N.Z. TROOPS IN JAPAN

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25092, 25 January 1947, Page 8

N.Z. TROOPS IN JAPAN

REDUCTION OF STRENGTH NO DECISION MADE BY GOVERNMENT (P.A.) WELLINGTON. Jan. 24. “Ne decision has been made to reduce the present strength of the New Zealand forces now in Japan,” said the Minister .of Defence (Mr F. Jones) to-day. The Minister made this statement after his attention had been drawn to a recent cable message from Tokyo which suggested that following a reduction of the British occupation forces a number of Australians and New Zealanders would be repatriated. Mr Jones said that, as he had stated previously, the repatriation of New Zealand J-Force men would be proceeded with as planned. Certain questions wilr have to be considered in respect of the future so far as the J Force was concerned, said Mr Jones, and it was hoped that decisions would be reached shortly in that connexion. “When that is done a public announcement will- be made,” he concluded. . ' VISIT TO JAPAN MINISTER OF DEFENCE INSPECTION OF TROOPS’ CONDITIONS " The Press ” Special Service WELLINGTON, January 24 "While no arrangements have bee® . made for me to visit Japan, the qw tion of a visit by the Minister of Defence (Mr F. Jones) has been unde? consideration by the Government and will probably take place,” said the Prime Minister (Mr P. Fraser) last night. He made this statement when a cable message from Reuter's Tokyo correspondent was referred to him. This Said that the Prime Minister Was expected to visit Japan in February to see at first hand the conditions under which New Zealand troops were living.