HC Deb 01 October 1941 vol 374 c587
85. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Information whether any steps were taken to prevent the British Press from publishing the Christian names, ages, relationships and portraits of the five boys who crossed the Channel to join the Free French forces, and from stating the part of occupied France from which they carried and whether he is aware that their parents or guardians are likely to be identified and punished?

Mr. Thurtle

Publicity in this case was only given after consultation with the Free French authorities in this country, who agreed that there was no objection to the publication of photographs of these boys.

Mr. Keeling

Did the Free French agree to the other four categories of particulars being published?

Mr. G. Strauss

May I ask whether the boys were consulted?

Mr. Thurtle

I am unable to say whether the Free French authorities agreed to the other particulars being published, but I do not think the boys themselves were consulted.

Mr. Keeling

Is my hon. Friend aware that this is a very serious matter, and will he take steps to see that this sort of thing does not happen again?

Mr. Thurtle

I will certainly draw the attention of my right hon. Friend to the observations made by my hon. Friend.

Mr. Thorne

Did the boys object to having their photos taken?