NEWS SERVICES TO DOMINIONS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 116, 11 February 1944, Page 5

NEWS SERVICES TO DOMINIONS

British Papers’ Comment LONDON, February 9. Criticism of the slow transmission of Press messages from Britain to Australia and New Zealand has started in English newspapers. The-“ Daily Sketch” says: “It seems incredible that after the war has lasted well over four years there should be justification for legitimate complaints about lack of adequate cabling facilities between London and, of all places, the countries of the Empire. This is an unforgiveable state of affairs, and there is no conceivable excuse for its existence or continuance.” The “Yorkshire Post” says: “This is a matter of serious importance. As its chairman, Lieut.-Colonel Astor, reminded the Empire Press Union, there are plenty of other news sources besides Britain. Recent speeches of representative Empire statesmen on the possibility of forming a common foreign policy have shown, how necessary it is for the members of the whole British Commonwealth to be able at all times to gain a correct impression of each other’s viewpoints. This essential understanding might easily be hindered if news of British decisions and of the trend of British public opinion reached the Dominions’ capitals not from London but from New York.”

The “Glasgow Herald” says: “The Dominions are clearly entitled, specially in wartime, to the best attainable news service from London. It is only too evident that the existing conditions are deplorable. London is in grave danger of being displaced by New York as the centre on which the Empire depends for its news, Australia and New Zealand are struggling against insuperable obstacles.”

COMPANY’S MEASURES

Assisting Press Traffic (Received February 10,* 9.25 pun.) LONDON, February 9. Cable and Wireless, Limited, announce that to meet the growing pressure on their services additional circuits are being established as rapidly as possible. To assist with the working of Press traffic Colonel H. J. Wellingham has taken up duties as Press liaison officer. Colonel Wellingham has wide experience in overseas telegraph communications. He held till his' release from the army an. important post in the Royal Electrical and Mechnical Engineers, signals division. Cable and Wireless also announce the appointment of two public relations officers, who are experienced journalists.