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The Prime Minister to General Freyberg

I wish to advise you that Parliament has today given its concurrence to the retention of the Division in the Mediterranean theatre.

Under these circumstances I trust that it will be possible to give full effect to the relief scheme to the extent rendered possible by the use of the Nieuw Amsterdam. The New Zealand Government cannot, of course, accept the risk of this ship sailing unescorted and representations to this effect will be made to the United Kingdom authorities.

It is desired that special care be taken to ensure that the Maoris who left with the Second and Third Echelons are returned with the first relief detachment.

It will, I feel, be a great advantage to have personal discussions with you concerning all matters relating to the Division, and I am looking forward to welcoming you to New Zealand very shortly.