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13th Meeting
MINUTES Of POLICY COMMITTEE
Thursday April 11th, 1940.

Present:

Minister

D.G.

D.S.

Lord Perth

Sir Kenneth Clark

Mr. Kirkpatrick

P.P.S

Secretary

12. Minutes of last Meeting.

(7) Deputy Secretary to settle Mrs. Hamilton's position. The whole of (7), to be settled without further reference to the Minister. Sir Kenneth Clark's title to be Controller of Functional Publicity, or a better if it could be found - without further reference.

(8) Confirmed.

(9) Press Division.

Agreed that ideal arrangement would be one Controller with three persons under him dealing with Censorship, “Extraction” and Public Relations.

A new man was required for Head of the Editorial Section, but choice should wait for the appointment of a Public Relations man.

Importance of stimulating articles from foreign correspondents in this Country referred to. Agreed that this would normally fall to Sir Kenneth Clark and Mr. Kirkpatrick.

13. Appointment of Public Relations Officer.

Mr. Richmond Temple to be enquired into (reference to Mr. Holland Martin). List of names to be drawn up and appointments arranged to see D.G. and Minister.

14. Circulation of papers.

Agreed that papers which any member of the Policy Committee wished to circulate should be sent to Secretary for the purpose.

15. Post & Telegraph Censorship.

Not expected that Post & Telegraph Censorship matters should be raised at P.C. If desired to raise points, D.G. should be informed in advance, in order that Mr. Herbert should be present.

16. Parliamentary Questions.

Procedure to be overhauled with special reference to supply of information for Supplementaries.

17. Monthly Report.

To be circulated in final draft to Policy Committee.

18. Broadcasts to Denmark.

Paper by Mr. Kirkpatrick discussed (P.C.15) and recommendations agreed.

19. Message to Norwegians.

Note by Lord Perth discussed (P.C.16). Agreed to carry out as far as possible.

20. Reuters.

Note by Minister discussed, (P.C.17).

21. Press Attachés’ Allowances.

Note by Minister discussed (P.C.18). Generally felt that Press Attachés not aware of scale of expenditure permissible. Mr. Kirkpatrick to write to every Mission that Press Attachés should not feel cramped for funds for operational expenses including entertainment. Draft to be agreed by D.S.

22. Lord Beaverbrook's Propaganda Pamphlet.

Note from Minister discussed (P.C.19). Agreed as suitable. Mr. Kirkpatrick to order as required.

23. Delays in Stationery Office - Lord Halifax's Speech.

Note by Minister discussed. Explained there would be insuperable difficulties in undertaking printing independently of the Stationery Office. Delays in an article in the “Round Table” and in the “Grab” poster referred to. In connection with the latter, explained that it was the policy to space the issue of posters which were not urgently required.

24. New York Fair.

Telegram from Lord Lothian read. Meeting between D.O.T. and M.of I. representatives that afternoon.

25. Censorship of Broadcasts by French Speakers.

As B.B.C. do not exercise censorship, talks should be submitted to the French Embassy. Lord Perth to take up and offer reciprocal relations. Mr. Wellington to be informed.

26. Visits from American Journalists.

Difficulty with Mr. Frazier Hunt referred to in connection with forthcoming visitor - Miss Dorothy Thompson - who is syndicated with the “Daily Telegraph”. D.G. to take up with Mr. Will. Note to be prepared.

27. Appointment of Film Director.

Mr. Beddington's appointment noted.

28. Meetings.

Policy Committees to be held on Mondays and Thursday at 11 o'clock.