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

359 — General Freyberg to the Prime Minister

359
General Freyberg to the Prime Minister

10 April 1941

If the present emergency so requires 1, I suggest it would be most helpful to offer General Wavell liberty of action to use our troops in Egypt. He would work in consultation with Brigadiers Falla 2 and Inglis 3, who would ensure that the New Zealanders in Egypt were used to the best advantage in this difficult moment. I have confidence in Brigadier Inglis as Commander in the field. We have left first-class officers and NCOs at Maadi and, if the necessity arose, they could form an infantry brigade in Egypt.

1 This was the first appearance of German troops in action in North Africa. British forces had evacuated Benghazi on 3 Apr, the seige of Tobruk had begun, and Bardia was to fall on the 13th.

2 Commandant 2nd NZEF Base, Maadi Camp.

3 Commanding 9th New Zealand Infantry Brigade, Maadi.