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

128 — The Governor-General of New Zealand to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs

128
The Governor-General of New Zealand to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs

2 May 1940

The suggestion contained in your telegram of 30 April (No. 123), that the Second Echelon of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force should, if circumstances require it, be diverted to the United Kingdom, has been agreed to by His Majesty's Government in New Zealand. However, they have seen the telegram addressed to you by the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia,1 and having regard to the point of view taken by His Majesty's Government in the Commonwealth of Australia and the embarrassment which would result were Australia to take one course and New Zealand another, they would appreciate at the earliest possible moment tomorrow morning, New Zealand time, an expression of the opinion and the advice of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. In the meantime, pending the receipt of a reply to this telegram, when they will decide the course they intend to adopt, His Majesty's Government in New Zealand have determined not to alter the arrangements for the embarkation of the Second Echelon (which is now taking place) or its departure tomorrow. In making their decision they would also be greatly assisted if they could be informed of the details of the escort proposed in the case of diversion and furnished with the most explicit assurances that the safety of the convoy is fully assured.

A repetition of this telegram is being sent to the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia.

1 See No. 126.