Documents Relating to New Zealand's Participation in the Second World War 1939–45: Volume III
230 — Despatch from the Governor of Fiji1 to the Governor-General of New Zealand
230
Despatch from the Governor of
Fiji
1 to the Governor-General of New Zealand
My Lord
,With reference to Recommendation No. 33 of the Wellington Defence Conference Report 2 to the effect that the New Zealand Government should consider reinforcing the local Defence Forces in the south-west Pacific generally, and in Fiji in particular, by despatching there a Brigade Group when the emergency arises, I understand from the Secretary of State for the Colonies 3 that His Majesty's Government in New Zealand have not as yet indicated officially whether or not they accept this Recommendation.
2 As, however, it will clearly be necessary for your Government to concert with the Fiji Government in advance the necessary arrangements to facilitate the reception of the Brigade should it be sent, I have the honour to inquire if your Government considers that the time has arrived when it would be convenient for preliminary arrangements to be considered between the two Governments concerned.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient servant
,( Sgd) H. C. Luke
Governor
1 Sir Harry Luke, KCMG; Governor and Commander-in-Chief, Fiji, and High Commissioner for the Western Pacific, 1938–42.
2 The Defence Conference was held in Wellington on 14–26 Apr 1939, and was attended by delegations from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
3 Rt. Hon. Malcolm MacDonald, PC; Secretary of State for the Colonies, 1938 – May 1940.