NOTE OF A MEETING BETWEEN MONSIEUR FROSSARD AND SIR KENNETH LEE, in Paris, 29th April 1940.

Present: M. Frossard (and the members of his Cabinet)

Sir Kenneth Lee

Mr. Barcley

Mr. Scarfe.

I explained to M. Frossard that the purpose of my visit was to discuss the line to be taken by the Press, as arranged in the Minutes of the Supreme War Council. I then gave M. Frossard the twelve points and after that asked him if he would say whether he thought that was adequate guidance or what further he himself had in mind. He then said that they had all those points themselves, but he felt in guidance they could go further. He felt that if it should, for instance, be found necessary to evacuate Southern Norway, they could get away with it in France if it was stated at the same time that the purpose of the evacuation was to prepare a much more carefully planned expedition. He said it would be quite impossible to contemplate complete evacuation of Norway. The reactions both in France and outside would in his view be too serious.

He then turned to the question of censorship, insisting upon the necessity of our establishing a compulsory censorship on military questions, as well as comment about military matters. He was told that the question was being discussed, and there was some possibility of our being able to get a measure of compulsory censorship accepted. In his view it was of the utmost importance that the B.B.C. should also submit to compulsory censorship.

The question of war correspondents going to Norway was mentioned by several of those present. They insist upon twelve being permitted to go, and they want two cinematograph operators, one broadcaster, and one photographer.

M. Frossard made considerable complaint about the lack of photographs. He said he understood that the Admiralty had some really good photographs of the Narvik battle, but were not releasing them.

The question of the Minister's visit was mentioned, and M. Frossard said the dates given to him would not be convenient as he would not be in Paris, but he hoped to see the Minister on the 15th and 16th of May.

Guidance to the press was discussed. M. Frossard handed me their “Notes d'Orientation” of April 29th. He is anxious, now that we have got our War Room established, for an arrangement to be made by which we can supply to M. Bret daily a “Note d'Orientation” which he can telephone to Paris.

M. Frossard said that he could not say yet whether it would be possible for him to be over for the opening of the Franco-British Exhibition, but he would have it in mind.

30.4.40.