Documents Relating to New Zealand's Participation in the Second World War 1939–45: Volume I

132 — The Prime Minister of Australia to the Prime Minister of New Zealand

132
The Prime Minister of Australia to the Prime Minister of New Zealand

3 May 1940

The following telegram has been received from the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs in reply to my telegram of 1 May: 3

The matter was considered in Cabinet this morning. If the US 2 convoy were allowed to proceed normally beyond Colombo, it still would be possible to divert it before entering the Red Sea should the situation require it. In the circumstances we [suggest ?] that this course be followed and if, as we hope, the Commonwealth Government agree, we should be glad if they would arrange accordingly for a further signal to be sent to the Commander of the escort. As indicated in my telegram ( No. 127), we hope to telegraph tomorrow the general appreciation for which you have asked.

My telegram immediately following contains the text of our reply.