Documents Relating to New Zealand's Participation in the Second World War 1939–45: Volume III
19 February 1942
Following for Prime Minister:
With reference to paragraph 1 of my telegram [No. 199], I now set out the immediate defence requirements for New Zealand. These page 228 requirements are not related to what the requirements will be if it is decided to constitute New Zealand as a main base area. They are related to the defence of New Zealand against a division of Japanese troops supported by warships and four aircraft carriers. The lists include only such resources as could be employed effectively by the time of their arrival if released in the near future.