ABSTRACT
In September 1954, a Political event severely disrupted the Media/Official relationship. The Minister of Supply, Duncan Sandys, addressed a Society of British Aircraft Constructors dinner on the eve of the Farnborough Air Show. Taking the opportunity to publicise achievements of the British aircraft industry to an international audience, he ran through many matters of little military significance, such as increases in output and workforce, exports of £60 million a year, improved gas turbine engine performance, developments in rocket motors and helicopters, and the new P1 fighter. Then, at the end of his speech, he without forewarning talked about current vertical take-off aircraft trials, something then covered by D-Notice No.9 (Secret Aircraft List).
