FLAT REFUSAL TO RECALL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 56, 8 March 1946, Page 5

FLAT REFUSAL TO RECALL

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DECISION Reed. 9.15 p.m. Canberra, March 7. The Federal Government flatly refuses to recall the Yoizuki or order her 1o nut into Brisbane for the removal of the 100 terrified Formosan women and 112 children. This decision was reached by Mr. Chifley and the Army Minister. Mr. Forde. A flood of protests from public bodies, unions and individuals is pouring into Canberra as the daily papers in all States continue 1o publish pictures of the embarkation scenes. The Yoizuki will not touch land until she reaches Dreger Harbour, near Finschafen, on Monday. There she will be inspected by the station's senior naval officer, who has been instructed to furnish a report to the naval officer in charge at Sydney. Further consideration will then be

given to (lie plight of the women and children aboard. The Yoizuki is under United Stales control, but while in Australia was under command of the Australian Naval Board. . Before Mr. Chifley announced the decision he was urged by Labour and Opposition members to forget the niceties of international relations and exert his .authority to recall the ship. Responsibility for the arrangements are stated not to be Australian, as shipping details were arranged be'twecn tiie American Command in Japan and tiie Chinese authorities in Australia. Opposition members claim this is no excuse as the incident happened in territorial waters over which Australia has full sovereignty. The debate in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly reflected the Federal decision when the Premier, Mr. McKell, said the State Government had “no more power than the man in the moon" to recall the ship. The debate is still proceeding. (Earlier message on page 7)