WAR PUBLICITY

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21037, 13 February 1940, Page 4

WAR PUBLICITY

WARNING BY MINISTER I DANGER OF RUMOURS I THE GOVERNMENT’S ATTITUDE j <By Telegraph.—Pre?s Association) WELLINGTON, Monday j “This is a fitting opportunity to . say a word on the subject of pubi licity in New Zealand as it affects the war and especially our own war I effort," said the deputy-Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser, tonight in ; announcing the safe arrival ol New Zealand troops in Egypt. “Every- ! body encounters rumours, sometimes of a most disturbing character, but | generally merely mischievous. It is ! unfortunate that there appears to be no means of preventing the spread of these, but I earnestly counsel everyone to cultivate a habit of mind | which will discourage their circulaj tion. ! “The director of publicity has sug- | gested that I should in a few words | make plain the Government’s attii tude on the general question of pub- ' licity,” Mr Fraser Continued. “It is ! not only our desire but our set purI pose 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 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 locate their position or estimate the strength of the ships of war which formed part of the convoy. Protection of Men “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 we are at grips with an enemy in Nazi Germany which is as crafty in warfare as it is cruel and unscrupulous in pursuit of its international ambition. The task ahead is as stupendous as it is necessary. “That the people of New Zealand will prove equal to it I have no doubt,” Mr Fraser concluded. “Neither ha’ e I any misgivings regarding their determination to make any necessary sacrifice to secure the triumph of that international righteousness on which only lasting and honourable peace can be based.”