Copy on B/18/11
SECRET
GP/11/5
EXECUTIVE BOARD
For discussion on Friday, January 31st

Recording the Prime Minister's Speeches in Parliament, for Subsequent Broadcasting

1. Mr. Ogilvie has once again raised the suggestion that recordings should be made when the Prime Minister addresses the House of Commons. The plea has been urged several times before, and more than once arrangements have seemed to be on the verge of completion, only to fall through at the last moment.

2. In favour of the scheme, it is urged:

(a) That the Prime Minister's speeches are first-class propaganda material, especially in North America. (This view was strongly held by Lord Lothian, who particularly stressed the fact that the speeches, not being addressed to America, were on that account all the more suitable).

(b) That the use of recordings (which could be cut and edited to any desired length would save Mr. Churchill from the need to deliver a special broadcast of the same material, towards the end of the day.

(c) That it is not open to the objection of a direct broadcast from the House, which is irrevocable and may possibly include interruptions. Nothing is lost by recording, since the record need not be used. It can be scrapped if desired, or it can be held in store for any future purpose.

3. On the other side, it is argued that the ancient traditions of Parliament would be infringed, and that special facilities for Government speakers should not be given, for fear of creating an undesirable precedent - even at the present time, when the parties are united behind the Government. Previous attempts to raise the ban have failed, through objections on these grounds, put by the Labour and Liberal representatives.

4. It is now contended by the B.B.C. that the opportunities for unique propaganda far outweigh the considerations indicated in para. 3 and that a strong effort ought to be made to persuade the Labour and Liberal leaders.

J.C.S.M.

29th January, 1941.