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

428 — Army Headquarters (Wellington) to Admiral Newton

428
Army Headquarters (Wellington) to Admiral Newton

22 July 1944

For Admiral Newton from Brigadier Conway,1 in the absence of the Chief of the General Staff.2

General Barrowclough has reported the purport of your recent conversation with him regarding the location of the 3rd New Zealand Division in the immediate future. It is understood that several additional formations of United States troops will shortly be arriving in New Caledonia and that the logistic problems thereby presented would be considerably relieved if the New Zealand Division were withdrawn from that island, at all events until it has been reconstituted as a combat division. The New Zealand War Cabinet has considered the matter, and I have been directed to say that War Cabinet fully appreciates the position and readily agrees to your suggestion that in the meantime the Division should be withdrawn to New Zealand. We understand that the return of the troops with their stores and equipment will probably extend over a period of about three months. Will you kindly notify me and General Barrowclough as soon as a definite decision is made on this question.3

1 Brig A. E. Conway, CB, OBE, Legion of Merit (US); Adjutant-General, New Zealand Military Forces, 1940–46.

2 General Puttick had accompanied Mr Fraser overseas.

3 The withdrawal of 2nd NZEF IP to New Zealand was subsequently approved by Admiral Nimitz, Commander-in-Chief Pacific Ocean Area.