NEED FOR J-FORCE

Evening Star, Issue 26030, 19 February 1947, Page 4

NEED FOR J-FORCE

ACCENTUATION BY PARTIAL BRITISH WITHDRAWAL

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, Feb. 18. Commenting, on the War Office announcement that one British brigade and supporting administrative troops would withdraw, from the 8.C.0.F. in Japan, the Minister of Defence, Mr Jones, said to-day that this part withdrawal of the, British representation, which was made necessary hy heavy commitments. in other zones, rendered more important than before New Zealand’s acceptance, along with Australia, of her share in the responsibilities or 8.C.0.F. representation. Britain had heavy responsibilities at the moment, and New Zealand must be prepared to assist as much as she was able, especially in the Pacific, which, apart from all other considerations, was the part of the World in which we, by reason of our geographical position, were most interested in a satisfactory conclusion of post-war settlements. . .

Numbers of our young men are now answering the. appeal for a new J-Force replacement,” said the Minister. “ I cannot emphasise too strongly the importance of the role New Zealand can play in assisting the functions of the 8.C.0.F., and now that Britain has been forced to withdraw part of her representation, I appeal to all our young men who can enlist to do so, and so enable this Dominion to take a full share of the responsibility.”