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the conditions in which an Act should be brought into force are in cases of "national emergency in which it appears that the publication of information prohibited by the Act might be prejudicial to the interests of the realm." The draft of the amended Bill, which is given in Appendix I, has been so drawn up as to remain upon the Statute Book.
The Sub-Committee recommend that the War Office should be responsible for the introduction of the Bill, for the Order in Council to bring the Act into force when passed, and for inserting all arrangements in their section of the War Book; also for the concerting with the Admiralty, War Office, and Press Committee of measures for setting up a body to control the circulation of news of military interest to the Press in time of war.
Conclusions.
1. The Sub-Committee are of opinion that the friendly understanding with the Press is a great advance on the previous position, and should be given a fair trial. A report on the working of the understanding should be furnished to the heads of the Admiralty and War Office in each case as it arises, and on the general working of the scheme annually.
2. The Sub-Committee recommend that the Bill, attached in Appendix I, for the control of the Press be introduced on the outbreak of war, or at such time as the Cabinet may think desirable. They suggest that the Bill be made to operate by Order in Council, and be so drawn as to remain on the Statute Book.
3. The Sub-Committee are of opinion that the War Office should be responsible for the Bill, and for the machinery for giving effect to it after it is passed.
(Signed)
J. E. B. SEELY (Chairman),
WINSTON S. CHURCHILL. ESHER.
EYRE A. CROWE.
A. H. DENNIS.
H. B. JACKSON.
W. GRAHAM GREENE. DAVID HENDERSON. R. H. BRADE.
G. M. W. MACDONOGH.
M. P. A. HANKEY (Secretary).
2, Whitehall Gardens, S.W.
January 31, 1913.
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