 The
official history of the D notice system, the voluntary self-censorship
arrangement between the media and Whitehall, has just been published - though,
ironically, only after five chapters had been excised.
The history, written by Rear Admiral Nicholas Wilkinson, one of the
more enlightened past secretaries of the Committee, provides telling
insights into the relationships between editors and Britain's defence,
security and intelligence establishment. The voluntary nature of the D
notice system - it has no legal status - meant that personal friendships
were crucial. Some would say they still are.
Plans are afoot to publish the full history - including the past 12
years - as soon as Labour is out of power. Self-censorship acts in
mysterious ways.
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