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The Prime Minister to the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific

Your telegram of 16 June [No. 303] and telegram from the Agent and Consul, Tonga. It has been decided that the two 18-pounder guns, the personnel to man them, and the engineer personnel at Tonga are to be withdrawn. This will leave in Tonga New Zealand personnel, (a) to man the 4-inch coastal guns, and (b) all New Zealand personnel at present serving with native troops. This action is in accordance with the wishes of the War Department, Washington, with which this Government agrees. This information will remove the concern which you and the Agent in Tonga feel. General Mead has been instructed accordingly.