HC Deb 25 February 1942 vol 378 c208
66. Major Sir Jocelyn Lucas

asked the Minister of Information why it was considered advisable for the British Broadcasting Corporation to disclose the identity of a German soldier who had sold petrol to an escaping Frenchman; and whether he will take steps to prevent a repetition of a similar statement?

Mr. Bracken

The B.B.C. are not to blame. This story was broadcast in the form in which it was given out at a Press conference at the Free French Headquarters, passed by the censor, and reported in the Press. The identity of the German soldier was not necessarily disclosed, but I agree that we cannot be too careful in avoiding the publication of details which would in any way prejudice further escapes to this country.