§ 23. Mr. SWANasked the Secretary of State for War when it is proposed to abolish the censorship on soldiers' letters dispatched from the Expeditionary Forces abroad to their homes; and, if he does not propose to abolish it, can he explain the reasons for its continuance?
Captain GUESTThe censorship of soldiers' letters by regimental officers was abolished, except in theatres of active operations, on the 11th January. The censorship of civil mails to and from zones in which Expeditionary Forces are situated is being continued for military reasons. The censorship of soldiers' letters at the base, which is a corollary of the censorship of civil mails, will therefore not be abolished at present.
Captain GUESTWherever you have troops in a country—enemy or otherwise—the Government consider that freedom of expression is not always advisable.