312

SECRET
POLICY COMMITTEE
29th July 1940

Present:

Minister

D.G.

D.S.

P.S.

Sir Maurice Peterson

Sir Kenneth Clark

Mr. Macadam

Mr. Kirkpatrick

Mr. Wellington

Mr. Gates

Mr. Wiltshire (Secretary)

Mr. Ogilvie

Mr. Ryan

Mr. Valentine Williams

Mr. Willert

1. POSSIBILITY OF BROADCASTING ON ENEMY WAVE-LENGTHS

The papers circulated were considered. Mr. Valentine Williams enquired whether it would be possible to broadcast on the long-wave from an aircraft. Mr. Ogilvie thought not, but said he would confirm this opinion. Mr. Willert mentioned that the French had tried to use an aeroplane for broadcasting, but had abandoned it as the power available was low and the danger to the aeroplane was considered to be great. Mr. Wellington considered that at the present stage the proposal would involve taking off at least two transmitters in return for a dubious effect. The situation would be different when the enemy began to weaken. The Minister thought at this stage the question resolved itself into exploring what ought to be done in order that the project could be put in hand at the right moment with the least possible delay, and it was decided that this point should be investigated.

2. PROPOSAL FOR A 1 MINUTE SILENCE PERIOD BEFORE 9 P.M. NEWS

Mr. Ogilvie explained that this or similar proposals had had a long history, and various religious bodies and private persons had put them forward from time to time. He made the following points:

(1) Silence on most sets is not silence.

(2) In order not to offer an easy opportunity to the enemy it had been agreed that gaps should be small and irregular.

(3) Was it desirable to add to the present fairly large number of religious items?

(4) Was it in the interest of religion to introduce a certain element of compulsory listening by introducing it at a time when the B.B.C. audience at large was necessarily tuned in for other purposes?

The B.B.C. conclusion was that to accept this suggestion would be a mistake, an irritant and contrary to the interests of true religion. The Minister accepted this view, and Mr. Ogilvie undertook to consider whether a letter should be written in answer to the letter in “The Times”. He also undertook to provide a brief for the Prime Minister should the proposed memorial be presented.

3. ENTERTAINING AND TRAINING OF CIVILIANS AND TROOPS

The Director General reported that Sir Walter Monckton had seen D.M.I., who had told him that the War Office were preparing a fairly comprehensive programme for next winter. Sir Kenneth Clark said that the War Office were likely to take the view that 313 the entertainment and training of troops was very much their affair, and although they might eventually welcome our assistance, too much initiative on our part might arouse considerable opposition. He thought it would be advisable to defer the subject until he had an opportunity to discuss it further with Sir Walter Monckton.

The Director General said that he and the Deputy Secretary were anxious that there should be a discussion before any steps were taken which could be regarded as enlarging the function of the Ministry of Information to that of a Ministry of Entertainment. It was agreed that the matter should be deferred until the Deputy Director General could be present.