§ 6. Mr. Swinglerasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what offers of co-operation were made by the Royal Air Force to the United States authorities in connection with the exhibition of the film "The Dam Busters"; and with what results.
§ 7. Mr. Swinglerasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air upon what conditions, in regard to the content of the film, the assistance of the Royal Air Force was given in the making of the film "The Dam Busters."
Mr. WardThe agreement with the film company provided that certain scenes should be approved by the Air Ministry to ensure that there was no breach of 387 security. In addition, slight amendments were made to the script to preserve the authentic Service atmosphere.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs the Under-Secretary aware that this excellent British film was made with scrupulous attention to historical detail, in conjunction with his Service, that in the American export version it has been grossly distorted in Hollywood, particularly by the introduction of a Flying Fortress into the raid sequence? Is it not shameful that the American public has not been allowed to see the correct British version? In view of the importance of maintaining the good name of the Royal Air Force, should not some protest be made to the American authorities, because this certainly jeopardises good Anglo-American relations?
Mr. WardI am looking into all this extremely carefully now and, although am afraid I am not in a position to make a statement at the moment, I shall very carefully consider what action, if any, I ought to take.