POLICY COMMITTEE
Minutes of Fifteenth Meeting
18th April, 1940.
Present:
Minister
D.G.
D.D.G.
D.S.
Lord Perth
Sir Kenneth Clark
Mr. Kirkpatrick
Mr. Peake
P.P.S.
Secretary
35.
Minutes of Last Meeting
(30) The D.S. asked that
at least
two persons should he appointed for each Ministry.
(33) The Minister had seen Mr. Ogilvie, who was considering how the criticism of the Military Co- Committee in relation to editing news could he met (See 47 hereunder).
(34)
Eire.
Lord Perth stated that Mr. Massey was considering a plan for a Dominion press representative in Eire. He had seen Monsignor Godfrey and had made some progress, and was in touch in connection with the possibility of obtaining the co-operation of the French Diplomatic Representative in Dublin.
36.
Employment of Mr. Burgess
It had been stated that “D” required a junior officer in the Ministry who would have subordinate functions. It was generally agreed that Mr. Burgess should not be so employed.
37.
Employment of Mrs. Hamilton
It was explained that Mr. Graham Greene had assumed control of the present Literary Section and that it had been felt unwise to disturb this arrangement immediately after it had begun. He was accordingly working under Mr. Bevan. If his organisation were displaced, Mr. Parrish would have to work to him and to someone else simultaneously. The Minister requested that Mrs. Hamilton's position and the general future of the Literary and Editorial Section should be decided before the next meeting.
38.
Minister's Broadcast
It was noted that there had been statements in the press that the Minister was to broadcast on May 1st. The Minister expressed himself as not anxious to be approached to do it.
39.
“Six Months of Radio War” (P.C. 20)
The paper was considered.
40.
Relations with Service Departments
Two reports of meetings between the D.C.N.S. and Air- Commodore Peake and Sir Walter Monckton were read.
(attached, P.C.23 and P.C.24) It was suggested that Sir Walter Monckton should see Air Marshal Pierse and that a suitable arrangement might be that Air-Commodore Peake should represent the Ministry of Information point of view in the Air Ministry. It was agreed that Sir Walter Monckton should endeavour to choose a civilian for the Admiralty, and to choose suitable names for the Air Ministry.
41.
Publications and Pamphlets.
Sir Kenneth Clark to refer at next meeting to books and pamphlets produced by Mr, Bevan's Division.
42.
Interviews with Prominent Serving Officers (P.C.21)
It was agreed to send Sir Frederick Whyte's note to General Ismay.
43.
Relations with Foreign Office concerning U.S.A.
Draft letter to Mr. Butler and Sir Walter Monckton's Minute read.
(attached. P.C.25)
44.
Sir Frederick Whyte's position.
Sir Walter Monckton and Lord Perth to discuss.
45.
Shortage of Paper.
Mr. Kirkpatrick agreed that all possible printing should be done locally except in those countries where there were currency difficulties.
46.
Commercial Relations.
Progress reported. Lord Davidson to begin next Monday. He had accepted Mr. Cowan as Director and Mr. Rodgers as Deputy-Director; Mr. Steel part-time. His probable title would be Hon. Adviser.
47.
Military Co-Ordinating Committee.
Minute on B.B.C. Bulletins (Reference: M.C. (40) 24th meeting). The Minister stated that this was not now a live issue, and would be dealt with in conversation with Mr. Ogilvie.
48.
Photographs of Narvik Expedition.
The War Office have sent two amateur photographers.
49.
Agreement with Political Parties (P.C.22)
Draft notice read. To be considered by Mr. Tree and Mr. Peake.
50.
Advertising in neutral countries.
It was agreed that advertising of British commodities in neutral countries was desirable, particularly in Rumania and Portugal. The Export Council had not been enthusiastic but the Treasury should be approached for authority to spend money, say at the rate of £5,000 in each country. D.G. referred to the desirability of having bookshops in the countries.
51.
Further change of Summer Time.
The possibility of a further change in Summer Time on May 1st or May 15th was discussed, and it was agreed that it might be taken up with the appropriate Department.
