Documents Relating to New Zealand's Participation in the Second World War 1939–45: Volume II
139 — The Prime Minister to General Freyberg
139
The Prime Minister to General Freyberg
The information contained in your telegrams (Nos. 136–8) is much appreciated and we have given most careful thought to the considerations to which you call attention.
On the following assumptions, namely:
(1) |
that the move is undertaken only with the full support and approval of Turkey; |
(2) |
that an assurance is given by the Commander-in-Chief (a) that adequate air support is provided sufficient to ensure that the Division does not have to go through another Greece or Crete, and (b) that adequate forces will be available to protect the Syrian flank and, if necessary, to assist in supporting and extricating the Division, we agree that the Division should be used for the operational role proposed. |
You will, of course, keep us advised of the situation from time to time.