EXPEDITIONARYFORCE

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 52, 29 August 1914, Page 2

EXPEDITIONARYFORCE

NECESSITY, FOR SECRECY MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.

When the House of Representatives met last night the Prime Minister (Right Hon. W. F. Massey) read the following statement from His Excellency the Governor : — "His Excellency earnestly hope's that when the time arrives for the embarkation of the Expeditionary Force for Europe, no questions will be asked oi\ suggested as to the route, not that His Excellenoy does not desire to give all portions of news which will be of interest to the people of New Zealand, but because it is vitally important to keep all movements of the force as secret aB possible, so that the risk of the news finding its way to the enemy's hands should, be reduced to a minimum, in order that no stone shall be left unturned to prevent any chance happening which would endanger the lives of the expedition. In the same way His Excellency would suggest that it is inadvisable to give particulars of any steps which either this Dominioa or any other Dependency of the Crown is taking to defend itself. . "His Excellency feels certain he will not have to appeal in vain to the people and public pres? of these islands, as throughout this crisis they have manifested in such a marked degree a desire to assist everyone to the utmost of their power} at, the same time, tho Governor feels it right to make these representations through his Prime Minister, as rumours have been circulated regarding the advance party of the. Expeditionary Force which wer\j entirely incorrect; as so late as 8.30 a.m. of 27th August he was assured that everything was well with the force. His Excellency desires it to be known that he will at all times fapilitpito the circulation of any interesting news which can with safety be communicated to both the people and press. " '