WARNING GIVEN

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 126, 30 May 1941, Page 9

WARNING GIVEN

RUMOUR SPREADING

N.Z.E.F. CASUALTIES

SUBVERSIVE ACT

A condemnation of rumourspreading' and idle gossip concerning; the extent and nature ©f casualties was made today by the Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones). The Minister warned the public not to listen to or accept rumours regarding casualties, and stated that conduct of this kind and irresponsible repetition of idle gossip not only was upsetting to next-of-kin, but affected public morale and was subversive of the war effort. "It appears to be necessary to warn the public not to listen to or accept rumours in regard to casualties," stated Mr. Jones. "The public should also not lend credence to exaggerated reports of the nature and number of casualties. "Irresponsible repetition of idle gossip was as reprehensible as deliberate rumour-spreading and should be dealt with as such, in the public interest. It should be clearly understood that such gossip and spreading of rumour, tending as it did to the upsetting of the feelings of next-of-kin, was destructive to public morale and subversive of the war effort. "In every case," continued Mr. Jones, "all the information at the disposal of the authorities in New Zealand is furnished to the next-of-kin by telegram immediately on receipt. Next-of-kin are also notified in the same manner as progress reports come to hand. For instance, removal of a casualty from one category (such as dangerously wounded) to another (such as seriously wounded) is notified by telegram immediately advice is received by the authorities in New Zealand." FOUR CATEGORIES. The categories in which casualties were listed were four, as follows: — Slightly wounded, remaining with unit; wounded in action; seriously wounded; and dangerously wounded. Although it was not possible to determine the precise mature of wounds from these designations they were a reasonable indication as to their gravity. The notification of casualties to next-of-kin followed the War Office practice in Great Britain. "The Government realises the feelings of the next-of-kin of our boys overseas," added Mr. Jones. ''Every possible step to relieve the anxiety is being taken. Notification of every casualty and progress reports is made to the next-of-kin at. the earliest possible moment after the cablegrams reach the Dominion."