ABSTRACT
This chapter first discusses the brief historical background of the D-Notice system in the United Kingdom (UK) during 1850-1912. The D-Notice system commenced in 1912 with the formation of the Admiralty, War Office and Press Committee in the UK The chapter then discusses the history of the D-Notice system during 1912-1945. In December 1912, 'Service' journals and newspapers also agreed to participate in the system. In January 1913, a procedure was initiated whereby editors could refer confidential or apparently secret information to the Admiralty or War Office for advice. The censorship procedure during the Second World War seemed to achieve a balance that was, for the most part, satisfactory to both the press and the government. Francis Williams, Controller of News and Censorship during the latter part of the Second World War, attributed this success to a number of factors, among these being the voluntary nature of the system.
