SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16th, 1943.

PRESENT:

The Director General

Parliamentary Secretary

The D.D.G.

Mr. Gates

Mr. Grubb

Mr. Royds

Mr. Cruikshank

Mr. Hamilton

Mr. Kirkpatrick

Mr. Ryan

General Tripp

Brigadier Neville

Admiral Carpendale

1. REPORTS FROM SERVICE ADVISERS .

2. FAMINE IN BENGAL .

[EP/105/65]

Mr. Ryan raised the question of the stories which must be expected to break shortly of food shortage in Bengal. He suggested that the India Office attitude of blaming the local administration was inadequate, and that at least some evidence should be produced of active steps to relieve the situation. Mr. Cruikshank supported this suggestion. He said that horrifying accounts of conditions in Bengal had already appeared in America and more front page stories must be expected. The Chairman invited Mr. Grubb to have the matter taken up with the India Office, for positive action.

N.B. No Minutes were issued yesterday, September 15th, 1943.