HC Deb 22 November 1965 vol 721 cc23-4W
Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what consideration he gave, when taking a decision to publish an official book on the activities of the Special Operations Executive in France, to its effect in nullifying the guarantees of secrecy given by officers and officials.

Mr. George Thomson

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister informed the hon. Gentleman in a recent letter, the decision to publish this book was reached by the previous Government and endorsed by the present one only after the most careful consideration. I am satisfied that publication of the book will not involve any breach of faith or understanding with former members of Special Operations Executive. Although the Government have the right to authorise the publication of any information from official records which they think appropriate, those members of Special Operations Executive who bore a significant responsibility for the direction of the French Section's activities and who are mentioned by name have been consulted to ensure that they have no objection.