SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
THURSDAY, JULY 1st, 1943.

PRESENT:

The Director General

The D.D.G.

Parliamentary Secretary

Mr. Francis Williams

Mr. Gates

Mr. Grubb

Mr. Royds

Mr. Cruikshank

Mr. Carter

Mr. Grisewood

Mr. Ryan

General Tripp

Brigadier Neville

Admiral Carpendale

1. REPORTS FROM SERVICE ADVISERS .

2. B.B.C. OFFICERS IN NEW YORK . (See Minutes of June 28th and 30th)

[B/2/9.]

The Chairman, having reviewed the papers on this case, directed that Mrs. Grant be formally attached to the B.B.C. Office in New York.

3. FILM SHOWINGS TO OUTSIDE BODIES.

[F/160.]

Mr. Gates reported that an increasing number of requests were being received from outside bodies to view official films in the Ministry theatre. He explained that, while it was both proper and advantageous that official films should be shown to interested bodies, the handling of large or frequent audiences imposed certain administrative inconveniences, and he asked for guidance on the principles which should govern the consideration of such requests. The Chairman ruled that, within reason, applications from bodies of suitable standing should be met.

4. GUIDANCE FOR FOREIGN PERIODICALS .

[6P/135/257.]

Mr. Grubb referred to the undertaking, given in the Ministry's proposals to the Cabinet for the regulation of foreign periodicals published in this country, that guidance and advice on matters of policy should be available to their editors at the Ministry; and reported that it was proposed to implement this undertaking by the institution of regular background conferences, to which representatives of the various papers would be offered a standing invitation. Since somewhat similar conferences with neutral journalists had for some time been held by Overseas General Division, with satisfactory results, it was further proposed that these new conferences should also be handled by Overseas General, though representatives of the European Divisions would attend them, when appropriate. This proposal was approved by the Board.