24^th July 1916.

ARMY ORDER.

VII. – LEAKAGE OF MILITARY INFORMATION. – There is reason to believe that information concerning operations is being conveyed by officers and men of the British Army in the Field to their relatives at home, either personally, by letter or by telegram, and that in some cases, a code has been elaborated to facilitate the communication of information which would otherwise be stopped by the Censors.

It is to be regretted that at this stage of the war it in necessary to explain to all ranks that the sole object of the field censorship and of all the other steps taken to prevent the leakage of military information is to secure substantial gains with the least possible loss.

Each officer or man who privately transmits information (even to those on whose discretion he may have the most complete reliance) inevitably facilitates the task of the enemy’s agents and indirectly sacrifices the lives of his comrades.

This fact should be impressed on all officers and men, so that all ranks may co-operate to ensure that the progress of the Army is not imperilled or rendered more costly by the criminal folly of a few individuals, who if discovered will be severely dealt with.

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By Command of the Army Council.

(Signed) R.H. BRADE.

Note. – A copy of this Army Order will be issued to every officer serving in the Army, who will bring it continually to the notice of those serving under him.