TELL HIM TO KEEP IT TO HIMSELF

Camp News, Volume 2, Issue 62, 28 February 1941, Page 2

TELL HIM TO KEEP IT TO HIMSELF

ORDERS TO THE SILENT COLUMN. Obey them as a soldier. 1. Remember British news is true and is always released as soon as there is no danger of it being useful to the enemy. 2. If there is an invasion don’t listen to rumour, take orders only from those in authority.' For example: don’t move until you are told to do so by somebody you know. 3. Never talk about troop movements or ship sailings. Never give the position of factories, dumps, aerodromes, defence posts and camps. . ' 4. Never allow a member of H.M. .Forces to tell you where he is stationed or what he is doing, or where he’s going. 5. Never pass on any knowledge you may possess about the place or extent of air raid damage. 6. Don’t trust enemy broadcasts and don’t discuss them with others. 7. Whenever you hear others saying the things you have been asked not to say, stop them.

HOW TO STOP OTHERS TALKING. 1. Most people talk dangerously without realising they are doing so. Tactfully point out that what they’re saying should be left unsaid. 2. If somebody- starts talking rumour take * an old envelope and start writing down what they’re saying. . , 3. The cross-question method: “Did you actually see it?” “No.” “Then who did?” “I don’t know, someone told me.” “Who told you?” “I can’t remember now.” 4. If you know somebody who makes - a habit of causing worry and anxiety by passing on rumour and who says things persistently that might help the enemytell the police, but only do this as a last resort. 5. Point out that if there is an invasion the Nazis drops disguised agents by parachute to start rumours; if people pass on these rumours they’re playing Hitler’s game.

JOIN NEW ZEALAND’S SILENT COLUMN

the great body of sensible men and women who have pledged themselves not to talk rumour and gossip and to stop others doing it.