SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16th, 1943

PRESENT:

The Director General

Parliamentary Secretary

Mr. Gates

Mr. Routh

Mr. Royds

Mr. Cruikshank

Mr. Hamilton

Mr. Grisewood

Mr. Macgregor

General Tripp

Brigadier Neville

Admiral Carpendale

1. REPORTS FROM SERVICE ADVISERS .

2. PRISONERS OF WAR .

[X/255.]

A confidential report concerning prisoners of war was discussed. Agreement was reached on the Ministry's view, and the Chairman undertook to send a letter of guidance to editors should this be necessary.

3. S.E. ASIA COMMAND .

[I/64/49.

The Chairman reported a request from Air Vice-Marshal Joubert that his London headquarters be given à daily summary of American radio and Empire, Allied and Neutral comment on the S.E. Asia Command, in addition to the American press opinion which is already provided. The Chairman pointed out that the last communication from the Command had been on November 4th, when it was suggested that there should be a Liaison Officer at the Ministry. This was accepted by the Board, but no reply had been received from S.E.A.C. He thought that there might usefully be a tightening up of the co-operation between the Command and the Ministry. Mr. Cruikshank said he could recall practically no radio comment on this subject in the last three months. He agreed to investigate the position further and to report to the Board.

N.B . No Minutes have been issued since December 13th, 1943.