N.Z.’ers OFF TO JAPAN

Grey River Argus, 30 January 1946, Page 5

N.Z.’ers OFF TO JAPAN

Party Leaving To-day WAR TRIALS AND QCCUPATIQN FORCE P.A. AUCKLAND, Jan. 29 The New Zealander nominated as a member of the International Military Court for the trial of the Far Eastern war criminals, Mr. Justice Northcroft, of Christchurch, the New Zealand prosecutor nominated to serve on the prosecution staff at the headquarters of the Supreme Commander for Allied Powers in Japan, Brigadier R>. H. Quilliam of New Plymouth; and a small advance guard of specialists for the New Zealand occupation force for Japan, assembled in Auckland to-day and will leave to-morrow morning on their way to Japan. The party, comprising nine members, is scheduled to leave Auckland by a Catalina flying boat of the P-N.Z.A.F. for Brisbane.

With Justice Northcroft as secretary, is Flight Lieutenant A. J. Evans of Wellington, who served as a navigator during the war and later joined the Prime Minister’s Department. Others in the party are Major E. F. Horwood, Army Officer, and a group chosen for various aspects of public relations work. It comprises Major O. A. Gillespie of Wellington, who is to be the Public Relations Officer for the J. Force and Mr. J. W. De G. Harris, of Wellington representing the National Film Unit; Mr. J. H. McLachlan, of Wellington, a still photographer; Mr J. I. Spedding of Dunedin, a journalist who will edit a newspaper to be established for the New Zealand Occupation Force; and Mr. O. Duft. of Wellington, observer far the aNtional Broadcasting Service. WELLINGTON, January 29.

The small party of New Zealand staff officers to leave for Australia will join the advance party of headquarters of the British occupation forces for Japan. They will be at- , tached to headquarters as distinct from J Force —the New Zealand contingent which is to form part of the > Empire contribution. It is understood their duties will include assisting in preparations for the reception of subsequent large forces, and liaison work with the British and Allied authorities.