Reply to Dutch Allegation

Grey River Argus, 23 August 1945, Page 3

Reply to Dutch Allegation

PERTH, August. 8 It is highly improper for any Dutch official to charge the Government with breach of faith regarding the proposed establishment in Australia of Netherlands armed forces, said Mr. Chifley, Prime Minister. He was referring to' the allegations that the Government has broken the agreement in principle that 30,000 Duich troops should be accommodated, equipped and trained in Western Australia. Mr. Chifely said the Government did not enter into any final commitment. It stated, that the proposal to base 30,000 troops on Australia commended itself in principle, but the crux of the matter was our capacity to do so. in the light of existing and prospective commitments. Our limited manpower resources have to maintain our fighting effort, help to meet the needs of the British Pacific Fleet and United States forces, provide for essential needs of civilian population, supply food for Britain and produce goods for export. The Advisory War Council and Government are agreed that it is neither logical nor equitable for Australia 'to reduce her own fighting effort to carry out imperative adjustments in civil econom-v and at the same time accept additional commitments, which offset the purpose for which the reductions in Australian forces are being made.