SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Tuesday, 29th July, 1941 .

Present:

D.G.

D.D.G.

P.S.

Lord Davidson

Sir Kenneth Clark

Mr. Radcliffe

Mr. Gates

Mr. Tree

Mr. Waddell (Secretary)

1. The minutes of the meeting on 25th July were taken as read and approved.

2. INTERPRETATION OF AMERICA IN THIS COUNTRY (See minutes of meeting on 10.7.41.)

Mr. Tree referred to an interview given by Raymond Gram Swing on his return to America in which he had reported his impression that not enough was known in this country about America's war effort. Mr. Tree wondered whether further steps could be taken although it seemed likely that Mr. Hopkins’ talk had done much to remedy the position.

Sir Kenneth Clark and Lord Davidson referred to the unsatisfactory features of a photographic exhibition which had been established in the Cloisters in the Ministry; it had been planned and prepared before the question arose of “projecting” America in this country. It was agreed that the exhibition should not be released until the D.G. and members of the Board had seen it.

3. PHOTOGRAPHS OF PRISONERS OF WAR

Mr. Radcliffe referred to an official letter which had been received from the War Office intimating that in agreement with representations made by the Italians through diplomatic channels the War Office had issued instructions that the practice of photographing prisoners of war was to cease on the ground that it was a breach of the Geneva Convention. The letter from the War Office intimated that the question of informing and guiding the Press would be left to the Ministry.

It was agreed that in view of the practice of the Germans, Italians and Russians, the interest of the Prime Minister and the policy of the Ministry since the outbreak of war the Ministry should object strongly to the line taken by the War Office. The D.G, promised to mention the matter to the Minister and Mr. Radcliffe to draft an official reply.

4. B.B.C. CORRESPONDENT IN MOSCOW

The D.G. referred to suggestions about sending a man from this country to the Soviet Union on behalf of the B.B.C.; it was agreed that the proper course would be to make arrangements with a newspaper correspondent who was already in Moscow.