RIGOROUS CENSORSHIP.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 72, 14 August 1914, Page 4

RIGOROUS CENSORSHIP.

It is so long since there.was a European war, and during tlio interval such vast strides have 'been made in ■ providing facilities for rapid communication o; intelligence by electric and wireless agencies, that the danger of making known to the enemy information that would assist their plana of attack or defence has been greatly augmented. It is not, therefore, surprising to find that Britain and her allies deem its prudent to exercise an extremely rigorous cencorship over war news. It is now definitely stated that at this juncture of hostilities the movements of the British army and its allies cannot foe divulged, so that 110 news of importance can be expected after hostile engagements have taken place, and even then it is extremely doubtful whether complete details'will be given. So far ,£b France is concerned, the relatives of soldiers will be told the names of those killed and wounded without being informed as to when or where the casualties took place. This is probably the extreme limit of censorship, but it must he assumed that the military authorities know their own business, and have very good reasons for the drastic embargo cn news. Krtbwing how thoroughly and scientifically the German foreign intelligence department has been developed in recent years it is perhaps safer to take 'no risks than to satisfy a, very natural thirst for information. Unfortunately, the dearth of actual news opens the way for sensational items to U- sent over the cables, but it is hardly likely that the public will for a moment J>a misled by these evident fabrications. After all, a little patience Is what is needed, and it is fairly certain that those who • aTe keenest in their desire for news would far sooner wait for it than be the cause of a disaster to the British and allied forces through the publication of movements that would give the enemy an advantage. The old maxim, "It is better to be sure than sorry" applies with tremendous force in war time.