SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
THURSDAY, MAY 6th, 1943.

PRESENT:

The Director General

The Parliamentary Secretary

The D.D.G.

Mr. Francis Williams

Mr. Gates

Mr. Grubb

Mr. Royds

Mr. Cruikshank

Mr. Carter

Mr. Grisewood

Mr. Ryan

Commander McLeod

Colonel Treadwell

Admiral Carpendale

Mr. Lyne

1. REPORTS FROM SERVICE ADVISERS.

2. CO-ORDINATION OF NEWS.

[N/133/5.]

The D.D.G. reported that the Treasury had referred the Select Committee's recommendations back to the three Service Departments with the suggestion that a joint reply should be produced: this Ministry being consulted as necessary.

3. CHINESE WAR ANNIVERSARY. (See Minutes of April 5th)

[FP/. HP/1054.]

In connection with the anniversary on the 7th July of the beginning of the Sino-Japanese war, Mr. Gates reported that Far Eastern Division's proposals had now been considered by Home Division and himself. He endorsed the suggestion of a meeting at the Albert Hall to be addressed by the Foreign Secretary, but deprecated any extensive pageantry. Mr. Grubb agreed. Both Controllers took the view that the organisation of the agreed celebrations should be assumed as a Government responsibility, on grounds of policy. The Board concurred in this view; and in respect of the invitation to Mr. Eden, the Chairman invited Mr. Gates to send him the papers for discussion with the Minister.

4. ANGLO-SOVIET TREATY ANNIVERSARY.

[FP/8052/4.]

Mr. Grubb reported that enquiries had been made by the Soviet Embassy as to what, if any, recognition was to be given to the anniversary of the signing of the Anglo-Soviet Treaty. He himself endorsed Mr. Smollet's view that nothing was called for beyond an exchange of messages. The Board agreed.