§ 45. Mr. Norman Bowerasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the recent agreement between Mr. Molotov and himself on the question of opening a second front in Europe, and in the interests of preserving the maximum of secrecy regarding our strategic plans, he will issue a public statement as to the undesirability of continually mentioning the necessity for opening a second front in newspaper articles and speeches?
§ The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)While it is natural that full expression should be given to our determination to open a second front, I am glad to take this opportunity of reiterating publicly the undesirability of speculation, whether in articles or in speeches as to the time or place of future Allied offensive operations.
§ Major PetherickIs it not the fact that any decision taken in regard to any campaign in any part of the world can only be left safely to those who have the full facts at their disposal, namely, the Government, and is "not such slipshod strategy idiotic and dangerous?