DISCONTENT AMONG SERVICES?

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21853, 25 October 1945, Page 4

DISCONTENT AMONG SERVICES?

TROOPS ANXIOUS TO RETURN HOME CHARGES OF LACK OF INFORMATION

(P.R.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 25. During a discussion on the return of the troops from the Middle East which took place in the House of Representatives yesterday, Opposition members suggested there were indications that discontent among servicemen had arisen not only on account of shipping difficulties but to the lack of information among the men impatiently awaiting their return home. Ministerial statements showed that pressure had been put on the British authorities to expedite the return of the Division from the Middle East, but that could not be completed before next March. “Continuous representations have been made to the United Kingdom Government for the allocation of ships to bring the personnel of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. in the Middle East to New Zealand, and the position is being closely watched to ensure that the return of our men is not delayed.’’ said the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser.

He was replying to a question notice of which had been given recently by Mr T. L. MacDonald (Opp., Mataura) and Mr. R. M. Algie (Opp., Remuera).

Mr. Fraser added that, in addition to the 2nd N.Z.E.F, personnel in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, prisoners of war and naval and air force personnel had been provided for. General Freyberg’s Duties

The arrangements for the shipping, continued Mr. Fraser, had been communicated 5 to General Freyberg, who had the responsibility for planning the return of the men, according to priority as determined by the Government, and for keeping the personnel of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. fully informed about repatriation plans and the shipping position. Information regarding shipping facilities was communicated by circular memoranda to the unit commanders in which details concerning returning

drafts were given for promulgation to the men through unit orders and in other ways, “The latest communication received from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom,” said Mr. Fraser, “indicates that our needs are fully understood and every step is being taken to return our men home at the earliest possible date.” Commenting on this reply, Mr, MacDonald said he raised the question because of the disturbing tenor of letters received from the Middle East, indicating a growing feeling of bitterness among soldiers awaiting passage to "New Zealand. The task of rehabilitation of these men would be hard enough without causing resentment over their delayed return. “Trying to Men's Nerves”

The Prime Minister agreed that nothing was so trying to men’s nerves as uncertainty about their future, and even in New Zealand there had been incidents with some groups of men through similar causes. He assured the House that General Freyberg, because of the peculiar difficulties attaching to the return of the men from the Middle East, had made a point of taking them into his fullest confidence.

“As nearly as I can see, we will not have the last of our men back before March.” added the Prime Minister. He assured the House that the Government was still pressing for more ships and speedier action, but' it could not control matters from New Zealand. Possibly it was forgotten that New Zealanders had to travel a very long distance and that more ideal conditions were needed for their journey. “I know what is the spirit of the House and the country.” concluded Mr. Fraser. “I personally feel very impatient about it, but we are doing our best. Whatever is being done, the men ought to be taken into our confidence about it—they ought to be told.’’