CUTS IN FORCES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21777, 28 July 1945, Page 6

CUTS IN FORCES

AUSTRALIAN PLAN LAND AND AIR UNITS TOKEN AID IN INVASIONS (10 a.m.) CANBERRA. July 28. The Australian Army’s operational strength is to be cut from its present six divisions to three divisions, with a relative reduction in ancillary and base troops and administrative personnel. The air force is to be proportionately reduced from 63 squadrons in the South-west Pacific area to a liguiT not. yet determined, but estimated at probably 36 squadrons.

In announcing these drastic cuts in the House of Representatives to-day, the Prime Minister, Mr. J. B. Chiflcy, said: “The reduction to those strengths will entail a release of a considerably greater number than the 64,000 now authorised."

Mr. Chifiey added that the reduction would take place as soon as operational plans would permit. The reorganisation could be carried out and an orderly resettlement of discharged members could be planned and arranged.

For the main offensive against Japan, it was proposed that Australia’s contribution would be, first, an Australian naval squadron under its own commander and, secondly, an expeditionary force of land and air forces which would operate under Australian commanders in a similar manner to that of the A.I.F. in the Middle East.

Mr. Chifiey said it was a matter of vital importance to the'future of Australia and her status at the peace table that her military effort against Japan should be maintained on a scale which, with her earlier record in the war, would be maintained at the present strength.

Mr. Chifiey added that it had also had been proposed that a token force should be associated, if possible, with the British forces in operations for the recapture of Singapore to avenge the defeat of 1942 and to contribute to the liberation of Australian prisoners of war.