SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
FRIDAY, AUGUST 13th, 1943

PRESENT:

The D.D.G.

Mr. Francis Williams

Mr. Grubb

Mr. Cruikshank

Mr. Carter

Mr. Grisewood

Mr. Ryan

General Tripp

Brigadier Neville

Admiral Carpendale

1. REPORTS FROM SERVICE ADVISERS.

2. AMGOT.

[M/448]

Attention was called to the frequent appearance of this abbreviation in despatches and leaders, culminating in a verbatim report in a newspaper today of its use by General Lord Rennell of Rodd himself. It was recalled that the Ministry was under instructions to avoid the abbreviation in any context, and it was for consideration whether this position had not now become untenable. After some discussion, it was agreed that “Amgot” was now firmly entrenched and that the instruction should be rescinded.

3. THE CHURCHILL-ROOSEVELT CONFERENCE .

[N/359]

Mr. Cruikshank drew attention to the unfavourable press which this conference was receiving in the United States, particularly on the score of the exclusion of Russia, and enquired whether any guidance was available for dealing with this morning's Moscow statement that, contrary to reports deriving from Canada and America but also circulating in the British press, no Russian observers were participating nor had Marshal Stalin been invited. Mr. Francis Williams reported that the Minister had informed the Empire press, for confidential background, that the latter was in fact the case, but it was pointed out that information in the contrary sense had been given yesterday by the Foreign Office in reply to enquiries within the Ministry. It was felt that the only hope of dealing with the Moscow statement and redressing the unfavourable position without delay lay in a statement, or at least publishable guidance, from high quarters. The Chairman accordingly invited Mr. Francis Williams to seek the assistance of the Minister

N.B. No Minutes have been issued since August 4th, 1943.