SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD.
Wednesday, 4th June, 1941

Present:

D.G.

D.D.G.

P.S.

Sir Maurice Peterson

Lord. Davidson

Sir Kenneth Clark

Mr. Radcliffe

Mr. Bamford

Mr. Waddell (Secretary)

1. The minutes of the meeting on 3rd June were taken as read and approved.

2. SIR GERALD CAMPBELL.

It was agreed that, following discussion with the American Division, Mr. Bamford should lay before the D.G. as soon as possible the results of examination of telegrams from the Embassy in Washington.

3. PRESS ADVERTISING .

Lord Davidson reported that Mr. Leslie of the Ministry of Home Security had visited him and he had gained the impression that if the Ministry chose to seek from the Cabinet full control over Press advertising Ministers in general would not oppose the claim. A memorandum was in preparation for submission to the Executive Board.

[6p/117]

4. CARELESS USE OF TELEPHONE.

The D.G. referred to representations he had received on this subject and asked senior officers to exercise great care in what they said over the open telephone.

5. REQUEST FROM THE ‘SPECTATOR’ .

[Gp/135/105]

The Parliamentary Secretary raised the question whether the Ministry could afford, any assistance in the matter of paper supplied to periodicals valuable in stating the British case abroad. After discussion it was agreed that it might be worthwhile to suggest to the Ministry of Supply 102 - 2 -a general scheme which would relate assistance with paper stocks to amount of export trade; in such a scheme it might be necessary to deal on the same basis with the SPECTATOR, THE NEW STATESMAN, and TIME AND TIDE. It was agreed that the Parliamentary Secretary should discuss the matter with the Editor of the Spectator and find out as much as possible about overseas distribution etc. The question could then be discussed with Mr. Bamford and taken into account in preparation of a memorandum which was already in hand.