§ 69. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Minister of Defence how many officials of the public relations section of his Department were on duty on the morning of 12th July; what was the seniority of the officer who made the statement to the Exchange Telegraph Company on the 13W flight of the United States RB-47, shot down by the Russians, which was later denied; who was consulted before the denial was issued; and whether he will give an assurance that no disciplinary action will be taken against the officer who made the first statement to the Exchange Telegraph Company.
§ Mr. WatkinsonFive officials were on duty in the Public Relations section. The officer who was in communication with the Exchange Telegraph Company was the Deputy Director. No higher authority was consulted about cancelling the report, because the Company itself cancelled the report as soon as the official had pointed out to the Company that due to a misunderstanding the report gave an incorrect impression. No disciplinary action is being taken.