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

412 — General Freyberg to General Wavell

412
General Freyberg to General Wavell

21 May 1941

Your telegram No. 411. This place has become no fit abode for important people. The King and the Prime Minister were yesterday morning nearly taken prisoner when fifty parachute troops landed within 500 yards of their house in the hills. I learnt of their escape only from a faint signal picked up last night. With their New Zealand escort, which I can ill afford to be without, the party will be on the south coast as per my telegram of 18 May (No. 406). They are now out of touch with us, even by wireless. As the enemy have landed motor-cycles the risk of capture is now increased.

The Minister left at 3 o'clock this morning to join the Royal party if possible, see telegram of 20 May (No. 407). They had been bombed all day and the Consul had actually to be dug out. From the military point of view, during the parachute attacks and heavy bombing such as we have been through in the last thirty-six hours, nobody is safe. Will you please deal with the Royal and diplomatic situation direct with those concerned as I am out of touch and most anxious about the safety of both parties. Please let me know also that my responsibility for their movements is at an end.2

2 The King and his party were evacuated from Ag Rumeli about 4 a.m. on 23 May. A message notifying their safe arrival in Egypt was sent to General Freyberg on 25 May by Sir Michael Palairet.