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SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Friday, 22nd August, 1941

Present:

D.G.

D.D.G.

Sir Kenneth Clark

Mr. Bamford

Mr. Francis Williams

Mr. Gates

Mr. Tree

Mr. Ryan

Mr. Kirkpatrick

Admiral Carpendale

General Tripp

Colonel Heywood

Mr. Seddon

Mr. Ridsdale

Mr. Waddell (Secretary)

1. The minutes of the meeting on 21st August were taken as read and approved.

2. The Service Advisers reported on the day's news. General Tripp promised to enquire about a story concerning a naval attack on Tallinn, and Admiral Carpendale promised to enquire about American fighters which were said to have chased enemy bombers near Iceland.

The Service Advisers and Mr. Ridsdale and Mr. Seddon then left the meeting.

3. MEETING WITH LONDON EDITORS

It was understood that the Minister was discussing with the Prime Minister the list of persons invited for the afternoon's meeting at Downing Street. A paper was to be prepared for submission by the Minister to the Prime Minister.

4. J. B. PRIESTLEY

Sir Kenneth Clark reported an interview he had had with Mr. J. B. Priestley, who was very anxious for an organisation to be established to relieve boredom among the populace. It was understood that he was likely to approach the Minister shortly, possibly with a suggestion about a Ministry of Recreation, possibly with a suggestion about a world tour.

5. HOME MORALE CAMPAIGN

Mr. Francis Williams referred to a discussion by a sub-committee of the Home Defence Executive, which was interesting itself in preparation of a plan for use in the event of heavy raiding during the winter. The D.G. promised to find out from the secretary to the Planning Committee how the ministry's plans now stood.

6. CORRESPONDENTS FOR MOSCOW CONFERENCE

The D.G. agreed to draft a telegram to Sir Stafford Cripps explaining the desire that diplomatic correspondents should be sent to Moscow for the forthcoming conference but leaving it to the Ambassador to say whether or not they should be sent.

7. “RUSSIA TO-DAY”

It was agreed that so long as there remained a ban on export of this paper the Ministry could hardly support an application for deferment of the editor's military service.

8. PRESS ADVERTISING

Mr. Bamford reported that he had seen the Treasury in connection with reductions in staff in other Departments through the recent changes in responsibility for press advertising.