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SECRET.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Friday, 18th July, 1941

Present:

D.G.

D.D.G.

P.S.

Lord Davidson

Mr. Radcliffe

Mr. Bamford

Mr. Gates

Mr. Waddell (Secretary)

1. The minutes of the meeting on l6th July were taken as read and approved.

2. B.B.C. (a) Savings Campaigns

The D.G. reported that he had agreed that morning with Mr. Ryan that no more time than at present should be devoted by the B.B.C. to announcing results etc. of Savings Campaigns.

(b) Russian and German Communiqués.

Mr. Ryan had referred to conflicting instructions he had received about treatment of these communiqués. It was agreed that the general direction conveyed by the Parliamentary Secretary at Duty Room following a meeting at the Foreign Office should stand. The chief point arising from this meeting had been that the B.B.C. should not “scramble” the two communiqués and present them as of equal validity.

[B/82]

3. POSITION OF THE B.B.C.

The D.G. reported that the minister's discussion with the Board of Governors had been inconclusive and that the relations between the Ministry and the B.B.C. were not yet clear or satisfactory.

P.T.O.

4. PHOTOGRAPHS.

The D.D.G. reported a suggestion through Mr. Law that the Minister should write personally to the Service Ministers emphasising the importance of good photographs for propaganda purposes at the present time. Mr. Radcliffe said that similar letters had been sent in the past and reference was made to the inclusion of Mr. Francis in the Air Ministry Selection Board for photographs. It was also thought that the establishment of film units attached to the R.A.F Commands would help in providing an improved supply of still photographs.

[6P/]

5. EDITORIAL CONTROL OF REUTERS.

Mr. Radcliffe referred to an exchange of minutes with Mr. Ridsdale from which it appeared that the Foreign Office regarded itself as free to approach Reuters on matters of presentation and distribution of their services abroad since the need for action was frequently brought. Agreed that in view of the Ministry's responsibility for financing Reuters and for detailed questions of publicity overseas the view implied by the Foreign Office could not be accepted. It was agreed that the D.G. should mention this point to Mr. Ridsdale and that if necessary the D.D.G. should prepare a considered reply to Mr, Ridsdale's minute.

[FP/2010/69]

In the course of discussion Lord Davidson emphasised that satisfactory editorial control of Reuters could not be achieved unless there were orderly machinery for conveying views to Reuters and a nominee of K.M.G. had a place in their organisation