U.S. CENSORSHIP IN NEW ZEALAND

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23818, 11 December 1942, Page 4

U.S. CENSORSHIP IN NEW ZEALAND

APPEAL FOR CO-OPERATION OF PUBLIC

(P.A.) AUCKLAND. December 10 An appeal to New Zealanders to cooperate with the United States naval censors by observing the censorship regulations, which have been drafted for public perusal, was made by the American authorities. It was emphasised that the regulations had been announced to assist both the United States naval censors and residents of New Zealand.

Dealing with photographs, the regulations say that photographs of individuals posted to United States naval personnel or to persons residing in the United States must be absolutely unmounted. However, such photographs may be protected by cardboard or other similar material to ensure safe passage in transit through the mails; but such supports must not be picture mounts. In addition the photographer’s name must not appear on the face of the picture, nor may any pencilled or inked marks appear on the back. Finally, photographs must be mailed by the individual serviceman at his own American post office, and New Zealand residents may not mail them fer Americans.

Another regulation is that residents of New Zealand should help members of the United States Navy by not writing to families or friends in the United States of American personnel. Such action by local residents constitutes a grave breach of the censorship regulations, as serious consequences for all concerned might arise from such an act. Any attempt to be an intermediary should be scrupulously avoided. Members of the United Slates Navy arc not permitted to reveal their location, directly or indirectly. Another regulation is that in no circumstances should the location, movement, or prospective movement of any merchant ship, aircraft, naval vessel, or naval or military force be mentioned.