POST-WAR DEFENCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 122, 25 May 1945, Page 5

POST-WAR DEFENCE

AUSTRALIAN PROPOSALS •Rec 9 am. MELBOURNE, May 24. Detailed plans for demobilisation and for post-war defence are being rushed to- completion by the Commonwealth authorities for early submission to the War Cabinet.. The plans will be based on the principles already laid down by the Cabinet, and it is -understood that their provisions will include: 1 A peacetime standing Australian army of at least one fully-equipped division. , ... 2. The immediate compulsory enlistment of youths, probably in the 18 to 23 years age group, after the war. 3 The demobilisation of men and women of the three services on a points system at a minimum rate w or 3000 a day, rising to a daily peak ot 4500. ~ . ~: 4 The early construction m an States of dispersal centres specially staffed "to handle personnel being discharged. . ~ Among the proposals being considered is one that Australia should maintain a permanent peacetime army comprised of men now serving who are anxious to remain in the army. Many Ministers are known to be opposed to the continuation of any form of compulsory service after the war but it is understood that _ the Government is being urged to continue conscription (probably in the 18-23 age group) to the extent necessary to provide the men necessary to meet Australia's commitments, particularly for the occupation of enemy territory. The future use of the R.A.A.F. has not yet been decided by the Commonwealth Government. The peak total of. Australian airmen overseas was about 20,000, and it is estimated that 15,000 are still away. ■ -Most of-the men are' expected to return to' Australia by the end of the year. How many will be retained for operations against the Japanese and how many discharged will depend largely upon the extent of the R.A.A.F. operations in South-east Asia, as well as in the area of General Mac Arthur s command. • . ,V The assessment of needs is the responsibility of the Allied military leaders.