TROOPS IN EGYPT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 132, 15 March 1940, Page 3

TROOPS IN EGYPT

RUMOURS ABOUT HEALTH.

MINISTER’S STRONG DENIAL.

(Per Press Association). DUNEDIN, March 14

An emphatic denial of rumours that a high percentage of men of the Ist Echelon, are being returned to New Zealand as medically unfit was given by the Minister for Defence (tne Hon. F. Jones), when discussing the health of the troops in an interview to-day. The statements that were being made were evidently part’of a planned whispering campaign, Mr Jones said; but fortunately it was possible to state, on the authority of Major-General B. C. Freyberg, f that the troops in Egypt w r ere in excellent health.

.‘‘Rumour - mongers are whispering that the number of men being returned to New Zealand as medically unfit has reached high figures,” the Minister said, “and I therefore hasten to deny these statements, which seem to be circulated deliberately with the object of causing public concern. Individuals who spread rumours of this nature are beneath contempt, and I would ask the people of New Zealand, in all sincerity, to decline to listen to any such statements, which evidently emanate as part of a planned whispering campaign.” Mr Jones said lie felt sure that the public would take warning, should any similarly contemptible methods bo used in the future. In actual fact, the number of men invalided out of the Ist Echelon through sickness or normal causes was remarkablyffe r , and he had been advised by the Director-General of Medical Services (Colonel F. T: Bowerbank) that the percentage of sickness was considerably below that nornrally provided for in an army and, indeed,, was also below the ratio operating in civil life.

“In order to reassure the people of New Zealand concerning the health of their relatives and - friends now in Egypt,” the Minister said, “I cabled General Freyberg, stating that, the rumour I have mentioned w r as being circulated. His reply reads as follows: “‘Rumour absolutely without foundation. Health of troops excellent.’

“It is hoped,” Mr Jones said in conclusion, “that those responsible for originating and circulating the rumour will appreciate the fact that they fully deserve the contempt of every decentminded citizen of this country.”