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SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
WEDNESDAY, 18th June

Present:

D.G.

D.D.G.

Sir Maurice Peterson

Lord Davidson

Sir Kenneth Clark

Mr. Radcliffe

Mr. Bamford

Mr. Gates

Mr. Waddell (Secretary)

1. The minutes of the meeting on 17th June were taken as read and approved. The D.G. mentioned that some time ago he had had inconclusive discussion with Sir George Gater about the status of the D.P.R.'s committee; there was however no reason why the question should not be pursued.

2. PUBLICITY FOR BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC

It was agreed that this point should be discussed on Friday 20th June when Mr. Francis Williams and the D.G. could both be present.

Sir Maurice Peterson said he would pass on to Mr. Williams a copy of an article released by B.P.S. to which the Admiralty had taken exception.

3. OMNIBUS COMMUNIQUÉ

The D.G. referred to correspondence between Sir Alexander Cadogan and the Service Departments which seemed to be based on out of date information about the wishes of Sir Samuel Hoare. It was agreed that the D.G. should indicate in reply to a letter he had received that the position had altered and should if opportunity offered suggest that the Ministry could not readily accept a position in which it was suggested that the advice of the Admiralty should be taken on questions of propaganda.

[FP/2193]

P.T.O.

4. POLICY IN SENDING PERSONALITIES TO AMERICA

The D.G. suggested that it would he as well for the Ministry at the present stage not to express views on this question, since the Foreign Office would presumably have to decide it. Mr. Bamford mentioned that it had been discussed by the Overseas Travel Committee and Mr. Peake was taking an interest in it.

[AM/250/4]

5. REPRESENTATION IN POST WAR RECONSTRUCTION ORGANISATION

It was agreed that the presence of Mrs. Hamilton in this organisation offered the Ministry assurance of adequate liaison for the time being.