MILITARY OBLIGATIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26410, 14 March 1947, Page 8

MILITARY OBLIGATIONS

PROVISION OF MAN-POWER PROBLEM IN UNITED STATES p.a. , Auckland, Mar. 13. A, question which the American military authorities would have to decide during the next month was whether they would continue compulsory training in order to maintain their occupation forces abroad and meet other military commitments overseas said Lieutenant-colonel' J. D. Carah, Chief of Staff of the Australian military mission to the United States, Who is passing through Auckland cn his way back to the Commonwealth.

The Selective Service Act, which provided for the conscripting of men between the ages of 18 and 45, expired at the end of the month, and unless it was renewed by Congress there would be a shortage of man-power to meet the present requirements, he said. The American people did not know how the Republican majority would react towards the emergency, but they hoped it would be successfully met and that American prestige overseas would be maintained. Failing the Selective Service Act being renewed, it was hoped that the suggested scheme for . two years’ universal military training would be launched, said Lieutenant-colonel Carah. The scheme provided for three months’ continuous training, and 21 months’ territorial service. Again, it was not known if the Republicans would deviate from their isolationist beliefs, but it was considered that one of the proposals should be passed by Congress. '