Goff signals a cautious review of SAS secrecy

The Government is considering partly lifting the veil of secrecy that surrounds its Special Air Service (SAS) troops.

The Government gives little information about SAS operations - fearing details could help enemies identify members of the elite force and jeopardise their secret operations.

That secrecy came under attack in recent years when the Government refused to detail the activities of SAS troops in Afghanistan - until US authorities released the information.

But Defence Minister Phil Goff yesterday signalled in Parliament he was moving to look at what additional information could be released about the SAS without endangering its soldiers.

"I think by and large what they have been doing New Zealanders would be overwhelmingly proud about," he said.

- NZPA