RELEASE FROM CAMP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25173, 13 March 1943, Page 4

RELEASE FROM CAMP

THE 18-19 AGE GROUP MAN-POWER READJUSTMENTS (F.0.P.R.) WELLINGTON, Mar. 12. A statement on the man-power position, covering the Army, Navy, and Air Force requii'ements of the Dominion’s war effort for the coming 12 months, was made by the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, in the House of Representatives to-day. He said that it was considered possible to release from the army those among the 18-19 age group who desired to resume their ordinary civil occupations. A comprehensive summary of the statistical position of the armed forces and the needs of industry was circulated among members as the basis for a discussion of the whole situation. The Prime Minister said he desired the House to debate the man-power position very fully and carefully, and suggested an adjournment until 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday, when a full day could be given to the discussion. This course was agreed to. Danger of Complacency

Mr Fraser said it was true that the war situation in the Pacific had shown some improvement. There 'was a danger of the country becoming too complacent, but there was no danger of the House becoming complacent too. The War Cabinet considered that the situation warranted reconsideration of the man-power position. The first point to be noted, Mr Fraser said, was that the Air Force was expanding rapidly and would require considerable man-power additions. The next points were that the country s ability to regroup on a war establishment basis should the enemy menace become acute should be maintained; that the mass of the equipment now issued to the fighting forces must be adequately cared for; that the men required to rejoin the army in the event of regrouping must be trained men; and that the coastal and anti-aircraft defences must at all times be ready to meet the possibility of an attack by a submarine or aircraft. . The next major point,. the Prime Minister said, was the maintenance of the Middle East Division and the Pacific Division. There was room for discussion in that. The War Cabinet believed that the two divisions could be maintained for this year at fighting strength, and should be so mam* tained.. When success was finally achieved in Tunisia, the question of the further role of the Middle East Division must be considered. This, however, did not prevent reconsideration of the future of the division from time to time. Army and Industry “ Nevertheless,” continued the Prime Minister, “there must be stability in our programme. It is the House s duty to keep the whole position under constant review, and the War Cabinet wants the Plouse to share full/ m its responsibilities.” , . Mr Fraser said the final major point for the House to consider in the situation was the man-power requirements of industry. He indicated the numbers that could be transferred progressively from the army to industry and the number that would have to move from industry into the fighting forces. The defence forces of the country, while yielding now to industry, would still bb maintained on such a basis, including provision for training, that in any hour of danger they could be thoroughly and completely regrouped and equipped. ~ , , The adjournment was then taken until Wednesday.