DEMOBILISATION DELAY CAUSES DISCONTENT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21934, 31 January 1946, Page 4

DEMOBILISATION DELAY CAUSES DISCONTENT

JJJSCONTENT at delay in the repatriation and demobilisation of men in the Allied Services is increasing. During the past week there has been a series of strikes by airmen in the Royal Air Force on stations in Egypt and Palestine, in India and at Singapore. Large groups of men in the United States Army recently staged “we want to go home” demonstrations in Manila and Paris. Australian troops performing garrison work in New Guinea and the Bismarcks 'have stated their views in no uncertain terms. In New Zealand airmen at Whenuapai and Eongotai engaged in transport work are discontented. Much of this discontent is understandable; some of it cannot be avoided. The great majority of these men joined up for the duration of the war and, now it is over, want to return home as soon as possible. This applies particularly to those overseas. They claim that repatriation should he accelerated. Some claim that demobilisation has not been speeded up as much as possible by their home Governments because of civilian employment problems. In certain eases E.A.F. airmen complain that they are being kept under repressive discipline. There is no doubt a measure of truth in all those complaints. War weariness is also an important factor.

The Royal Air Force continues to maintain large establishments because of the uncertainty of the international situation and, secondly, for the transport of troops and high-priority cargos to and from bases overseas. Both are essential reasons. But after the excitement of operational flying and servicing the majority of the men consider that these are very dull roles. Moreover, men stationed on the ferry routes through Singapore, India and the Middle East see aircraft homeward bound every day, carrying their own comrades from other parts. In a day or two they know that these men will be welcomed home by their parents, families or sweethearts. The temptation to consider that their own repatriation is too slow is great. Strikes, however, cannot be excused.. The same applies to men in the Army and the Navy.

New Zealand's position is more fortunate. This country lias set an example ip the speed of repatriation and demobilisation. In this, the Dominion has been assisted by the.fact thaMts overseas territories arc negligible, and that, many of its servicemen formerly abroad arc now more valuable at home producing food and oilier essentials for Europe. Much °f the present, discontent of the airmen at Don go la i and ’Whcmuipai, and elsewhere, would be removed by a Government statement on the future size of the R.N.Z.A.F. The Government • should also give a lead on the scope for employment in civil aviation. As" it, is, there are airmen, R.N.Z.A.F. personnel, working on aircraft, flying some services that should be civil undertakings with no assurance of permanent employment and yet prevented from returning to their pre-war jobs. They have a grievance which demands the issue of a Government policy statement.