ALLEGED MURDERS OF SOLDIERS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 23, 28 January 1915, Page 8

ALLEGED MURDERS OF SOLDIERS

MR. ALLEN DISBELIEVES THE STORIES. i (rr tbumrapii— prbss association.) DUNEDIN, This Day. Published reports as to the alleged murder of two New Zealand troopers in Cairo are disbelieved by tht> Hon. James Allen, Defence Minister, to whom a reporter mentioned them. Tho Minister was obviously distressed at the grave reports, and spoke' with great feeling. "As Minister for Defence," he said emphatically, "I think these reports incorrect. I cannot believe that the deaths could have occurred in such distressing circumstances without Sir Alexander Godley reporting them to me. No report has come. I have cabled to the Commandant that the newspapers have published reports of two murders, and asking him to supply full details if the unofficial reports are accurate. General Godley sends me an official report regarding all deaths taking place, and if such deaths as those reported in the newspapers actually occurred in Cairo, and have not been reported by the Commandant, then he has neglected his duty. 1 cannot conceive that a man like General Godley would negiect such a duty. I don't believe the reports are correct."