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

220 — The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Governor-General of New Zealand

220
The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Governor-General of New Zealand

26 July 1940

So far as His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are able to give them at the present time, the following are the answers to the questions contained in your telegram of 24 July (No. 219):

It is hoped, in accordance with the original programme, to sail convoy US 4 for the Middle East from Sydney on 23 August, and that His Majesty's Government in New Zealand will be prepared to utilise the full capacity available in this convoy. It is suggested that His Majesty's Government in New Zealand should despatch by this convoy reinforcements for the First Echelon now in Egypt, as well as the following ancillary units which it is understood are now ready to leave: 16th and 17th New Zealand Railway Operating Companies, 13th New Zealand Railway Construction Company, 18th and 19th New Zealand Army Troops Companies.2 We suggest that any remaining capacity in US 4 should be filled by such units of the Third Echelon as may be selected by the New Zealand Government. It is suggested also that the 12th New Zealand Railway Survey Company should remain for the present in New Zealand, but we should be very grateful if a Headquarters Railway page 167 Operating Group (total all ranks, 26—see WE 4/1931/17/2)1 could be raised and despatched with the other transportation units in US 4.

With regard to the route for the convoy, it is proposed that the ships should proceed to India in the first place and that transshipment should take place into smaller vessels for the passage through the Red Sea to Suez. As regards the escort, it is proposed that HMAS Canberra should be used for the ocean passage, and adequate anti-submarine and anti-aircraft escort would be provided for the passage through the Red Sea. The Naval Commander-in-Chief, East Indies,2 will arrange details in the light of the situation at the time. The destruction of 60 per cent of the Italian submarines in that area and, to a lesser extent, the reduced fuel stocks caused by our continual bombing of Italian air bases has reduced materially the risk of passage through the Red Sea. Two convoys have already passed through the Red Sea without loss, and before the passage of US 4 His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom themselves intend to pass about 27,000 further troops through the Red Sea in addition to regular supply convoys. Therefore, before the passage of US 4 the security of the route will have been fully tested.

His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom cannot yet state a firm date by which full equipment for the Third Echelon can be provided. At the best, however, it cannot reach the Middle East until some time after the arrival of the echelon sailing on 23 August. Personal anti-gas equipment should be available on the arrival of the echelon as it has already been despatched. In addition a modified scale of Bren guns, anti-tank rifles, mortars, &c., will be despatched by the fastest means possible. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom foresee the possibility of a situation developing in the Middle East in which white troops would play a valuable part in the security of the area, even with this modified scale of equipment. They therefore hope that His Majesty's Government in New Zealand will be prepared to send the forces as above proposed, notwithstanding the inevitable delay in the provision of full equipment.

As the New Zealand Government will be aware, we hope that it may be possible in due course to concentrate the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the Middle East, but it is unlikely that the situation in the United Kingdom would permit the second New Zealand brigade to sail for the Middle East from this country before September. Therefore, it could not reach the Middle East with its

1 War establishment as laid down by the War Office.

2 Admiral Sir Ralph Leatham, KCB, Commander-in-Chief, East Indies, Apr 1939–Apr 1941; at time of reference, Vice-Admiral.

page 168 equipment until the end of the year at the earliest unless the Mediterranean route can be opened before then.1

The possibility of the despatch of a brigade group to Fiji is now being considered by the Chiefs of Staff. The position in the Far East is at present considered to be less tense, but the Chiefs of Staff may recommend that His Majesty's Government in New Zealand should be asked to be prepared to undertake this measure. If such a recommendation were adopted, it is appreciated that it would be necessary to reduce proportionately the reinforcements to be forwarded with the Third Echelon. Within the next few days it is hoped to communicate further on this point….2