Mr. Ogilvie referred to the complaint made by Mrs. Warburton-Lee in “The Times” that her husband's voice had been imitated in the reconstruction of the Narvik episode. It was explained that no phrase had been used in the reconstruction which would directly connect Captain Warburton-Lee with anything said, but his connection with it could be inferred by a reference to the Captain of the leading destroyer and another reference having been made in a subtitle to H.M.S. Hardy. Apart from Mrs. Warburton-Lee's letter, there appeared to have been little general reaction on the part of the public.
The meeting then discussed what promise could be given, if any, to avoid similar incidents. The B.B.C. felt that our effort to compete with the extremely efficient German methods, should not be hampered by restrictions which might rob their presentation of heroic incidents of dramatic value, but at the same time they wished to avoid causing pain to relatives and friends. The Minister finally agreed that the preliminary question on the subject should be answered on the lines that the B.B.C. deeply regret that pain had been caused to Mrs. Warburton-Lee and great care would be taken to avoid the possibility of similar incidents arising in future.
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2.
BATTERY AND WIRELESS SETS IN AN EMERGENCY
Mr. Ogilvie referred to the possibility that there might be widespread disturbance of electrical supply and consequently all-mains sets be made useless. He thought It might be well to consider the formation of a listener corps, partly consisting of mobile receiving sets in motor-cars and partly of fixed sets with batteries. Members could act as centres of information in such an emergency. The Deputy Secretary stated that there was now under consideration a scheme for multiple telegraph arrangements which would come into force if the central transmitters went out of action.
The Minister thought the idea should be supported in principle and it was referred to Mr. Harold Nicolson's Committee in the first place with the intention that they in turn should refer it to Mr. Waterfield's Committee. Sir Kenneth Clark as a member of both committees would act us liaison.
3.
FIFTH COLUMN ACTIVITIES
Mr. Ogilvie continued the discussion on the possibilities of faked messages or interpositions in ordinary programmes. There was a considerable alien element in Broadcasting House. He said that besides the submission of scripts, there was a switch censor who, in the case of broadcasts in foreign languages, knows sufficient of the language to interrupt the transmission if anything untoward occurred. There was also engineering control which would apply for broadcasts in English. Various expedients were discussed, but it was finally decided that the B.B.C. could only at present take all possible precautions to see that the existing arrangements were in full operation. Mr. Ogilvie, however, agreed to take up with M.I.5. a review of the staff at present employed.
4.
ANTI-AIRCARFT PROTECTION
Mr. Ogilvie reported that the War Office had sent an officer to inspect Daventry. The Minister said he would mention the matter to the Secretary of State for War.
[See: W.P(C)(40)138. BBC relations with M.O.I. Also A/407.]
5.
GUIDANCE FOR HOME FRONT
The Parliamentary Secretary produced an interim report of the work done the day before (circulated to members of the Committee). It was agreed that the Committee should be free to push on with suggestions, subject to proper consultation with finance, who should be represented at an early stage when required. Certain leaflets and posters were now in production which were to be shown to the Minister. In the course of the discussion it was noted that converted Left Wing speakers had undertaken to help and it had been suggested to them that they should make clear the results of a Nazi victory.
[See: Home Moral Emergency Committee.]
6.
PRIORITY OF EAST COAST TRANSMITTER
It was noted that at the beginning of the new phase of the war the East Coast high power transmitter had been agreed. Its construction would, however, use a certain amount of labour and in particular valuable materials, and the question arose whether we should now be justified in continuing it. After discussion, the Minister decided that the arrangements should proceed.
7.
REQUESTS FROM FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVES FOR SPECIAL BROADCASTS
Mr. Wellington stated that a number of requests had been received from different sources for items to be broadcast to foreign countries. The B.B.C. were not certain how far their responsibility went in this matter. It was agreed that all such requests should be referred to the Foreign Office.
