Too Much-Hush! Hush!

Manawatu Times, Volume 67, Issue 112, 5 September 1942, Page 4

Too Much-Hush! Hush!

A few days ago there was a 1000-word statement issued concerning the Kitty-hawk fighting plane now fairly frequently seen in our skies. The statement was very largely taken up with a recital of facts apparent to all who have seen this plane flying across the sky. To the thousands of young men in this country, air-minded young fellows who read such a typical aviation journal as the British Aeroplane, the statement referred to was nothing but one big “puff.” There was no “meat” in all its lengthy wording.

It told nothing of what guns this plane carried, nor of its speed or engine-power, nor any other of the interesting technical details that would have held the attention of our air-minded youth and many older people.

Obviously the intent was to put out a statement that would “not convey information of value to the enemy.” The joke, and it is a mighty big joke, is that the enemy already knows every innermost detail of this plane. it is recognised amongst those really acquainted with such matters that once a plane has been in operation for even a week there is very little about it not known to the enemy.

There is altogether too much hush, hush in our officialdom in this country. In marked contrast to the attitude of the British Air Ministry and also of the German. Those two most highly efficient belligerents are really the frankest in the world to-day. They do not indulge in secrecy, unless it really is worthwhile. By contrast, the official attitude in the Dominion is to treat even the most trivial matters as secret. No good purpose is served thereby. As evidence of this fact be it noted that the British journal refered to published 4J months ago the fact that a certain twinengine training plane used in this country had been fitted to carry two 2501 b. bombs and was engaged in active reconnaissance. That was circulated world-wide. But New Zealanders are not allowed to know these “secrets.”