FRIDAY, AUGUST 27th, 1943 .

PRESENT:

The Director General

Parliamentary Secretary

The D.D.G.

Mr. Francis Williams

Mr. Gates

Mr. Grubb

Mr. Royds

Mr. Cruikshank

Mr. Carter

Mr. Kirkpatrick

Mr. Macgregor

General Tripp

Colonel Treadwell

Admiral Carpendale

Mr. Lyne

1. REPORTS FROM SERVICE ADVISERS .

2. SIR SAMUEL HOARE AND GENERAL FRANCO .

[FP/2054/2.]

Mr. Kirkpatrick called attention to the various reports appearing in the press from official and semi-official Spanish sources purporting to describe the results of Sir Samuel Hoare's recent interview with General Franco. Mr. Grubb concurred in his view that these reports, which represented the interview as a diplomatic success for the Caudillo, were most harmful to British propaganda abroad and had already provoked unfavourable reactions in Tangier. The Board agreed that, in view of the expectations aroused by the many officially inspired accounts of the line which Sir Samuel Hoare was believed to be taking, it was highly unsatisfactory that these presumably inaccurate Spanish reports of what had actually taken place should be left in possession of the field; and that some correction ought to be issued. The Chairman undertook to discuss this with the Foreign Office.

3. LATIN-AMERICAN JOURNALISTS .

[FP/2003/35.]

Mr. Grubb reported that a party of Latin-American journalists, nominated by the Ministry and invited by the British Council, were to pay a visit to the Ministry on September 9th; that it was proposed to entertain them to lunch; and that an exhibition of photographs would be put on for their benefit. The Board approved these arrangements.