"LET DOWN"

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 172, 23 July 1941, Page 8

"LET DOWN"

COLONEL CHARGED MR. SEMPLE ANNOYED "SECRET INFORMATION" (By Tel»«r»ph.—P»rli»mentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. The Auckland report concerning the resolution of protest passed by Remuera Home Guardsmen last night was brought under the notice of the Minister of National Service, the Hon. R. Semple, to-day. The Minister said that the report led people to believe that he had some personal grievance against Colonel Aldred and that the remarks that he (Mr. Semple) had made were not in the best interests of the Home Guard. All he had done was to resent publication in the Press of information given to Colonel Aldred in confidence. Colonel Aldred had been advised by General Young, Dominion commander of the Home Guard, that the information was secret and was not to be divulged until the matter had been discussed officially by the War Cabinet and till authority had been given for a statement to be made, said Mr. Semple. Organised The Guard In publishing the statement that he did. Colonel Aldred had let down General Young and the Government, and he (Mr. Semple) had taken exception to that. "To suggest that I would do anything to injure the Home Guard is ridiculous," said Mr. Semple- "Along with General Young. I traveled this country for four months, night and da3 r , to organise the Home Guard, and it is unlikely that I would attempt to do anything to destroy the organisation I assisted to create, and which, in my opinion, is essential to the safety and welfare of this country. As far as I am concerned this matter is closed. "After tne War Cabinet has considered the question of the Home Guard and its relationship to the Army, a properly authorised statement will be made." concluded Mr. Semple. "I ask all Home Guardsmen in this country to be patient and wait until the official statement, comes down." See report on illustrations page.