FIJIAN TROOPS FOR MALAYA

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26560, 24 October 1951, Page 7

FIJIAN TROOPS FOR MALAYA

Volunteer Unit To Be Raised (Rec. 10 p.m.) SUVA, October 23. Fijian troops are to go to Malaya to take part in the campaign against jungle terrorists. A Government announcement tonight says; “Appreciating the danger to the British Empire of Communism and Communist activities, and in fulfilment of an assurance expressed by the council of chiefs that their services are always available to serve the King, Fiji has offered assistance which tne Imperial authorities have gratefully accepted.”

A battalion of Fijian volunteers is to be raised immediately and a small number of officers, warrant officers and non-commissioned officers will be supplied by the New Zealand Army, which since 1948 has been responsible for the training and organisation of Fiji’s military forces. After preliminary training the troops will go to Malaya early in 1952 and will receive special jungle training before going into action. The volunteers will be required to serve in Malaya for two years and special arrangements will be made for their welfare. The unit will be the First Battalion of the Fiji Infantry Regiment. During the Pacific war. this battalion earned a brilliant record in the Solomons campaign. No suggestion was made that there would be any call for Asiatic, European. or other non-Fijian volunteers In Fiji.