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POLICY COMMITTEE
21st June 1940

Present:

D.G.

D.D.G.

D.S.

Lord Perth

Sir Kenneth Clark

Mr. Kirkpatrick

Mr. Macadam

Mr. Wellington

P.P.S.

Mr. Gates

Mr. Bamford

Lord Davidson

Mr. Beddington

Mr. Cowan

Mr. Francis

Mr. Hodson

Mr. Maclennan

Mr. Lints Smith

Sir Frederick Whyte

Mr. Rodgers

Mr. Wiltshire (Secretary)

1. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMITTEE ON HOME MORALE CAMPAIGN

Sir Kenneth Clark in introducing his report observed that the present weakness is that people do not know what to do. Various measures seem to be required, but other Departments seem reluctant to consider the matter from this point of view.

Sir Kenneth Clark continued that some difficulty arose in satisfying the people that the war could be won. The theme of economic warfare was difficult to make effective. People wanted to feel that we were hitting back, and it might be better to work on the theme of a bigger Air Force which would ultimately reduce the enemy Air Force to impotence. Lord Perth thought that the bombing theme should be handled carefully, otherwise if we promised complete success with our own Air Force in numerical superiority, we might invite people to anticipate the reverse in the present situation.

The question of the attitude of the Press was raised. Sir Walter Monckton said that we should have to work towards the position where we “edited” war news in the Press. For this we needed extra powers and additions to the staff. Mr. Lints Smith said that he thought that wholesale censorship of news such as that of the effects of bombing raids would stimulate rumour and lead to suspicion. The Press were not intractable if handled properly, but he felt that they lacked real directives. Various members of the Committee discussed points of detail, in particular the desirability of having badges to mark civilian workers of various occupations. Other points of detail are mentioned at the end of the minutes.

After further discussion it was suggested by the Deputy Secretary and Mr. Macadam that we should consider whether the Report, or at least Part I of it, should not form the basis of a Cabinet Paper. Sir Kenneth Clark agreed to prepare a version of the paper for the Minister to consider next Monday.

2. OFFER OF FREE PRESS ADVERTISING

It was reported that the Brewers’ Society had offered the Ministry all their advertising space until November. Other organisations were reported to be ready to do the same. It was decided to invite the Minister to write to the Brewers’ Society to-day.

3. FABIAN SOCIETY

The Director General reported that the Fabian Society had approached the Minister suggesting that their organisation should be used. Mr. Macadam agreed to find out what work the Fabian Society were able to undertake and to make recommendations as to our attitude.

4. POINTS OF DETAIL (References are to the Report).

Part I (a) “Hitting the Germans Back”

Be careful not to create impression that the reverse operation will take place first.

Part I (b)

To make as clear as possible in the Cabinet Paper exactly what we want the various Departments to do and to emphasise the necessity that they should make practical demands on the public until there is no longer any appreciable feeling among the public that they are not being used.

Part I (c)

That every means should be taken to controvert the view “We will be no worse off under Hitler”: Mr. Kirkpatrick to prepare a list of headings for use in this connection.

Part I (d)

That we should try to bring about much greater activity in the way of marching soldiers, particularly Dominion forces, military demonstrations and all sorts of general signs of corporate activity.

Part II

Said to be not enough broadcasts by women of standing. Question whether need was not greater for representative women from various classes speaking of their own experiences and resolution. To have a special liaison with prominent entertainment stars, such as Jack Warner, etc., who required guidance as to the line they should take.

Part III (a)

Desirable to pay attention to “Everybody's Weekly” who might take up the theme referred to in I (c)

Difficulty of assisting “The Spectator” by increasing paper ration on account of rival claims of “New Statesman” and “Time & Tide”. (“Spectator”, however, ordered by the India Office for distribution)