471

SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
THURSDAY, AUGUST 26th, 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. Grisewood

Mr. Macgregor

General Tripp

Colonel Treadwell

Admiral Carpendale

Mr. Lyne

1. REPORTS FROM SERVICE ADVISERS .

2. FILM - “THE LIFE AND DEATH OF COLONEL BLIMP” .

[F/683]

Mr. Gates reported that the general objections which had been raised to the export of this film, with which Mr. Rank had courteously complied, had now been withdrawn. He enquired whether any special objections remained. Mr. Grubb recalled that exception had been taken to one or two sequences in the film by certain regional specialists; and Mr. Gates was invited to consider whether these should be represented to Mr. Rank.

3. THANKSGIVING DAY .

[HP/979]

Mr. Gates recalled the arrangements made last year for the celebration in this country of the American Thanksgiving Day, and enquired whether it was desired to repeat them. It was felt that, since assistance rather than initiative should be the guiding principle, it would be sufficient to remind the Regional Information Officers of the approaching anniversary at their next regular meeting.

4. HOLIDAYS AT HOME .

[K/]

Mr. Gates reported the substance and recommendations of a Paper from the Home Secretary on this subject which was to be considered by the Lord President's Committee. The Board was in general agreement with the recommendations; and the Chairman invited Mr. Royds to report to him on the extent to which the Ministry had been involved in the publicity campaign for “Holidays at Home”.

N.B . No Minutes were issued yesterday, August 25th, 1943.