N.Z. BRIGADE GOING TO JAPAN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 7, 9 January 1946, Page 3

N.Z. BRIGADE GOING TO JAPAN

OFFICIALSTATEMENT FINAL AGREEMENT WITH U.S. STAILL TO BE REACHED (P.A.) Wellington. Jan. 8. When the acting Prime Minister, Mr. Nash, was asked to-day to comment on a statement reported from Canberra to have been made by the Prime Minister of Australia, he said that tentative plans had been made, as Mr. Fraser had announced in his statement to the Press on September 29 last, for New Zealand forces to participate in the occupation of Japan. For some time, he said, discussions had been proceeding between the Commonwealth Governments concerned and the Government of the United States, regarding the basis on which the British Commonwealth force of occupation would be provided. While final agreement had not been reached, it was hoped that this would not be unduly delayed. New Zealand elements in the occupation force would consist of one brigade group, which was at present in Italy, and. if required, one R.N.Z.A.F. fighter squadron. Certain preliminary arrangements for the dispatch of the force had been put in train and it was expected that, subject to the availability of shipping and to final agreement with the United States Government regarding the provision of a British brigade group in Italy would sail for Japan about the middle of February. LOCATION OF FORCE It was proposed that the British Commonwealth force be established in the Hiroshima prefecture, which included the cities of Kure and Fukuyama. This area would not, however, constitute a national zone. In addition, said Mr. Nash, it was proposed that the British Commonwealth force should be represented by a token force in the Tokio prefecture. The maintenance and administration of the force would be the responsibility of the British Commonwealth Governments concerned. While the force would be engaged on ground and air patrols and surveillance missions within allocated areas, it would also conduct such military operations as

might be required, and in particular would be responsible for the demilitarisation and disposal of Japanese installations and armaments. Various elements of the force would be contributed by the United Kingdom, India, Australia and New Zealand, and its commander would be under United States command. He would be served by an integrated British Commonwealth staff, and on policy and administrative matters'would be responsible jointly to the British Commonwealth Governments concerned, through the organisation established in Australia, known as the joint ch.efs o£ staff in Australia. This consisted of the Australian chiefs of staff and representatives of the chiefs of staff of the United Kingdom and New Zealand and the Commander-in-Chief, India. The NewZealand representative on this body was Brigadier G. H. Clifton. REASON FOR SILENCE Arrangements were made some time ago by the British Commonwealth Governments concerned for the release of a joint statement by each of them simultaneously when final agreement was reached with the United States Government regarding the provision of the force, ft was understood that no statement would be made by any of the governments concerned until a joint statement could be released. New Zealand had faithfully honoured this undertaking, and, notwithstanding Press reports that, had been received in New Zealand from other parts of the Commonwealth and elsewhere concerning I his force, had refrained from making any statement. This had caused both the Government and the public a degree of embarrassment which fhe Government regretted, but which in the circumstances was unavoidable. “This statement," added Mr. Nash, “which will give the fullest details concerning the force, has not been released. but arrangements will be made if ami when final agreement is reached with the United States Government.”

Mr. Nash added that the commander designate of the British Commonwealth force of occupation, Lieu-tenant-General John Northcott, of the Australian military forces, would arrive in New Zealand to-day from Australia, and detailed questions concerning New Zealand elements of this

force and of the force generally would be discussed with him by memebrs of the Government and the chiefs of staff.