THE dangers of the ''something must be done'' syndrome, and the power

exercised by the media in its selective coverage of events, can impede

the diplomatic process, Mr Douglas Hurd, Foreign Secretary, warns

tonight in a speech in London.

Mr Hurd, speaking at a private meeting of the Travellers Club, will

argue the case for a better understanding by the media and the diplomats

of their respective jobs, and will make clear there are occasions when

secrecy must prevail.

Disclosure is not always in the public interest when it comes to

diplomatic negotiations. The Norway talks which led to the deal between

Israel and the PLO are a case in point, but he intends to give other

examples of where secrecy has been vital and exposure by ''the

searchlight of media coverage'' has proved damaging.

The war in the former Yugoslavia has also provided examples of media

coverage which was not always helpful. The situation in Bosnia and the

plight of Sarajevo, for instance, has been heavily covered, but a lot of

good work in ensuring relief supplies get to the people in central

Bosnia has been ignored, or given little coverage.

Then, out of the blue, attention shifted to Mostar, which was

allegedly facing starvation.

Mr Hurd accepts that the difficulties on the ground dictate what gets

reported, but intends to argue that events elsewhere in the former

Yugoslavia have been ignored.

Diplomats and journalists have to work alongside each other, but they

have to do so with a clear understanding.