STOP PRESS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 2 September 1942, Page 6

STOP PRESS

AMALGAMATION OF SERVICES WELLINGTON, This Day—With the object of releasing the maximum number of radio technicians for more important war work, the War Cabinet on the recommendation of the Minister in Charge of Broadcasting. Mr Wilson, has decided to amalgamate the technical branches of the national and commercial broadcast mg services. Both men and equipment are affected. The decision made is expected to result in the release of a considerable number of men within the next five or six weeks. Mr J F Smith, at present chief engineer of the national service, will in future be chief engineer of the combined technical services. The technical staff of the commercial service will be taken over Consideration is being given to elimination for the duration ot the war of any and every superfluous function of broadcasting which will result in a. further release of manpower.—P.A.

SECRET GIVEN AWAY WASHINGTON, Sep.. I.—Representative Holland told the House ol Representatives that Stanley Johnston's report of the Midway battle published in the Chicago “Tribune’* informed the Japanese that the American Navy knew the Japanese naval rode and added that the Japanese navy changed the code three days after The Chicago "Tribune,” the New York "Daily News," and the Washington “Times-Herald* published Johnston’s story. Mr Holland pointed out that the code enabled the United States to know in advance the names and dispositions of the Japanese ships involved. Johnston’s story gave the secret away, thus by the unthinking misuse of the freedom of the press i the. “Tribune” deprived our fide of a 1 priceless military advantage, which 1 might have saved the lives of many American boys.—P.A