CENSORSHIP APPLICATION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 13 April 1945, Page 5

CENSORSHIP APPLICATION

ONLY WHEN NECESSARY SAYS EISENHOWER HONEST AND FEARLESS INFORMATION London, April 11. To enable the fastest and fullest presentations of news to the public. General Eisenhower has reiterated that all forces under his command should apply the censorship only as demanded

by the requirements of military security. General Eisenhower at said: “British and American fighting men have been reared on the ideals of free press and free speech and these are two of the great principles which we are fighting to preserve. They are among the basic rights of mankind. Public opinion wins wars, especially in democracies and public opinion must be honestly and fearlessly informed.” General Eisenhower recently instructed all land, sea and air units: “Enforced delays in the transmission of news should be prescribed only when the enemy can gain probable advantage from them. Therefore trepidation should not lead us into the mistake of constantly using negative methods, noi only to the irritation of correspondents

but frequently to the damage of the morale of our troops. “It must be remembered that censorship denies to the fighting soldier the immediate opportunity to see his services and exploits recognised and appreciated. The soldier likes to read about his unit and his local commander. Correspondents should be encouraged rather than discouraged to mention and identify units actually in the line when these have obviously been previously identified by the enemy. After a unit has been in the line 48 hours there is little need for pretending that the enemy is ignorant of its presence. “The freest possible flow of news is not only in keeping with our traditions but it is the best way to keep the public informed and working in support of the war effort.”