SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
SATURDAY, AUGUST 21st, 1943.

PRESENT:

The Director General

The D.D.G.

Mr. Francis Williams

Mr. Gates

Mr. Grubb

Mr. Royds

Mr. Cruikshank

Mr. Carter

Mr. Grisewood

Mr. Ryan

Commander Easton

Colonel Treadwell

Admiral Carpendale

1. REPORTS FROM SERVICE ADVISERS.

2. G.P.O. FACILITIES FOR U.P .

[RC/165]

The D.D.G. reported that the G.P.O., having for some time resisted, on technical grounds, applications from the United Press for improved facilities, were no longer able to do so, and had suggested that, if it was considered that continued withholding of extra facilities was desirable as a matter of policy, the Ministry should assume the responsibility. He explained that the field of operations mainly concerned was Latin America, where at present Reuters did in fact derive considerable advantage from superior G.P.O. facilities.

It was agreed that, since G.P.O. was a public utility, the Ministry could not be responsible for any discrimination amongst its clients, and that the G.P.O. should be so advised.

N.B. No Minutes were issued yesterday, August 20th, 1943.