration to the sensitive religious and cultural issues involved and assure that viewers are given a full and balanced presentation.

Sincerely,

Warren Christopher

Acting Secretary