438

SECRET
POLICY COMMITTEE
Thursday. 31st July 1941.

Present :

Minister

D.G.

P.S.

Sir Kenneth Clark

Mr. Radcliffe

Mr. Gates

Mr. Macgregor

Mr. Tree

Mr. Ogilvie

Sir Noel Ashbridge

Mr. Ryan

Mr. Herbert

Mr. Waddell (Secretary)

[B/164]

1. The minutes of the meeting on 24th July were taken as read and approved. Mr. Ogilvie reported that in the view of the Governors of the B.B.C. the “V” sign should not be used in Home Programmes, and this course was accepted by the Minister. He and the D.G. agreed to visit the B.B.C. as soon as possible to hear alternative interval signals which had been under consideration by the Governors.

2. RELATIONS WITH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS.

The Minister reported a general improvement in relations with the Admiralty. He thought it necessary that he and Mr. Radcliffe should see the Secretary of State for War.

3. PROTECTION OF B.B.C. TRANSMITTERS.

[B/124]

Mr. Ogilvie said that General Barker, the Vulnerable Points Adviser, had been in touch with the B.B.C. and had recommended the removal of military guards from certain stations and their substitution by security police. The Governors were seriously concerned at this development since they could not be sure that the protection afforded would be adequate. It was agreed that Mr. Ogilvie should write to the Secretary of State for War expressing this concern; the Ministry would, if necessary, step in at a later stage.

4. TRANSMITTERS .

[B/170.]

Sir Noel Ashbridge referred to difficulties raised by the Air Ministry on B.B.C. plans for splitting up groups. He agreed to 439 - 2 -arrange a meeting with the Air Ministry as soon as possible would be attended by the Minister, the D.G., Mr. Ogilvie and himself.

5. BROADCASTING STATIONS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN .

[RC/31/33.]

Mr. Macgregor reported that a reply was awaited from General Lord Gort to a telegram addressed to him five days ago about use of a five kilowatt transmitter for Gibraltar instead of the 25 kilowatt transmitter he had wanted. Treasury sanction had not yet been received, and the 5 kilowatt transmitter could not be requisitioned without sanction. It was agreed that Mr. Macgregor should arrange for a reminder to be sent to Lord Gort emphasising that if a reply was not received soon the transmitter might have to be released to go to its original destination in India.

In regard to Cyprus and Malta, Mr. Macgregor said that two transmitters in America were under consideration but some considerable time would be required owing to the need for preparing sites in these two islands. The Minister said he regarded projects of this sort as requiring the highest priority and said he understood some equipment might become available in America in the near future owing to certain of the smaller radio stations being closed down. Mr. Macgregor agreed to consult with the B.B.C. and the Crown Agents about the steps that could be taken to set up stations without delay in Cyprus and Malta and to report at the next meeting.