FALSE RUMOURS

Camp News, Volume 3, Issue 113, 13 March 1942, Page 5

FALSE RUMOURS

Circulation Deprecated By Mr. Fraser DETRIMENTAL TO MORALE — The circulation of false rumours was deprecated by the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, in an address last night. He said the spreaders of false rumours, some of them stupidly reflecting on those in authority, nationally -and locally, whether they were aware of it or not were internal enemies, and should be opposed, exposed, and silenced.

“There has been some foolish talk and spreading of rumours which are destructive to our war effort,” said Mr. Fraser. “There is no need for the enemy to have Fifth Columnists in our country if our own people spread false rumours which undermine public confidence. Whether stories detrimental to the morale of our people, spreading suspicion, distrust and despondency come over the air from Tokio, or are foolishly and thoughtlessly spread in New Zealand, they are equally dangerous.”

Mr. Fraser said that some newspapers which had consistently given support to the war effort generally had unfortunately helped to create a feeling of some distrust by publishing inimical articles. One, he said, published a stupid article on the reason for Japan's precipitate, entry into the war, another permitted a wild article without foundation in fact on the occasioimof the fall of Singapore. Another' published an article completely distorting the attitude of the British Government and the British people to the Dominions, and so on. Surely that sort .of thing should be guarded against, or must it be stopped by the Press censor? He had no hesitation in saying that any necessary action would be taken to stop the dissemination of such-false statements and per spectives which were bound to have a detrimental and depressing effect on the minds of the people.

“Then there is the charge that tin 1 War Cabinet is keeping back information that, ought to be made public,” said Mr* Fraser. “That is simply not correct. Nothing is kept back except what would be of service to the enemy, or what we have been asked by Britain, the. United States or Australia not to publish.

“It is again quite wrong to say that information which could be published is being suppressed because the House of Representatives discusses matters in secret session. There is nothing to prevent Parliament having a public discussion such as the House of Com mbns has at any time, but there are many important matters which arc never discussed in the House of Commons except in secret session, just as with ourselves.”