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Historical documents

145 Commonwealth Government to Mr P. Fraser, N.Z. Prime Minister

Cablegram unnumbered 15 April 1940,

SECRET

In view of world-wide interest movements big Cunard White Star
liners [1], Commonwealth Government sought views British
Government as to whether any relaxation likely in censorship
regulation governing shipping movements. British Government
replied that any news of arrival at or departure from ports within
the jurisdiction of Allied censorship should be rigorously
suppressed. Therefore most undesirable if information relating to
presence of these ships and escorts were to be permitted.

Commonwealth Government have agreed to the suppression of any such
news and would like to know whether your Government is of same
opinion. [2]

1 These ships were used for the transport of Dominion troops.

2 Fraser replied in an unnumbered cablegram dispatched on 16 April
1940 that the New Zealand Govt entirely agreed with the views
expressed by the U.K. Govt and would suppress all references to
movements of Cunard liners (see FA: A3195, 1.2491).


[FA: A3196, 0.2232]
Last Updated: 11 September 2013
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