SAFE AT DESTINATION

Evening Star, Issue 23499, 13 February 1940, Page 4

SAFE AT DESTINATION

v First Echelon in Egypt Announcement by Deputy Premier LUXURY LIFE AT SEA [Per United' Press Association.] WELLINGTON, February 12. The safe arrival in Egypt of the first echelon ,of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force was announced by the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. P. Fraser, to-night. Tho British Navy, he said, had again demonstrated its protective strength by safely convoying troops from the outposts of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The soldiers travelled in ships of the best class and the naval escort’‘was not only adequate but most imposing. The success of the organisation associated with the embarkation of the troops in New Zealand was also mentioned -by Mr Fraser, who took the opportunity to define the Government’s attitude on the general question of publicity as it affects the war. A London cablegram states: Correspondents who witnessed the landing of the Australian and New Zealand troops in the Middle East in the early hours of to-day commented upon the splendid physical condition of the men. A message from the King was conveyed to the troops on the ships, in which he expressed his warmest wishes for the future. General Freyberg’s comments upon the occasion were characteristic. “I wager any military experience I possess,” he said, “ backing it by the men under my command thlfc these troops will uphold the standard set by the New Zealand troop# in the last war/’ The War Office announces that the Australian Imperial ¥orce and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force have begun to arrive in the Middle East and are proceeding to their specified areal. The Second Australian Imperial Force is under the command of Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Blarney, C. 8., C.M.G., ■ D.S.O. The New Zealand force is commanded by MajorGeneral B. O. Freyberg, Y.C.; C.M.G., D.S.O. The health of the troops is excellent and they are in high spirits. Writing from a troopship at sea, a member of the first echelon of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force described life as an absolute luxury after camp. “lam in a two-berth 'cabin,” he writes. ■“ The meals are first-class. For example, we have bacon, eggs, and tomatoes for breakfast. We cannot mention much about our movements, our ship, or convoy, but really it is a marvellous sight to, see all these big ships in formation. Most of the day is spent in sports—boxing, wrestling, deck tennis, and deck quoits. One doesn’t feel much like a soldier, but really like a tourist. Still, what drill and parades we do have are not begrudged by anyone, and there is a distinct improvement both in health and bearing. We have had our vaccination. s ‘ New badges have been issued. They bear two fern leaves enclosing the initials, N.Z., with a crown on top and the word ‘ Onward ’ on a scroll underneath. Special boat drill is given occasionally, and at sunset a blaek-out is enforced, with all the portholes closed and everything in absolute darkness. Everything is cheap on board—cigarettes, tobacco, and beer.’-

MR FRASER'S BROADCAST “ On behalf of the Prime Minister and the Government it gives me great pleasure to announce that the -firt* echelon of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force has disembarked safely in Egypt,” said Mr . Fraser, The Navy has in this instance performed its escort task just as efficiently as it guarded the transportation of the British Expeditionary Force across, the English Channel to France. It is a great source of gratification and thankfulness to us all that our men have arrived safely, and, we are informed, in good health and excellent spirits. “ The men of the first echelon have gone overseas with the high purpose or serving personally in, the struggle for democracy and civilisation, Mr Fraser said. “ They have literally, along with so many brave men from the United Kingdom and other British dominions and in co-operation with pur gallant French Allies, entered the lists against forces which, if triumphant, would overthrow everything the people of New Zealand holdl dear in our political, social, economic, moral and spiritual life and which, would reduce our country to the position of a vassal State and our people to a condition of hopeless servitude. “ These gallant pioneers who have answered the call—a call inseparable from our nationhood—excited admiration when they marched through our cities on the eve of departure,” Mr Fraser said. “They are typical New Zealanders, mostly by birth, some by adoption, and thev have decided to stand shoulder to shoulder with the fighting men of every nation which is prepared to take a standi for international freedom because they hate bondage. “ The people of the Dominion will be glad to know that our soldiers travelled in ships of the best class. Having had an opportunity of inspecting them personally, along with the Minister of Defence, I can vouch for that fact. Every possible provision was made for their comfort and well-being, and they were generally providedl for in a manner fit for men who are ready to perform the most immediate and by far the most important service possible in this nation’s behalf. The naval escort was not only adequate but was most imposing.. COMMUNITY CO-OPERATION.

“ So many people 'were responsible for the most important service possible cessfully to complete the embarkation of the New Zealand soldiers,” Mr Fraser said, " that I could not even attempt to thank them individually. The

community effort involved the service of many, including all thole engaged in transport and the workers on waterfront and elsewhere. In this connection there were some fine performances. The expeditious despatch of a transport from Lyttelton, necessitating all-night Work on the part of many men, was an outstanding example. “ Comforts in great variety and in substantial quantity were placed on all the ships by the National Patriotic Fund Board, and the'generous-hearted citizens who made these gifts possible deserve our thanks. On behalf of the Government and the people of New Zealand I most sincerely thank all who assisted, “This is a fitting opportunity,” Mr Fraser continued, “ to say a word on •the subject of publicity in New Zealand as it affects the war and especially our own war effort. Everyone encounters rumours, sometimes of the most disturbing character, but generally merely mischievous. It is unfor. tunate that there _ appears to be no means of preventing the spread of thesa rumours, hut I earnestly counsel everyone to cultivate a habit of mind which will discourage their circulation. The Director of Publicity has suggested that I should in a few words make plain the Government’s attitude on the general question of publicity.

PUBLICITY POLICY. "It is not only our desire,” Mr Fraser said, " but our set purpose t® give, the people of the Dominion the maximum information consistent ■with the fullest regard for the safety of our troops and ships. For instance, every informed person in the community knew the troops had departed ovemeas, but it was our responsibility, to pro* vent the publication of anything in any form which would be calculated to help the enemy to locate their position or estimate the strength of the ships of war which formed part of the convoy. It is our responsibility to protect our men in every possible way, and there* fore we adopt every conceivable precaution. The people of our country mush remember that we are at grips with an enemy in Nazi Germany which is a« crafty in warfare as it is cruel and unscrupulous in the pursuit of . its international ambition. ' “ The task ahead,” Mr Fraser concluded, "is so stupendous that it ia necessary that the people of New Zealand should prove equal to it. I hay* no doubt, neither have I any misgivings, regarding their determination to N make any necessary sacrifice to Secure the triumph of that international righteousness on which the only lasting and honourable peace can be based.”