417

SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
SATURDAY, MARCH 27th, 1943 .

PRESENT:

The Director General

The D.D.G.

Mr. Francis Williams

Mr. Gates

Mr. Grubb

Mr. Royds

Mr. Grisewood

Mr. Macgregor

General Tripp

Brigadier Neville

Wing-Commander Chapman

Mr. Lyne

Mr. Carter

1. REPORTS FROM SERVICE ADVISERS .

2. FIREMEN ARTISTS .

[/EP/104/69.]

The Chairman referred to a request from the Firemen Artists’ Organising Committee that the Ministry should assist them in mounting an exhibition on behalf of Mrs. Churchill's Aid for Russia Fund. Mr. Royds explained that by the nature of the show the assistance required would not be substantial, and it was agreed that, subject to his being satisfied of this, the request should be acceded to.

3. WEST INDIAN BROADCASTING COMMITTEE.

[13/29/7.]

The Chairman reported that acceptances for representation on this Committee had been received from the other departments concerned, and invited the Board's consideration of two points now arising: (a) Whether the Committee's discussions should, as suggested by the Colonial Office, range over empire broadcasting as a whole, or should be strictly limited to transmissions from the West Indian area; and (b) the Ministry's representation on the Committee. It was agreed that the Committee should adhere to the more limited terms of reference. It was further agreed that it should meet under the Chairmanship of the D.D.G., who would be supported by representatives of the Broadcasting and Empire Divisions. In addition, Mr. Grubb was invited to attend the initial meeting.

4. THE BRAINS TRUST.

[A/295/132.]

The D.D.G. reported that Miss Phyllis Bentley had been invited to take part in a Brains Trust performance at Manchester; and that Mr. Darvall was in favour. He explained that the matter was only raised in view of the Board's recent decision on the Bernard Newman case (see Minutes of February 27th). The Board endorsed the D.D.G.’s view that the two cases were not really parallel and that permission should be given.

5. THE CHRISTIAN NEWS-LETTER .

[GP/135/197/10.]

Mr. Gates reported that the Christian News-letter had asked for the Ministry's support in inducing the Ministry of Supply to modify the application to them of the Order for the reduction of periodicals to 20 per cent of their pre-war size. He explained that with every economy of lay-out and a change from weekly to fortnightly issue, this two-leaved News-letter, founded since the war, was unable to effect a reduction below 30 per cent without ceasing to exist. Mr. Grubb endorsed Mr. Gates's estimate of the value and influence of Christian News-letter, copies of which were purchased by the Ministry for distribution abroad. After some discussion, the Chairman directed that since the Ministry of Supply's regulation was a material order, the Ministry ought not to make representations in any individual case on the ground of deserving content; but in view of the established value of the Christian News-letter, he invited the D.D.G. to advise the Ministry of Supply that, if this factor was taken into account in their consideration of appeals, the Ministry would be ready to give evidence.

N.B. Correction to Minutes of March 26th. In minute 2, line 1, for “was about to be”, read “had been”.