CRITICISM OF J-FORCE

Chronicle (Levin), 8 February 1947, Page 7

CRITICISM OF J-FORCE

-Press Assiciatinn

REPLY BY MINISTER

Bv Telearavh-

VVTILLuS GTO-LN, i'eo. 7. Discussing the further decisiou of Cabinet to call luimuuiately for voluuteers for the J Force, the Minister- of Defence, Hon. F. Jones, said . : joday^i that there i's 110 doubt the Ne\w Zealand J Forc'ji . is fullilling a ' iuost valuable rolbiin representing, with the other coinpohbht units, the British Coinmonwealth in Japan. Eeports "ixidicate that aniong the occupational troops, the New Zealanders are held in high esteem. Without doubt New Zealand iias its obligations in undertaking its full share of responsibility m ensurance of peace in the Paciflc. Without doubt the force at present in Japan is carrying out its duties most efliciently and is, by this efficiency, representing New Zealand most creditably. The force which was now being asked to volunteer would follow on to continue this important representation. "The public throughout the Dominion are awrare that I ara certain of the importance of this reixresentation and of our responsibilties. Although the first impression of many will be that this decisioii to replace the force involves a further drain on the nianpower resources of the Dominion, it shouid not be overlooked, " remarked the hlinister, "that those at present serving in Japan will be returned to New Zealand and the loss to industry will therefore be a temporary one." The Minister stated that volunteers shouid not resign their civilian employnient immediately on enlisting but await receipt of adviee from the Army to euter camp before resigning. This j would safeguard anv men who did not . come up to the required medical standard. Papakura and Burnham military canips would be used as mobilisation centres. Trentham camp would also be used for soine of the specialists. The departure of the force would be dependent • to a degreo 011 available shippiiig but it was lioped to have the force away -without undue delays. Volunteers were wanted in all ranks and arms. As the force was to be a complete and self-contained unit, there were vacancies for artillerymen, engineers, signallers, infantrymen and other specialist units such as medical corps, electricial and mechanica) engineers, postal unit, dental corps, army- education, and pay corps. The medical units would requrrc specialists in hygiene and in optical work as well as medical ofiScers. Bandsinen would also be wanted for the J Force Band. The eonditions under which the J Force was now living were satisfactory. Amenities by way of leave centres, educational facilities and entertainment in off-duty hours, were improving every week. Earlier work to aehieve these standards liad now. borne fruit and intcnding volunteers could be assured that their living and leave eonditions in Jajjan would be in every way satisfactory.