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Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 44, 21 February 1942, Page 8

"Therefore the turn of the tide is certain as soon as Britain and China have rallied for the attack."

LACK OF NEWS

N.Z. AIRMEN OVERSEAS

"NOT AN OMINOUS SIGN"

Several questions in connection with the delivery of mails and cables from New Zealand air personnel serving overseas were answered by the Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones) in an interview today. He emphasised that irregularities in such communications, or even a temporary cessation1 in the arrival of letters and cables, should not cause undue anxiety to next-of-kin in New Zealand.

"Many inquiries have been received by Air Headquarters, Wellington, concerning the delivery of mails and cables from Air Force personnel overseas," said the Minister, "and I should like to make it quite clear that unnecessary anxiety should not be occasioned by any delay which may arise in this connection. SURFACE DISPATCHES. "It will be remembered that following the outbreak of war in the Pacific, the trans-Pacific air service was suspended, and this," continued Mr. Jones, "has necessarily resulted in reliance having to be placed mainly on surface dispatches for mails to and from the United Kingdom and Canada, with consequent delays in transmission up to two months or more. It has not been possible, of course, for cable messages to be handled on the basis of a peacetime service, but every effort is made to ensure the quickest possible dispatch and delivery of communications. In some instances, however, delays have occurred by sheer unavoidable circumstances.

"The next-of-kin of air personnel may be assured that the lack of news is not an ominous indication that the welfare of the lads serving overseas is not all it should be. In the event -of casualties, reports are given immediate priority and next-of-kin are informed without delay. Next-of-kin may be assured also that everything possible is being done to facilitate the dispatch and delivery of communications," added the Minister.