HC Deb 29 March 1944 vol 398 cc1437-8
60. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Minister of Information whether, in view of the fact that the American Office of War Information now release for publication in the American Press copies of leaflets dropped by the American Air Force over Germany, he will do the same in respect of leaflets dropped by the R.A.F.

62. Mr. Stokes

asked the Minister of Information why leaflets dropped over Germany by the R.A.F. and U.S.A.F. have been published in America, and yet for security reasons are not allowed to be published here; and will he now place translated copies of all such leaflets in the Library.

The Minister of Information (Mr. Brendan Bracken)

There has been no difference between the policies of the American Office of War Information and of the Political Warfare Executive in regard to the publication of leaflets. The leaflet recently released to the Press in the United States is one which had previously been published in Sweden. Many leaflets are directly concerned with military operations, and this precludes their being released for publication as a matter of routine. I hope, however, that it will shortly prove possible to make arrangements for the co-ordinated release of certain categories of British and American leaflets, and I should be glad to arrange for these to be made available in the Library.

Mr. Strauss

What categories has the right hon. Gentleman in mind, and why should they not be released generally, instead of only to Members of Parliament?

Mr. Bracken

The categories I have in mind are operational leaflets, which are prepared by the P.W.E. for the Allied Command. It is quite impossible for me to release those categories for the House.

Mr. Strauss

The right hon. Gentleman has misunderstood my question. I asked what categories he has in mind that could be released, and why they could not be released generally, instead of only for the Library of the House of Commons?

Mr. Bracken

We cannot release these all over the country, because there is a shortage of paper, but the categories which I hope will be released are the ordinary propagandist leaflets and some of the newspapers which we drop on Germany. I cannot guarantee that the ordinary operational leaflets will be put in the Library or shown to anyone.

Mr. Stokes

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when I put the Question down the first time it was returned for security reasons, although the leaflets had been published in America? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the newspapers in this country have reported that a number of leaflets have been published?

Mr. Bracken

I will look into the matter, but I do not think that a number have been published.

Sir William Davison

In view of statements that leaflets have been circulated from this country in order to interfere with the Presidential election in America, can my right hon. Friend make a denial that any such leaflets have been circulated?

Mr. Bracken

I must remind my hon. Friend that the R.A.F. are not dropping leaflets over Germany in order to return President Roosevelt.