§ 13. Mr. Russellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what proportion of the information officers employed abroad by his Department have had practical training in journalism or advertising.
§ Mr. NuttingOut of 86 overseas information officers held on the United Kingdom-based establishment of the Foreign Office, 27 have Press or advertising experience.
§ Mr. RussellDoes my right hon. Friend think that that is satisfactory? Should not the very great majority of them have had some journalistic or advertising experience? Is not that what is needed to put over propaganda?
§ Mr. NuttingI think that that point can be driven too far. I think that what is needed to explain diplomacy to the Press is a knowledge of diplomacy rather than a knowledge of the Press.