OCCUPATION OF JAPAN

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 February 1947, Page 7

OCCUPATION OF JAPAN

NO DEFINITE TERM YET FIXED STATEMENT BY MR. FRASER (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Feb. 7. The Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser), in reply to the statement by the manager of the Metal Trades Employers’ I Association of Wellington (Mr. L. R. James) said it was essential that New Zealand should continue to do her utmost to play a full part in the international action to secure peace and to fulfil the commitments which had been entered into for the joint policing of Japan. “It is not true to say, as the report states that the British Commonwealth Force of Occupation in Japan is being withdrawn. It has been indicated publicly that steps are being taken by the United Kingdom to withdraw its brigade and if this is done it will only be to enable the urgent and heavy operational commitments of the United Kingdom Government in other parts of the world to be met. “Even after the withdrawal of the United Kingdom brigade, some Army personnel would remain in the 8.C.0.F. and also the R.A.F. component. In addition there will be British Naval forces operating in Far Eastern waters. The military commitments, which the United Kingdom Government discharge in other parts of the world, are very heavy and these include forces engaged in the occupation of Germany, 'Austria. Italy, and large numbers are disposed in the Middle East, Palestine, and in other theatres. Securing Victory. “In joining in a British Commonwealth Occupation Force with the Governments of the United Kingdom, India, and Australia, New Zealand is attempting to do her share in securing the victory that the force of arms won over Japan. New Zealand, with Australia, is vitally concerned in securing peace in the Pacific area in which we live, and the experience of the last war is surely sufficient to show that unless positive steps are taken by interested powers, the results of victory may well be lost. “I am not able to state how long the occupation of Japan must continue; but occupation forces are the means whereby the demilitarisation of Japan can be secured. This demilitarisation, though well advanced, is not yet complete. Large numbers of Japanese armed forces have still to be repatriated and demobilised, and there are still military stores and installations to be destroyed. The Allied Military Government of japan is now seeking to establish those conditions which will prevent the re-emergence of Japan as a threat to the peace of the world and of the Pacific, where our main responsibility lies. It must continue to be supported by a force of occupation. Sharing Responsibility

“It would be foolish to us to ignore future dangers and not to .share this responsibility with the other powers interested in the peace of the Pacific. “I am fully aware,” said Mr. Fraser, “of the great difficulty that exists at this time in finding the manpower required to meet the urgent needs of industry; but it must be remembered that those now in J Force will return to industry and, in any case, our commitment will in no way be increased. Indeed, it may be necessary to decrease it. ...

‘■The measure of our participation in the occupation of Japan is under consideration by the Government and is being examined fully in all its implications. This will involve discussions with the Australian, United Kingdom, and the United States Governments. There can be no forecast at this time as to what action will finally be taken; but there can be the fullest assurance that all aspects of the position are being thoroughly and carefully investigated, and will be discussed with the other governments concerned. “Manpower difficulties are being experienced in almost every countiy in the world and there is perhaps no country that feels them more at present than the United Kingdom. In this country we must endeavour to do the best we can with the personnel that is available to meet our needs at home in industry and to discharge our international obligations; but I would emphasise that there can, and should, be no escaping our share of responsibilities, particularly in the Pacific, if we are to play our part through international co-operation. “Living conditions, to which reference is also made in the statement, have certainly been difficult in view of the devastation and destruction that was occasioned in Japan during the hostilities. This was not to be wondered at; but conditions have improved steadily and, as shipping, and materials permit, this will continue. The Government, for its part will use its best endeavours to ensure that all possible amenities and comforts are provided for our force while engaged in its essential duties.” CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR RELIEF (P.A.) DUNEDIN, Feb. 7. “Without doubt New Zealand has its obligations in ensuring peace in the Pacific, and equally without doubt the force at present in Japan is carrying out its duties most efficiently, and is representing the Dominion most creditably,” the Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones) said in an interview today. The Minister was referring to his announcement on Thursday that a call was to be made immediately for volunteers to relieve personnel of the New Zealand Army now serving in Japan. “The New Zealand J Force is fulfilling a valuable role in sharing, with other component units, representation of the British Commonwealth in Japan,” he said. “Reports indicate that the New Zealanders are held in high esteem by the other occupation troops. The force which is now being asked to volunteer will continue this important representation, and I am sure that the public throughout the Dominion is aware of the importance of our responsibilities in this respect.”

Temporary Loss. Although the first impression of many people might be that this decision to replace the force would involve a further drain on the manpower resources of the Dominion, it should not be overlooked that those at present serving in Japan would be returned to New Zealand, The loss to industry would be only a temporary one. The Minister stated that volunteers should not resign from their civilian employment immediately on enlisting, but should await advice from the Army to enter camp before they resigned. That would safeguard any men who did not come up to the required medical standard. Papakura

and Burnham military camps would be used as mobilisation centres, and Trentham camp would also be used for some of the specialists. The departure of the force would be dependent to a degree on available shipping; but it was hoped to have the force away without undue delay in the mobilisation centres. AU Ranks Needed. Volunteers were wanted in all ranks and arms, the Minister continued, as the force was to be a complete and self-contained unit. There were vacancies for artillerymen, engineers, signallers, and infantrymen, and also lor other specialised units, such as the medical corps, electrical and mechanical engineers, the postal unit, dental corps, Army education, and pay corps. The medical unit would require specialists in . hygiene and optical work, as well as medical officers. Bandsmen would also be wanted for the J Force Band. The conditions under which J Force personnel were now living were satisfactory, Mr. Jones added, and amenities, such as leave centres, educational facilities, and entertainment in off-duty hours were improving every week. Earlier work to achieve these standards had borne fruit, and intending volunteers could be assured that their living and leave conditions in Japan would be satisfactory in every way.