448

SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
FRIDAY, JUNE 4th, 1943 .

PRESENT:

The Director General

The Parliamentary Secretary

The D.D.G.

Mr. Francis Williams

Mr. Gates

Mr. Grubb

Mr. Royds

Mr. Cruikshank

Duty Officer

Mr. Kirkpatrick

Mr. Ryan

General Tripp

Brigadier Neville

Admiral Carpendale

Mr. Lyne

1. REPORTS FROM SERVICE ADVISERS.

2. MILITARY PUBLICATIONS.

[LE]

Brigadier Neville reported that General Productions had brought to his notice a proposed publication, consisting mostly of pictures, dealing with the campaign from Alamein to Cap Bon. He felt that this was to some extent a duplication of the “Battle of Egypt” and the “Eighth Army”, and also not up to the standard of these other two. It was pointed out that this book was intended to serve a different purpose, but the Chairman thought that, unless it was going to be a good job, it would not be worthwhile to produce it. Mr. Royds agreed to look into the matter.

3. ANNIVERSARY OF SINO-JAPANESE WAR.

[FP/197/5]

It was agreed that, in view of the uncertainty as to the presence of the Foreign Secretary and the non-availability of the Albert Hall, this meeting should be abandoned and that a small dinner party for Chinese officials should be given instead.

4. “PROSPECTS AND POLICIES“.

[LE/64.]

Mr. Royds asked whether it was possible to distribute this booklet abroad, in view of the fact that one or more of the speeches had been given at Labour Party Meetings. It was agreed that there is a definite ban on the distribution of any literature bearing the stamp of a political party; but the general feeling of the Board was that it was open to the Ministry to distribute this booklet. The Chairman agreed to speak to the Minister about it.

5. AMERICAN V.D. CAMPAIGN.

[HP/943/37.]

Mr. Cruikshank reported on the situation between the Home Office and the American Army authorities. This appeared to be very unsatisfactory, and the Chairman felt that it was a matter calling for the intervention of the United States ambassador.

N.B . No Minutes were issued yesterday, June 3rd, 1943.