AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE

Grey River Argus, 31 January 1946, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE

Temporary Air Force REASON FOR- RECRUITING. (Rec. 6.30). MELBOURNE, Jan. 30. The call for volunteers for air service is now explained. The Australian Air Board is establishing a temporary air force of twenty thousand men, so as to retain adequate air defences, until a permanent force is estblished. The temporary force is being formed on the initiative of the Air Board, pending the Government coming to a decision on the strength and other details of a permanent air force, which decision cannot be made until the Empire defence plans have been settled. A R.A.A.F. order has been posted at all air stations, which calls for volunteers for two years’ service with the interim force.

An l Air Board spokesman said last night that a refusal to join the interim aii’ force had no bearing on the date of any airman’s discharge. Ho added that complaints were inevitable in the matter of demobilisation, but nothing serious was anticipated.

SABOTAGE OF PRIME MINISTER'S PLANE. MR CHIFLEY NOT WORRYING. (Rec. G. 30). MELBOURNE, Jan. 30. R.A.A.F. officers, from New Guinea, reveal that the Prime Minister. Mr J. B. Chifley’s plane, which was allegedly sabotaged in the islands last month, was left unguarded, by mistake. Airmen were detailed to guard the plane. They stood on guard throughout a night around a wrong plane. There is yet no indication as to when a report on the sabotage attempt will be made. It is understood that Mr Chifley takes the allegations lightly, and that the investigation may be dropped.