SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27th.1943 .

PRESENT:

The Director General

The D.D.G.

Mr. Francis Williams

Mr. Gates

Mr. Grubb

Mr. Cruikshank

Mr. Grisewood

Mr. Ryan

Commander McLeod

Brigadier Neville

Admiral Carpendale

Mr. Carter

1. REPORTS FROM SERVICE ADVISERS .

2. “FOREVER AND A DAY” .

[F/699]

The Chairman asked the views of the Board on the degree and nature of the support which it might be desirable, and if so practicable, to afford to the overseas distribution of this film. He explained its origins and character. After some discussion, it was agreed in principle that instructions for modified patronage should be sent to the posts concerned; and the Chairman directed that a further showing of the picture should be arranged which should be attended by representatives of all sections interested, subsequent to which directives suitable to the various posts could be drafted.

3. MR. BERNARD NEWMAN AND THE BRAINS TRUST.

[A/295/22]

The D.D.G. reported that Mr. Bernard Newman, one of the Ministry's speakers, had been engaged, without adequate notice to the Ministry, to appear as a guest artist with the Brains Trust. The Board agreed with Mr. Gates's view that the contrast between the freedom of answer essential to the Brains Trust with the reticence often necessary on the Ministry's platform, was liable in such cases to produce awkward results. The Chairman directed that in this instance arrangements already made should not be revoked, but that the practice should be avoided in future.