PRISONERS OF JAPANESE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 228, 25 August 1945, Page 5

PRISONERS OF JAPANESE

461 NEW ZEAL ANDERS

(Press Assn.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 24 The Minister of Defence (Mr Jones) today gave details of the number of j.\ew Zealand Service personnel and civilians who, according to the latest information, are understood to be in Japanese hands or who have been classified as missing following operations by or against the Japanese. Mr Jones said that, although the details were the latest available, they were in many cases far from up-to-date and should, therefore, be treated with considerable reserve. It should especially be borne in mind that very little recent information has been received' about the actual location of many of those understood to be held by the Japanese. Furthermore, there are included in the present figures a few civilians who were last reported as being interned in the Philippines and who, although no official information has been received about them, have probably already been liberated. Mr Jones said the total number of Service personnel from New Zealand believed to be held by the Japanese at present is 92, while the missing number 163. In addition, there are 30 men of the New Zealand Merchant Marine and 339 other civilians held by the Japanese, while 31 civilians are classified as missing. Of the numbers of prisoners of war and civilians reported to be held by the Japanese 64 are located in Japan, 132 in Malaya, 67 in Shanghai, 44 in Thailand, 37 in Hong Kong, and 117 in various other places. The civilians include those having connection with New Zealand through their next-of-kin. N.Z. MEN FOR OCCUPATION.

Though the precise strength of the units has yet to be determined, it can be stated definitely that New Zealand will be represented by the Royal New Zealand Air Force and by an Army force in whatever forces are decided upon for the occupation of Japan and Japanese territory following the formal signing of the instrument of surrender by Japan. In view of its contribution to the war in the Pacific against Japan it is generally felt that New Zealand should be represented.