NO MIDDLE COURSE
ARRIVAL OF HOSPITAL SHIPS MINISTER ON THE NEED , OF SECRECY. EARLIEST NOTICE POSSIBLE TO NEXT OF KIN. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. “After careful consideration of all factors, and in particular the anxious desire of relatives and friends of returning personnel to have information of the departure for New Zealand and impending arrival of returning troops, the Government has decided,” said the Minister of Defence, Mr Jones, in a statement last night, “that the closest secrecy regarding the movements of hospital ships is the only possible course to secure the fullest protection for them. It will, of course, be recognised that there can be only one of two polices—reasonably controlled publicity or absolute secrecy. There can be no efficacious middle course.
“On the arrival of a hospital ship or other ship bringing soldiers home next-of-kin of returned men will be notified by telegram of their safe arrival and future movements, and lists of personnel who have arrived will be published as early as possible,” said the Minister. “It will be carried out with the greatest expedition compatible with the necessity for having every man's condition properly ascertained and recorded, so that his future as regards hospital treatment, medical attention, war pension and employment may be safeguarded and provided for. This procedure is explained to the men before their arrival in New Zealand.
At the first opportunity, which will in all cases precede the departure of drafts from the clearing hospital for their home towns, notification through army area offices will be given to all those concerned with welcoming arrangeemnts in home towns. As much notice as possible will be given of the impending arrival of drafts and mayors, patriotic committees, R.S.A. and all others interested, will understand that the notice is the maximum that the policy of secrecy -will permit and will carry out all arrangements necessary to co-operate with the army to make the homecoming of men as comfortable and pleasant as possible. “When drafts proceed from the clearing hospital to their home towns they will, wherever necessary, be under the care of doctors, nurses and fully-train-ed orderlies provided by the Health Department. “Those soldiers who have already passed through the clearing hospital in Wellington and members of the general public who have visited it have been generous in their praise of the completeness of the hospital and the treatment of the patients,” said Mr Jones. “Next of kin of soldiers who return can rest assured that everything possible will be done for the comfort' and well-being of the invalided men who have suffered wounds or sickness in serving their country.”
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Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 September 1941, Page 7
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436NO MIDDLE COURSE Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 September 1941, Page 7
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