BRITISH FORCES FOR PACIFIC

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24567, 16 May 1945, Page 7

BRITISH FORCES FOR PACIFIC

Full Part In War Withjapan "LONG, HARD BATTLES AWAIT NAVY” LONDON, May 14. “British troops, specially trained for Pacific warfare, are on their way to the war against Japan,” says the mill* tary correspondent of the Press Association. “Vast supplies, of special equipment are going with them. ' “The Royal Air Force has allocated certain squadrons for duties with the armies, and they will leave soon. The R.A.F. will take part in bombing Japan. Plans for the training and dispatch of large British forces were operating before the cease fire in Europe.” The First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval {Staff (Adjmiral of the Fleet Sir Andrew Cunningham), on receiving the Honorary Freedom of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers in London, .said: “Now that the war in Europe has closed, the Royal Navy’s main effort will be turned against Japan. The cease fire bugle in Europe is the signal for the sailor to pack his bag for the Far East, where long, hard battles still await him. “At home, even when the last U-boat has been rounded up, there will remain the sweeping of mines to make the seas safe for the merchant ships and the fisherman. The Navy’s job is, therefore, far from done, and any rejoicing at our European victory must be tempered with a thought for those of all our forces who, are still fighting the war in the East.” DEFENCE PLANS IN JAPAN “PEOPLE’S ARMY” TO BE FORMED (Rec. 0 p.m.) NEW YORK, May 14. The Prjme Minister of Japan (Admiral Suzuki), addressing Japan’s 46 prefecture! governors, asked them to Immediately form a people’s volunteer defence army. He empowered them to take any steps necessary, and assured them that the Government would shoulder responsibility for any drastic measures they might have to carry out. The Tokyo radio says Suzuki urged them to obtain the people’s confidence, and declared that the key to victory lay more than anything else in the people’s faith in their leaders. The Home Minister (General Abe) said the governors would be expected to lead contingents, in collaboration with the army, if the time came.