SECRET
POLICY COMMITEE
25th June 1940

Present:

D.G.

D.D.G.

D.S.

Lord Perth

Sir Kenneth Clark

Mr. Kirkpatrick

Mr. Wellington

P.P.S.

Mr. Tree

Mr. Ryan

Mr. Wiltshire (Secretary)

1. DECISION ON FRANCE

It was explained that a further difficulty had arisen yesterday in relation to the bulletins. A hand out was received at the B.B.C. from the Ministry of Information for the six o'clock bulletin in which it was stated that the British Government were still in communication with the Petain Government. It was not clear from what source this information had come, and later it was withdrawn. In the course of discussion it was generally felt that difficulties of coordination were occurring, both inside and outside the Ministry of Information. Inside the Ministry instructions for the B.B.C. might emerge from the Policy Committee, the Duty Room and the Planning Committee, and in a rapidly changing situation it was possible for there to be some conflict. It was noted, however, that Mr. Wellington was a member of the Policy Committee, and that Mr. Macgregor and Mr. Stewart respectively normally attended the Duty Room and the Planning Committee. Coordination by these means should be achieved. A greater difficulty arose from the numerous authoritative sources from which suggestions as to broadcasting could be received, from the Prime Minister downwards. It was true that under the understood arrangements no messages were taken by the B.B.C. except through the Ministry of Information, but under the stress of circumstances messages have had to be decided on the ministerial level. Mr. Wellington thought that on these occasions Ministers might agree to broadcast in principle and allow the B.B.C. to arrange details. After discussion it was agreed that the B.B.C. should put out a note of difficulties which had arisen to be circulated for the Thursday meeting.

The position of French refugees, of which there were said to be 250,000 in this country, was discussed. It was thought that there was no issue arising from the propaganda aspect.

Mr. Ryan referred to a talk in the series dealing with “Our Friends and Allies” to be given this evening, and enquired whether we could give any direction as to what line should be taken and what person would be most suitable. After discussion it was decided that the French correspondent of the “Times” should be invited, and the line should be that of criticism but not abuse of the Bordeaux Government.

2. QUEEN'S BROADCAST TO AMERICA

It was said that the desirability of the Queen 258 broadcasting a message of thanks to the United states for their efforts for the Red Cross and other causes had been suggested, and it was thought that the Queen herself would not be averse. Lord Perth expressed some doubt whether there was not the danger that a broadcast of this kind might induce the Americans to think that we and they were content to call an end to their efforts. After discussion it was generally felt that it would be appropriate that a message of thanks should be given to the Americans for their aid. Mr. Tree undertook to get some facts relating to their assistance and the Ministry would then write them up.

3. BROADCAST BY MLLE CURIE

It was said that Mlle. Eve Curie was broadcasting to the U.S.A. from this country, and it had been suggested that her broadcast should be reproduced in the B.B.C. programme. She was willing to do so, but had said that she must obtain ministerial approval. The Minister was believed to have expressed his approval. Lord Perth expressed some doubts whether her known affiliations might not introduce matters of difficulty, but Mr. Kirkpatrick thought that these factors would only cause embarrassment in relatively restricted quarters. It was decided that no objection should be offered to her broadcasting.

4. DRAFT PAPER FOR CIVIL DEFENCE COMMITTEE ON HOME MORALE

The paper was discussed and minor amendments were noted by Sir Kenneth Clark. It was decided to submit it to the Minister for his approval at the earliest opportunity.

5. RECORDING OF SPEECHES IN THE HOUSE

Mr. Tree reported that the Speaker had no objection, but that Captain Margesson's objections had been again continued. The latter had approached the Prime Minister, who had deferred a decision, but in the meantime he had been unwilling to have today's speech broadcast.