Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

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

144 — The New Zealand Minister, Washington, to the Prime Minister

page 156

144
The New Zealand Minister, Washington, to the Prime Minister

18 February 1942

Taking into account the fact that Australia, the Netherlands East Indies and New Zealand are the countries mainly and almost exclusively affected by the operations in the South Pacific, I recommend that you again approach Churchill and urge him to agree that Casey, the Dutch Minister to the United States, and myself be summoned to all of the meetings of the Combined Chiefs of Staff, sitting exclusively in an advisory capacity representing our respective countries, not to take part in discussions but to ensure that our knowledge of Australia, the Netherlands East Indies and New Zealand is available at all times prior to decisions being made, and also to enable us to advise the Combined Chiefs of Staff of our Governments' views and to keep our Governments informed of all decisions. This procedure could also be followed on the Munitions Assignment Board, which has been set up with Harry Hopkins as the Chairman. If you approve this proposal, I will endeavour to secure an interview for Casey and myself with Roosevelt to mention the subject, but will not do anything until I hear from you. I have discussed this proposal in detail with Sir John Dill. See my immediately following telegram for alternative proposals.1

1 Not published.