Documents Relating to New Zealand's Participation in the Second World War 1939–45: Volume I
35 — The Prime Minister to the Hon. P. Fraser — [Extract]
35
The Prime Minister to the Hon. P. Fraser
[Extract]
…. It is hoped that a public announcement can be made either over the air on Tuesday evening at seven o'clock or in the evening press of the same day. This statement will also announce the appointment of General Freyberg and the desire of the Government to retain General Duigan1 in New Zealand, and that this has been made possible by the availability of Freyberg who has been offered, and has accepted, the command of the New Zealand forces overseas….2
1 Major-General Sir John Evelyn Duigan, KBE, CB, DSO, Chief of the General Staff in New Zealand, 1937–41. Created KBE in 1940.
2 See Formation and Despatch of First Echelon (No. 49) for rest of text.