Item 11: General William Holmes papers, September 1914-January 1915 - Page 128
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[Page 128]
Copy.
Territory of Papua.
Government House,
Port Moresby, 21st., August 1914
Confidential
No. 4/14
Sir,
I have the honor to state that much of the information which has been transmitted to me as as secret and confidential by Naval Authorities became, soon after the arrival of H.M.A.S.'s "Australia" and "Encounter", common property throughout Port Moresby.
One item of information was conveyed to me personally as being of so confidential a nature that I was requested not to repeat it even to my Private Secretary; needless to say I did not repeat it, but a few days afterwards it was current rumour in the town.
I am, of course, aware of the great difficulty there is in inducing men to hold their tongues, and I do not mean to offer criticism. My object in calling attention to the facts I have mentioned is to prevent any suspicion that either the Censor, my Private Secretary or myself has not observed the confidence that has been reposed in us.
I have etc.,
(Sgd) J.H.P. Murray.
Lt-Gov.
The Honourable
The Minister of State for External Affairs,
Melbourne.