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SECRET
POLICY COMMITTEE
Thursday, 21st August, 1941

Present :

D.G.

D.D.G.

Sir Kenneth Clark

Mr. Bamford

Sir Victor Schuster

Mr. Gates

Mr. Tree

Mr. Ryan

Mr. Kirkpatrick

Admiral Carpendale

General Tripp

Colonel Heywood

Mr. Nash

Mr. McIvor

Mr. Ogilvie

Mr. Herbert

Mr. Waddell (Secretary)

1. The minutes of the meeting on 14th August were taken as read and approved.

2. The Service Advisers reported on the day's news. Colonel Heywood reported that the proposal for news officers to be attached to all operational commands was awaiting Treasury sanction (See minutes of meeting of Executive Board on 7th August). The Service Advisers and Mr. Nash and Mr. Mclvor then left the meeting.

3. CLIPPER PASSAGES (see minutes of E.B. on 20th August).

The D.G. referred to the discussion at the Executive Board the previous day and invited Mr. Bamford to see him and the D.D.G. later that morning with a view to drafting a statement of policy which the Minister could sign for the guidance of Communications Division.

4. ADMIRALTY PRESS SECTION

The D.G. reported that he understood the Admiralty had purchased a number of cameras and were seeking Treasury sanction for an addition of twelve men to the staff of their Press Section for news and photographic work.

5. PAPER SHORTAGE (See minutes of E.B. on 20th August)

The D.D.G. reported with reference to the discussion at the previous day's Executive Board that he understood the War Office were starting two publications to be sent in alternate weeks to all officers, one about the war and one about current affairs. Mr. Bamford promised to enquire about the amount and quality of the paper that might be involved.

6. CANADIAN TRANSMITTER

Mr. Ogilvie suggested that the time had perhaps come to discuss with Mr. Vincent Massey and Mr. MacKenzie King, whilst the latter was in this country, the issues raised by the B.B.C's desire for a short wave station in Canada. It was agreed that if possible a preliminary discussion should be held the following day with the Minister, D.G. and D.D.G. present.

7. USE OF LEND-LEASE MATERIAL FOR EXPORT TRADE

Mr. Tree emphasised the seriousness of allegations now being circulated on this subject, and explained that a statement of policy was awaiting a reply from President Roosevelt. It was agreed that it might be desirable for some statement to be issued without waiting for the President's memorandum, and that Mr. Tree should invite the American Division to submit proposals for any action they considered suitable.