SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Tuesday, 12th December, 1944

PRESENT:

The D.G.

The Parliamentary Secretary

Mr. Grubb

Mr. Francis Williams

Mr. Archibald

General Tripp

Brigadier McGregor

Admiral Carpendale

Mr. Macgregor

Mr. Grisewood

Mr. Hodge

Red Army Day

[HP/998]

Mr. Grubb enquired whether the Ministry should stage official celebrations next year in honour of Red Army Day. It was recalled that last year the Ministry had originally proposed to take no action but had received instructions to the contrary from the War Cabinet. This year, it was felt, official celebrations in honour of a single Allied Army could hardly be expected. It was decided to work on this assumption and to inform enquirers that celebrations next year would be left to private organisations.

Accommodation in Paris

[FP/1/287/1]

The Board were informed of the stages reached by the various proposals for holding exhibitions in Paris. In this connection, Mr. Grubb drew attention to the difficulties experienced by the Press Office in Paris in providing accommodation and secretarial staff for visiting Ministry officials. It was agreed that care should be taken by consultation between Overseas and Production Controls not to overburden that Office's present resources.