SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Wednesday, 16th April. 1941.

Present:

D.G.

D.D.G.

Sir Maurice Peterson

Lord Davidson

Sir Kenneth Clark

Mr. Radcliffe

Mr. Gates

Mr. Waddell (Secretary)

1. The minutes of the meeting on the 15th April were taken as read and approved.

2. Handouts .

[N/6]

The D.G. referred to suggestions that in view of paper shortage the length of handouts should he restricted; it was agreed that Mr. Radcliffe should examine this question.

3. Censorship

Sir Kenneth Clark referred to the ignorance of the public about the voluntary nature of censorship and the reasons lying behind it and suggested that some further education of the public ought to be undertaken. The D.G. said he would discuss this matter with Mr. Radcliffe with a view to arranging a repetition of Mr. Radcliffe's recent broadcast, or some similar step.

[B/142]

4. Allocation of Paper to Ensure Distribution of Sunday Papers in Eire

Sir Maurice Peterson referred to discussion on this matter at the meeting on 10th April, and said he was informed by the Empire Division that circulation of British newspapers in Eire had dropped considerably in recent months and in view of the absence of other channels for reaching Eire with the British case it seemed to them important that every possible step should be taken to continue or improve the supply particularly of Sunday papers. It was generally agreed that the institution of a rota system would be the only means of securing this object, and the D.D.G. promised to speak to Sir William Palmer about the whole question when he saw him that day.

[EP/108/24]