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

Part I. general

Part I. general

‘(1) The United States Joint Working Committee have considered the forces and facilities required for the defence of New Zealand and Fiji as related to the South Pacific problem. They are aware of the views expressed by the New Zealand Chiefs of Staff in telegrams [No. 209] of 14 [13] March1 and [No. 273] of 22 April and relevant papers. The recommendations have still to be considered by the United States Joint Staff and must not be considered as finally approved.

‘(2) The United States Staff refused to consider Fiji as a separate problem and insist that it is one of a series of mutually supporting islands, and that the security of the Pacific area and subsequent operations must be considered as a whole.

‘(3) The Committee recommends the following be completed by December 1942:

(a)

Bora Bora – 4000 troops now in position.

(b)

Samoa and Wallis – 23,000 troops; 13,000 troops are to be mobile and be “for operations anywhere”. This mobile (amphibious) force may come to New Zealand before a large offensive undertaking, but will remain in Samoa until the defensive situation is more satisfactory.

(c)

Tongatabu – 7000 troops, including airmen.

(d)

New Caledonia – 24,000 now in position.

(e)

Efate – 7000 troops.

(f)

Fiji – 1000 United States troops; includes United States air staff. New Zealand to provide another 12,000 troops from New Zealand.

‘(4) Initial movements of troops for Tongatabu, Samoa, Efate, already scheduled as follows:

Tongatabu – arrive 7 May; in position 7 July.

Samoa – arrive 5 May; in position 5 June.

Efate – arrive 12 May; in position 12 July.