The Privy Council met at Windsor last Saturday, and issued
Orders as to the secret Session of Parliament. They take the form of additions to the Defence of the Realm Regulations, and have caused some surprise by their drastic and comprehensive nature. No newspaper or other printed publication and no public speaker may "publish any report of, or purport to describe, or refer to," the proceedings of a secret Session of either House, except so far as they may receive official communication from the Press Bureau. So much was to be expected, but the regulations go further. U shall be an offence to publish reports of, or to purport to describe, or to refer to, the proceedings of the Cabinet, or to any confidential information received from a Government Department or official. The need for such Orders must be due to, and the real effect will depend upon, the interpretation placed upon loyalty by Ministers and Government servants, as well as by editors and private persons.
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