§ 30. Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister of Information why the post of Director at the British Information Office at Istanbul has been left vacant since November; and will he take steps to fill this post without further delay?
§ The Minister of Information (Mr. Duff Cooper)This matter is still engaging the attention of the Ministry, but a suitable candidate for the post has not yet been found.
§ Mr. LipsonIs the Minister aware that that answer is most unconvincing and quite unsatisfactory? Does not he attach any importance to propaganda in Turkey, and, if so, is it not inexcusable to keep a position like this vacant since last November?
§ Mr. CooperThe headquarters of propaganda are at Ankara, the capital. Sir Denison Ross performed extremely useful work in Istanbul, but the House will appreciate that it is very difficult to find a man possessing the very exceptional qualities of Sir Denison Ross.
§ Mr. LipsonWill the right hon. Gentleman give his personal attention to the matter and see that an appointment is made?
§ Mr. CooperI can assure the hon. Gentleman that I think it is better not to make an appointment until later on rather than to make a wrong one,