52 54 - 3 - 55

SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Tuesday, 6th May, 1941

Present :

D.G.

D.D.G.

P.S.

Sir Maurice Peterson

Lord Davidson

Sir Kenneth Clark

Mr. Radcliffe

Mr. Bamford

Mr. Gates

Minister

Mr. Ryan

Mr. Waddell (Secretary)

1. The minutes of the meeting on 2nd May were taken as read and approved.

Lord Davidson reported that he had seen Lord Reith and now understood that the object behind the suggested campaign for the Ministry of Works and Buildings was to reach building trade operatives who, it had been felt by the Prime Minister, were not making a contribution as great as they might to the war effort; it had been felt that a press advertising campaign was the best means of achieving this object. In the light of Lord Davidson's interview the Planning Committee had now decided to proceed with the scheme for the Ministry of Works and Buildings.

2. B.B.C. ACCOMMODATION: TREBLING B.B.C. OUTPUT

Mr. Bamford reported on the programme for expansion of B.B.C. services which had been put to the Treasury on 18th February. It was understood that a very early reply could be expected and that on receipt of the reply progress could be made with the scheme without further discussion by the Cabinet. The Treasury in their reply would include a reference to the B.B.C. proposal that an order should be placed for 6 out of the 18 new transmitters required.

[B/135]

As regards accommodation, which was not at this stage affected by the delay in securing authority for the expansion programme, there were large numbers of proposals for consideration. He had arranged with the B.B.C. to supply for the Ministry of Works and the Treasury 53 - 2 -a plan showing the accommodation at present held by the B.B.C. and the requirements, including reserve requirements for the future. He referred to difficulties through the B.B.C. not working closely enough with the Ministry of Works in the past. He did not feel that the best means of assisting the B.B.C. in regard to Bush House would be for the Minister to write to Sir Archibald Sinclair.

It was agreed that Mr. Bamford should draft replies to the letters from Mr. Ogilvie, separating the questions affecting accommodation from the expansion programme.

3. NEWS FROM IRAQ

Reference was made to the division in the Press about the general prospects in Iraq and to the difficulties in which the B.B.C. were placed through absence of guidance. It was agreed that D.G. should talk to General Ismay and if possible report to the Duty Room that afternoon the line the Chiefs of Staff would like to be taken.

[X/154]

4. WAR DIARY

The Parliamentary Secretary's notes on items for the week ending 26th April were before the meeting. It was agreed that these should be accepted subject to the amendment of the last sentence relating to Monday 21st April to read “They assured Mr. Leslie, however, that they would be glad to publish in every way possible concrete evidence that unsafe shelters had been shut or demolished and that such shelters as remained had in fact provided good protection”.

[A/380]

In regard to the week ending 3rd May it was agreed that in the Parliamentary Secretary's notes, still to be written, reference should be made (a) to difficulties arising over May Day broadcasts, (b) to Mr. Henzies’ farewell gathering, (c) to Mr. Leathers’ opening Conference, and (d) to the policy of devolution being followed, e.g. in the matter of printing abroad.

5. ACCOUNT OF OPERATIONS IN GREECE

Sir Kenneth Clark reported that steps were being taken to prepare a pamphlet in consultation with the three Service Departments giving a retrospective account of the operations in Greece. It had appeared that the public would be eager to receive more information presented in such a form.

6. PROPAGANDA FOR EIRE

Sir Maurice Peterson referred to a suggestion that the pamphlets handed to travellers to Eire might provoke objection from the Eire authorities. It was agreed that so long as we did not deliberately distribute propaganda in Eire or instruct travellers to take pamphlets there, little danger was to be anticipated.

[Ep/108]

7. “THE TRUTH ABOUT THE WAR”

Sir Maurice Peterson referred to a booklet of this title by the British Peoples’ Party which appeared to be indirect German propaganda. The D.G. agreed to read the booklet and consult with Mr. Radcliffe about any measures which could be taken to keep it out of, e.g. Latin America.

8. CHANGES IN SPANISH GOVERNMENT

It was reported that the Press were being spoken to on this subject which was referred to by the Minister.

EVD

COPY.

BROADCASTING HOUSE,

London, W.1.

7th April, 1941.

My dear Minister,

We are discussing with the Ministry of Works the acquisition of the extra accommodation in Bush House which we need in order to relieve the pressure upon our present space there, and to provide for some expansion of our European Service. It appears that the Air Ministry have a lien upon the whole of the building, including all those parts which they do not at present occupy, and that their good will is essential to the success of the negotiations.

It would greatly improve our prospects of getting accommodation, which you know from your own observation to be needed, if you were willing to write to Sinclair asking that the Air Ministry would do their best to help us. We plan as soon as possible to secure for the European Service a single home elsewhere, such as we have lately secured and are now equipping for the Empire Service. Provided that we can find a suitable building for this purpose, any concessions now given by the Air Ministry should not involve a permanent sacrifice of accommodation earmarked for their own use.

I hope very much that you may feel able to write or speak to Sinclair and enlist his good offices in this matter?

Yours sincerely,

(Sgd) F. W. OGILVIE

The Right Hon. A. Duff Cooper, D.S.O., M.P.,

Ministry of Information,

Malet Street, W.C.1.

DS