SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th, 1943.

PRESENT:

The D.D.G.

Mr. Francis Williams

Mr. Routh

Mr. Royds

Mr. Cruikshank

Mr. Hamilton

Mr. Grisewood

Mr. Ryan

General Tripp

Brigadier Neville

Wing-Commander Chapman

1. REPORTS FROM SERVICE ADVISERS.

2. BADOGLIO GOVERNMENT .

The Board were informed that guidance had been sent by the Foreign Office to Embassies on the British and American attitude towards the Badoglio Government. This guidance was primarily for the benefit of Italian missions, but it was pointed out that it would inevitably become public. The Board agreed that the Ministry also should have guidance; and Mr. Francis Williams was invited to discuss the matter with the Foreign Office.

3. FAKE QUESTIONNAIRE .

[R/226.]

Mr. Routh reported that a mischievous and fake questionnaire, which was obviously enemy Propaganda, was being sent to clergymen under a Ministry of Information dateline. This document dwelt on the “dangers” of church support for the war, on “terror tactics” by air, and on the “Bolshevising” of Europe. It was agreed that M.I.5 should be informed; and Mr. Routh was asked to write privately to the Bishops warning them of the forgery.

4. STALINGRAD SWORD .

[FP/8009]

Mr. Gates informed the Board of a suggestion that the Stalingrad sword should be shown to the public, particularly in industrial areas. It was agreed that such an exhibition would not serve any useful purpose and that publicity could be obtained more readily through such means as the news-reels.