AUSTRALIAN FORCE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 65, Issue 268, 23 August 1945, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN FORCE.

HANDING OVER OF SINGAPORE. CANBERRA, Aug. 22. A paratroop battalion of 1000 men will represent Australia at the handing over of Singapore, said the Minister of the Army (Mr F. M. Forde). This force is apart from the two Australian brigades which are to share in the occupation of Japan. Mr Forde said that the men IsaA been specially trained in JJoFachute work and were now stationed in North Queensland. The brigades of the A.I.F. who would take part in the-occupation of Japan would be sent in the smartest and best available type of Australian uniforms. Surrender envoys who are expected hourly from General Teruchia, Commander-in-Chicf of the Japanese southern army, had not arrived by mid-day, local time. There is no relaxation of the British defensive measures. The Singapore radio stated that the “cease fire” order had not yet be”” issued in Asiatic souther” .egions, therefore any Allied air, sea or land approach might lead to unfortunate incidents Perfect, peace and order are being maintained in Singapore, where the Japanese forces are bearing the entire responsibility for the safety of the public. Every possible effort is being made to carry out the Emperor’s wishes, hut it is learned that the fighting spirit and morale have been kept very high throughout by officers down to privates. The Imperial emissary hearing the Emperor’s orders arrived at Japanese headquarters to-day. The Tokio radio made a special appeal to Kamikaze pilots to cease operations. The Manila correspondent of the “New York Times” points out that the broadcast clearly disclosed that Kamikaze pilots so far have defied the Emperor.