§ 22. Major Petherickasked the Secretary of State for Air, whether, in the case of operations involving the bombing of enemy or enemy occupied countries the Press reports will in future, provided 1364 security conditions permit, state in each case whether the operations are carried out by British, American or other Allied units in view of the interest these arouse in the countries of those units?
§ Captain BalfourThe procedure suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend is, in fact, followed where security and other considerations permit. In the case of operations, such as most of the night attacks by Bomber Command in which squadrons and personnel of many nationalities take part, it is not practicable to follow it. Dominion and Allied Air Force Headquarters have, however, at their disposal all available information regarding the activities of their units and subject to security considerations communicate it to their national press. In addition, arrangements are made for the exploits of Dominion and Allied units to be frequently broadcast in the B.B.C. Home and Overseas programmes.
§ Major PetherickWould my right hon. and gallant Friend be good enough to give some publicity to the question, because it is believed in the U.S.A. that we do not give sufficient prominence to the deeds of American airmen in the air in our Press reports?
§ Captain BalfourI hope that the Question which my hon. and gallant Friend has put and the answer I have given to-day will achieve that purpose.