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POLICY MEETING
Thursday 19th June, 1941

Possible war between Germany and the U.S.S.R.

Note by Parliamentary Secretary

Although it seems improbable that Russia will become involved in war with Germany, yet should such an event occur we shall be faced with a grave publicity problem both at home and abroad. The handling of the situation in regard to foreign and dominion opinion is presumably being considered and prepared by the Overseas Division. The Home Planning Executive at their meeting this morning decided to ask the Policy Committee for instructions on the general line which home publicity should take.

The following specific difficulties suggest themselves:-

(1) In view of the emotions associated with the general concept of Soviet Russia, it will not be possible to treat Russian belligerency with the same evasiveness which we for so long applied to Abyssinia.

(2) The question will be immediately asked whether we regard the U.S.S.R. as an Ally or whether we do not. Certain symbols of association or disassociation will at once be seized upon as matters of controversy. Should Maisky be admitted to the St. James's Palace group? Should the Red Flag be played on Sunday evenings? Should the Communist party be recognised and admitted to the T.U.C.

(3) We ought not to be wholly unprepared. From such information as I possess it would seem that in the event of hostilities we are ready to welcome the U.S.S.R. as a full ally. If once we have a complete assurance on that point then we can give the press guidance when the moment comes. But without advance information on this central fact we may well be caught unawares and commit errors which will lead to subsequent misunderstanding.

H. G.N.

17th June, 1941.