SOLDIERS IN EXCELLENT HEALTH AND SPIRITS

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 119, 13 February 1940, Page 11

SOLDIERS IN EXCELLENT HEALTH AND SPIRITS

The safe arrival in Egypt of the first echelon of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force was announced last night by tne Deputy-Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser. The British Navy, he said, had again demonstrated its protective strength in safely conveying troops from the outposts of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The soldiers travelled in ships of the best class, and the naval escort was not only adequate but most imposing. The success or the organization associated with the embarkation of the troops in New Zealand was also mentioned by Mr. Fraser, who took the opportunity to define the Government’s attitude on the general question of publicity as it affects the war. .

“On behalf of the Prime Minister and the Government, it gives me great pleasure to announce that the hirst Echelon of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force has disembarked safely in Egypt,” said Mr. Eraser. “The British Navy has! again demonstrated its protective strength in safely convoying troops from the outposts of the British Commonwealth of Nations. It has done so in this instance just as efficiently as it guarded the transportation of the British Expeditionary Force across the English Channel to France. “It is a great source of gratification and thankfulness to us all that our men have arrived safely, and, we are informed,/in good health and excellent spirits. They have gone overseas with the high purpose of serving personally in the struggle for democracy and civilization. Stand For Freedom. “They have literally, along with so many brave men from the United Kingdom and the other British Dominions, and in co-operation with our gallant French Allies, entered the lists against forces which if triumphant would overthrow’ .everything that the people of New Zealand hold dear in our political, social, economic, moral and spiritual life, and. which would reduce our country to the position of a vassal State, and our people to a condition of hopelesls servitude. “These , gallant pioneers who have answered the call—a call inseparable from our nationhood, excited admiration when they marched through our cities on the eve of departure. They are typical New Zealanders —mostly by birth, some by adoption—and they have decided to stand shoulder to shoulder with the lighting men of every nation which is prepared to take a stand for international freedom because they hate bondage. “The people of the Dominion will be glad to know that our soldiers travelled in ships of the best class. Having bad the opportunity of inspecting them personally along with the Minister of Defence, I can vouch for that fact. Every possible provision was made for their comfort and well-being and they were generally provided for in a manner fit for men who are ready to perform the most immediate and by far the most important service possible in this nation’s behalf. The naval escort was not only adequate but was most imposing. Expeditious Dispatch.

“So many people were responsible for the organization necessary so successfully to complete the embarkation of the New Zealand soldiers that I could not even attempt to-thank them individually. The community effort involved the service of raaiiy, including all those engaged in transport, and the workers on the waterfront and elsewhere. .In this connexion there were some fine performances. The expeditious dispatch of a transport from Lyttelton necessitating all night work on the part of many men was an outstanding example. Comforts in great variety and in substantial quantity were placed on all ships by the National Patriotic Fund Board, and the gener-ous-hearted citizens who made these gifts possible deserve our thanks. On behalf of the Government • and the people of New Zealand I most sincerely thank all who assisted. “This is a Utting opportunity to say a word on the subject of publicity in New Zealand as it. affects the war, and specially our own war effort. Everybody encounters rumours, sometimes of a most disturbing character, but generally merely mischievous. Jt is unfortunate that there appears to be no means of preventing the spread of these, but I earnestly counsel everyone to cultivate a habit of mind which will discourage their circulation.

Attitude To Publicity. “The Director of Publicity has suggested that I should, in a few words, make plain the Government’s attitude on the general question of publicity. It is not only our desire, but our set purpose, to give to the people of the Dominion the maximum of information consistent with the fullest regard for the safety of our troops and ships. For instance, every informed person in the community knew that troops had departed overseas, but it was our responsibility to prevent, the publication of anything in any form which would be calculated to help the enemy to locate their position or to estimate the strength of the ships of war which formed part of the convoy. It is our responsibility to protect our men in every possible way, and, therefore, we adopt < very conceivable precaution, and the people of our country must, remember that we are at grips with an enemy in Nazi Germany which is as crafty in warfare as it. is cruel and unscrupulous in the pursuit of its international ambition.

“The task ahead is as stupendous as it is necessary," said Mr. Fraser. “That the people of New Zealand will prove equal to it. I have no doubt. Neither have I any misgivings regarding their determination to make any necessary sacrifice to secure the triumph of that international righteousness on which only lasting and honourable peace can be based."