MOVEMENTS OF FORCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15700, 29 August 1914, Page 9

MOVEMENTS OF FORCE.

THE NEED FOR SECRECY.

APPEAL BY GOVERNOR

NECESSARY PRECAUTION.

[BY TELEGRAPH, —PRESS ASSOCIATION'.]

Wellington, Friday.

After formal business had been transacted in tho House of Representatives this evening, tho I'rimo Minister read a message from the Governor in which His Excellency expressed tho earnest bopo that when the time arrives for the embarkation of the expeditionary forco for Europe no questions will bo asked or suggested as to tho route. Not that His Excellency does not det.ii o to give all portions of news which will bo of interest to the people of New Zealand, but because it is vitally important to keep all tho movements of the forco as secret as possible, so that the risk of news finding its way to tho enemy's hands should bo reduced to a minimum. In order that no stop shall be left unturned to prevent any chanco hap|iening which would endanger the lives of tho members of the expedition, His Excellency would suggest that it is inadvisable to give particulars of anv step 6 which either this Dominion or any other dependency of tho Crown is taking to defend itself.

His Excellency feels certain that he will not have to appeal in vain to the people and tho public press, as throughout the crisis they have manifested in such a marked degree a desire to assist everyone to the utmost of their power. At tho same time the Governor feels it right to make these representations through his Prime Minister, as rumours have been circulated regarding the advance party of the expeditionary force which were entirely incorrect. As late as 8.30 a.m. on August 27 he was assured that everything was well with the advance guard of the force. His Excellency desires it to bo known that ho will at all times facilitate the circulation of any interesting news which can with safety be communicated to both peopie and press.