SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24th, 1943 .

PRESENT:

The D.D.G.

The Parliamentary Secretary

Mr. Francis Williams

Mr. Gates

Mr. Grubb

Mr. Royds

Mr. Ryan

General Tripp

Brigadier Neville

Admiral Carpendale

Mr. Lyne

Mr. Sinclair

1. REPORTS PROM SERVICE ADVISERS .

2. M.O.I. ACCOMMODATION (See Minutes of March 19th)

[A/8/7/7.]

The Chairman reported that an encouraging letter had been received from Lord MacMillan regarding the School of Historical Research and that the University authorities would discuss the matter on March 31st. Meantime progress had been made in regard to the transfer of Publications Division to and the Iberian and Northern Sections from Russell Square House. Eventually the bulk of Publications Division would be transferred to Russell Square House, but an immediate transfer of the Books Section to the first floor was planned and the return to the Institute of either the Iberian or Northern Section. Later the top floor of Russell Square house would be partitioned to accommodate further sections of Publications Division.

3. REGULATED COASTAL AREAS

[N/261]

Mr. Gates reported that the Lord President's Committee would today discuss a proposal by Sir James Grigg, who states he has support of the other Services, to place the coastal area from the Wash to Penzance not only under regulation, but subject also to a visitor's ban. The ban would be opposed by the Home Secretary who considers regulation sufficient. It had been felt that there was no need for the Ministry to be represented in the discussions.

4. M.O.I. ESTIMATES.

[A/290/11]

Mr. Grubb raised the question of briefing the Minister on points which might arise during the debate on the Estimates, or even during possible earlier raising of the matter in the House. The Board ruled that no immediate action by Controllers was necessary, but if topics of burning interest arose briefs on such specific points might be prepared.

N.B. No Minutes have been issued since March 19th.