FORCE FOR JAPAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25396, 28 December 1945, Page 4

FORCE FOR JAPAN

TOTAL OF 30,000 NEW ZEALAND'S SHARE COMMANDEIi ANNOUNCED MKLBOUItXE, Dec. '.'7 Composition of the British Commonwealth force to take part in the 'occupation of Japan, as previously announced, will include the Australian 34th Brigade Group, a British-Indian division, a New Zealand brigade, an air force comprising an R.A.F. group, t an R.A.A.I' 1 , wing, an Indian squadron and an 11.N.Z.A.F. squadron. Is it now stated that the lorce of 30.000 troops will be commanded by Lieutenant-General .J. Northcott, Australian Army, with the air force under comma lid of Air Vice Marshal C. t A. Bouchior, H.A.l''. An Australian advanced headquarters under Brigadier Anderson, former chief liaison officer at G.H.Q., is now in Tokyo preparing for the arrival ol the 34tlt Brigade in February or March.

Although the Australians will occupy (lie big tlapaiie.se naval base ol Kure, guards for Tokyo will he restored to give as many men as possible a tour of duty in the capital. It is understood that MacArthur is anxious to >ee the lunpire force in Japan as soon as possible. General MacArtliur is also understood to have approved the flying ol an Australian flag in Tokyo. Recruiting of 5000 men from the mainland to till Australia's quota in the force headquarters will be stepped up within a week or two. "We will be taking over from old fighting friends in Kure. the 41st United' States Division." LieutenantGeneral Northcott said tonight. ''Australians met them in the bitter fighting at Buna, and L am sure they will be glad to see us."