HC Deb 05 December 1944 vol 406 cc373-4W
Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the recent Press story, accompanied by photographs, about the four German boys who had acted as snipers, had been passed by any military censor.

Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for War why the story of German boys to be court-martialled for firing on American troops together with a picture was allowed to pass censorship and thus secure the appearance of authenticity; and whether, to preserve the reputation of reliability, he will cause inquiries to be made in the matter with a view to minimising such misleading reports in the future.

Sir J. Grigg

I understand that the story in question came from a correspondent accredited to, and working on, the front of the American Armies and passed through field censorship. Censorship is for military security and the field censor was not in a position to check the accuracy of a story of this kind. The question of any further action is for the Supreme Commander.