SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
FRIDAY, APRIL 9th, 1943 .

PRESENT:

The Director General

The Parliamentary Secretary

Mr. Francis Williams

Mr. Gates

Mr. Grubb

Mr. Grisewood

Mr. Ryan

General Tripp

Brigadier Neville

Admiral Carpendale

Mr. Carter

1. REPORTS FROM SERVICE ADVISERS .

2. COMBINED OPERATIONS.

[LE/97/246]

Mr. Francis Williams reported that the Stationery Office wished to postpone publication of the book on Combined Operations from the agreed date of May 11th to May 18th, on the ground that only 420,000 copies would be ready on the former date, whereas they regarded 750,000 as the minimum number necessary for smooth marketing arrangements. He explained that a substantial promotion campaign was laid on for the American edition which made it impossible to postpone the publication date there, and he envisaged very awkward consequences if the American edition enjoyed a week's priority. The Board concurred in the Chairman's view that the situation thus created would be intolerable, and it was agreed that the publication date must be adhered to. It was felt that the number estimated to be available on May 11th should be sufficient to meet the initial demand, though the Stationery Office might well be pressed to-speed up production.