Reply to More Equipment Criticisms

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 110, 11 May 1945, Page 5

Reply to More Equipment Criticisms

(By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.! Received Thursday, 11.30 p.m. CANBERRA, May 10.

Australian casualties in the Tarakan (Borneo) operation up to last Tuesday were 76 killed and 271 wounded, said General MacArthur in a report to the Commonwealth Government.

The Acting Prime Minister (Mr. Chifley) gave this information in the House of Representatives to-day Vhen replying to questions by the deputy leader of the Opposition (Mr* Harrison) on criticism of the equipment used in the operation. General MacArthur said he was entirely at a loss to account for any criticism of the Tarakan operation. “If there has been any finer operation of this size in the war, I do not know of it,” said General MacArthur. “The Tarakan operation has been completely successful and has been accomplished without the slightest hitch- The equipment and methods were essentially the same as those used in nearly forty amphibious landings, all of which were victorious.

“The figures for killed and wounded were light in view of the great objective gained. The Australian forces performed as they always have under my command—with splendid efficiency. I have nothing hut praise for them and for the operation.” Mr. Chifley said he could not but deplore these irresponsible criticisms which were unfair to the supreme commander in whom the Government had entire confidence and to our gallant forces.

The questions asked by Mr. Harrison were: Firstly, whether Mr. Chifley’s attention had been directed to press reports criticising the lack of equipment amongst Australian troops in Borneo; secondly, whether all these reports measured up to the Australian Government’s assurance that Australian troops on operational duties were properly equipped; thirdly, whether the confidential report of Senator Fraser on equipment would be laid on the table of the House; fourthly, whether the Government would arrange for a committee of returned soldier members to visit the battle areas and inspect the equipment position.