SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
FRIDAY, MARCH 12th, 1943 .

PRESENT:

The Director General

The Parliamentary Secretary

The D.D.G.

Mr. Francis Williams

Mr. Gates

Mr. Royds

Mr. Grubb

Mr. Grisewood

Mr. Ryan

General Tripp

Brigadier Neville

Admiral Carpendale

Mr. Lyne

Mr. Carter

1. REPORTS FROM SERVICE ADVISERS .

2. CIRCULATION OF HANSARD (See Minutes of March 11th)

[A/375]

Mr. Gates reported that the principal pre-occupation of the meeting on this subject, which he had attended on behalf of the Ministry, had proved to be an improvement in the availability of Hansard in Service recreation rooms and similar places. The meeting had recognised that this was outside the Ministry's sphere of interest.

3. UNITED NATIONS DAY (JUNE 14TH)

[Am/386]

Mr. Grubb enquired whether, and if so on what scale, this anniversary was to be celebrated this year. He recalled that the Ministry's overseas posts had expended considerable energy and money on the arrangements last year, and that these had been a success. Their American opposite numbers, however, had done very little, in spite of the Presidential initiative. Mr. Gates added that there was some evidence that the celebrations had not been particularly popular in America itself. The Board agreed that while we should avoid encouraging any large scale celebration this year, the Ministry must be prepared to co-operate in any plans proposed by the Americans. The Chairman undertook to telegraph to Mr. Butler requesting him to take soundings in Washington.