SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
FRIDAY, MARCH 19th, 1943.

PRESENT:

The Director General

The Parliamentary Secretary

The D.D.G.

Mr. Francis Williams

Mr. Gates

Mr. Grubb

Mr. Royds

Mr. Grisewood

Mr. Ryan

General Tripp

Brigadier Neville

Admiral Carpendale

Mr. Lyne

Mr. Carter

1. REPORTS FROM SERVICE ADVISERS .

2. UNITED NATIONS LABELS AND FLAGS

[FP/230/]

In connection with a proposal from Washington for a United Nations device and flag (which the Board viewed with distaste), the Chairman enquired whether the confusion about one-, two- and three-flagged propaganda labels attached to packages of civilian goods for North Africa had been resolved. On Mr. Grubb reporting that no reply had been received to a telegram addressed some weeks ago to the Minister Resident, the Chairman invited him to draft a reminder for the Minister's consideration.

3. ACCOMMODATION. (See Minutes of March 4th)

[A/8/7/7.]

The D.D.G. reported that satisfactory arrangements had been made for Scrutiny Section and the Postal Sub-Section of Censorship Division, but that objections had been raised to the proposal that the Feature Sections of Publications Division should be moved to Russell Square House on the grounds, firstly that the Division could not conveniently be divided, and secondly that constant access to the Photographic Division was essential to the Feature Sections. After some discussion of these points and the dismissal of certain suggested alternative adjustments, it was agreed that the objections could not be sustained; and the Chairman invited Mr. Royds and Mr. Fraser to discuss with Establishments the alternative courses: (l) that the Feature Sections only of Publications Division be moved to Russell Square House, or (2) that the whole Division be moved.

It was reaffirmed that interim moves designed to consolidate the European Division should be made as soon as possible.

4. ZEEBRUGGE DAY

[FP/85/816.]

Mr. Grubb reported that the Belgian Government, in co-operation with the British Legion and the Old Contemptibles Association, had proposed a substantial programme of celebrations for April 18th, in memory of the Zeebrugge operation. He explained that the Ministry's representative at a meeting called to discuss the project, which was understood to include a parade of troops and a pageant at the Albert Hall, had deprecated the elaborate scale envisaged, and that the British Legion's representative had been in sympathy with this criticism. Subsequently, however, M. Delfosse, representing the Belgian Government and still supported by the Old Contemptibles, had written to the Minister formally requesting support. Discussion disclosed no great enthusiasm for the proposal, though the Board was inclined to agree with Mr. Gates that of the two major features a parade would be less objectionable than a pageant; and it was agreed that, since moral support would inevitably lead to organisational support, Ministry sponsorship should, if possible, be avoided.