Use Of Jap Prisoners In

Territories

rpHE following question was asked of X the Australian Prime Minister in September by Mr. P. C. Spender: Can the Prime Minister say whether active preparations have been made to guard, fed and provide hospital treat ment for the 15u,000 Japanese now in New Guinea and adjacent islands, and finally to ship them back to Japan? Hav ing regard to the problem of economic reconstruction involved, is there any reason why the Japanese should not be forced to labour at the task of recon struction just as they forced Australians and natives in New Guinea to labour?

What is the general policy of the Gov ernment regarding the housing of the Japanese and their eventual transport to Japan? Are they to be allowed to live in comfortable camps which they have not themselves erected, and what will be the effect on the economy of this country of the obligation to care for these prisoners?

Mr. Chifley replied: The Government desires of course to return the Japanese to their own country as soon as possible, but there is grave difficulty in providing the necessary shipping. The problem has been discussed, but I confess my inability to give a clear indication of when and how it will be overcome. The use of Japanese on labouring work has not been discussed, but it may have been con sidered by the other Allied powers en gaged in the war in the Pacific. I would say that there should, be a common policy on that matter. The employment of Japanese prisoners of war (or surren dered enemy, as I think they are now called), wherever they are located, will be considered.