Vietnam Infantry May Go Direct

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31333, 1 April 1967, Page 3

Vietnam Infantry May Go Direct

(From Our Own Reporter)

WELLINGTON, March 31.

The New Zealand infantry company commanded by Major J. A. Mace will probably go to South Vietnam straight from Terandak Camp, Malaysia. It will complete any re-equipping needed when it has joined the Australian forces there.

Service and diplomatic sources regard it as “highly unlikely” that the company will have to return to New Zealand before going.

This possibility was suggested because of statements by the Prime Minister of Malaysia (Tunku Abdul Rahman) that he would not permit Malaysia to be used as a base of operations against other Southeast Asian states. Although these statements were made before the confrontation of Malaysia by Indonesia, it is known that he has not changed his view. Malaysia is not a signatory of the South-east Asia Treaty Organisation. In order to respect the Malaysian view, it is intended that the New Zealand company for Vietnam will be composed of men who have served most of their period of service. They will leave about May 9 and serve the last six months of this in Vietnam, then return direct to New Zealnd. This arrangement will probably apply to the first two company groups to go to Vietnam. The first company will be relieved, and will return direct to New Zealand, in November. To Be Discussed Though some discussion on this subject will be carried out by the Minister of Defence (Mr Thomson) and the Chief of Defence Staff (Lieutenant-General L. W. Thornton) while they are in Malaysia, it is emphasised officially that the transfer of New Zealand troops is not a major reason for Mr Thomson’s visit

Defence sources explained today that the visit was planned and the itinerary set out some time before the Government decided to send an infantry company to Vietnam.

Mr Thomson has been in the area before, but as a member of Parliament on a sponsored tour. It is regarded as of prime importance that as the new Minister of Defence he should meet his “opposite numbers” in Southeast Asian countries.

He is also seeing New Zealand and other troops on the ground. The visit will also indicate to South-east Asian countries New Zealand’s continued interest in the area.