SAFE ARRIVAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24221, 13 February 1940, Page 8

SAFE ARRIVAL

THE FIRST ECHELON TROOPS NOW IN EGYPT PROTECTION OF THE NAVY EFFICIENT ESCORT SYSTEM (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, Feb, 12. The safe arrival in Egypt of the first echelon of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force was announced by the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr P. Fraser, to-night. The 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.

“On behalf of the Prime Minister and the Government it gives me great pleasure to announce that the first 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 of serving personally in the struggle for democracy and civilisation,” Mr Fraser said. “ They have

A full account of the departure of the troops, together with illustrations, will be found on pages 4 and 5.

literally, along with so many brave men from the United Kingdom and other British dominions and in cooperation with our gallant French Allies, entered the lists against forces which, if triumphant, would overthrow everything the people of New Zealand hold dear in our poli-' tical, 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 n “ 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 they have decided to stand shoulder to shoulder with the fighting men of every nation which is prepared to take a stand 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 provided 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. Tribute to Organisation

“So many people were responsible for the organisation necessary so successfully 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 those 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 the 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 unfortunate that there appears to be no means of preventing the spread of these rumours, but 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 and the War “It is not only our desire,” Mr Fraser said, “ but our set purpose to 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 overseas, but it was our responsibility to prevent 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 therefore we adopt every conceivable precaution. The people of our country must remember that we are at grips with an enemy in Nazi Germany which is as crafty in warfare as it is cruel and unscrupulous in the pursuit of its international ambition.

“ The task ahead,” Mr Fraser concluded, “is as stupendous as it is necessary that the people of New