Battery Troops Notified

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30764, 31 May 1965, Page 1

Battery Troops Notified

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, May 30. The New Zealand artillery battery chosen to go to Vietnam would not leave for several weeks, said the Chief of the General Staff (Major-General W. S. McKinnort) at Papakura today.

“The movement plan has yet to be completed and the men are to have some final leave, possibly a week, before they go,” he said.

In the meantime, a liaison officer would visit Vietnam to make preliminary arrangements for the trOops. Members of the battery going to Vietnam were notified today. Others were warned they would be required for later tours of duty, and for reinforcements. The general said the length of the tour in Vietnam would not be announced yet.

“This Is a matter for the Government to decide.” The general today addressed a parade of the 16th Field Regiment, including the 161st Battery, from which the Vietnam contingent will be drawn, and veteran gunners visiting the camp for Gunners’ Day. He said the Government’s decision to send the troops away had been both widely acclaimed and criticised. “It has been said that the New Zealand Army could not spread its effort between Mal-

aysia and Vietnam at the same time. I assure you we can cope, and cope readily. It creates no problem ” The general said he wished the critics could see some of the reports on Vietnam which had reached him. “Then, perhaps, they would be aware of the evil forces at work .there ” There were several reasons why the artillery had been chosen, said General McKinnon The battery was welltrained and equipped with the best field artillery weapon for the job. Another reason was that New Zealand's friends and allies needed support.

Mr R. H. Henderson has been appointed to t'. j Roth erham Domain Board to replace Mr R. B. Henderson, who has resigned.