AIRCRAFT FROM SINGAPORE

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24676, 20 September 1945, Page 4

AIRCRAFT FROM SINGAPORE

FIRST TO ARRIVE TOMORROW MINISTER OUTLINES ARRANGEMENTS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 19. “The first aircraft from Singapore carrying released New Zealand Air Force and other service personnel is due to arrive at Auckland about Friday next,” said the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) to-night He added that R.N.Z.A.F. aircraft would continue to arrive at close intervals in the next few weeks, bringing back freed New Zealanders from the Far East! .

“As may be imagined, many difficulties had to be overcome,” said Mr Jones. “Communications have been, uncertain, and the whole operation has been greatly complicated by the failure of the Japanese throughout the war to notify the Allies of the location of prisoners of war and internees. However, the organisation is settling down, and I hope we will be able to curtail the ordeal of these prisoners and ihternees by effecting their speedy return to New Zealand. - “Transport aircraft ' will land at Whenuapai, but arrangements have been made to transport the passengers immediately to various reception centres. Each service will take over ■ its own personnel, but the Army will also be responsible for civilians arriving by these aircraft.” Mr Jortes asked that next-of-kin who might be in Auckland should not endeavour to meet arrivals at Whenuapai. “We want to get them to the various service reception centres as soon as possible after arrival, and next-of-kin may meet them there if they desire. “It is likely that the repatriates will be detained overnight for medical examinations,” Mr Jones continued. "They are coming from areas where tropical diseases are prevalent, and naturally we want to see they have the fullest medical attention without deJay. It may thus be possible that repatriates will not be proceeding immediately to their homes. They will be given travelling warrants, food, and clothing coupons, and will be assisted in any other way necessary. We shall certainly do all we can to meet their needs after their trying time in Japanese hands,” the Minister concluded.