TO BE REDUCED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22319, 2 May 1947, Page 6

TO BE REDUCED

N.Z. FORCE IN JAPAN PRESENT STRENGTH 4000 RELEASE OE MAN-POWER (S.R.) WELLINGTON, May 1. Within a few days an official announcement is expected that New Zealand’s occupation Force in Japan will be substantially reduced from the present number, approximately 4000. This has long been expected, as it was announced over two months ago that as the demilitarisation had progressed there was no need to maintain the occupation force at its original dimensions Therefore, negotiations as to its eventual constitution have been proceeding with Britain, Australia and the United States New Zealand's responsibility in the work of occupation will, however, still remain and. together with Australia, it is expected she will retain a force in proportion to her somewhat diminished commitments. Recently the United Kingdom took steps to withdraw a large number of its trooDS. One of the reasons for this being to enable it to meet its urgent and heavy operational commitments in other parts of the world. A replacement draft of men for J Force is at present undergoing training and personnel already with the force have been given the opportunity to volunteer for further service. Recently the Government decided to send a detachment of 40 members of the VV.A.A C. to carry out duties in J Force clubs and leave centres. The decision to reduce the size of the force is expected to release further man-power urgently required to meet the needs of industry in New Zealand.