SERVICE OVERSEAS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25456, 10 February 1944, Page 6

SERVICE OVERSEAS

Sir,—Mr Eden’s recent statement regarding Japanese atrocities to Allied prisoners of war and the realistic films of conditions in re-occupied towns in Russia will come as a sharp awakening to public opinion In this country. It is equally necessary to expose the misleading pictures and articles regarding conditions under whichour own troops are existing. During my own three years’ service overseas I had frequent occasion to witness the resentment with which the troops received pictures of men surrounded by beer bottles and engaged in souvenir-buying—pictures which were said to be typical of life overseas. During our last year’s service in Egypt a percentage of the division had four days’ leave in which to carry out the practices said to be so typical of their life. I did not see any pictorial reference to the other 361 days. While this state of opinion prevails In New Zealand how can the Government effectively appeal to the consciences of strikers, go-slow workers, and ration grumblers? While occasional reference is made to the good leaves the division is having, cannot some members returned from overseas be commissioned to write a series of articles on the other side of the picture?—l am, etc., Dec. 9. Furlough Man-