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

477 — The Prime Minister of New Zealand to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

477
The Prime Minister of New Zealand to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

6 September 1945

In view of the distances involved and the fact that our Division has been kept in Europe and the Middle East since the first year of the war, we feel that some special consideration should be given to our claims for urgent repatriation. It is disappointing to learn from your telegram of 1 September that the most that can be indicated regarding shipping to bring our troops to New Zealand is that our claims will be considered alongside those of others. Apart from the reasons put forward in my telegram of 30 August (No. 475), there is, in addition, the question of possible unrest, amongst the troops who have already been held for some months in Italy and in the Middle East. Therefore, I must most earnestly request that strong representations be made to the Combined Chiefs of Staff in Washington for special consideration to be given to the early transport home of New Zealand troops.5

5 A copy of this telegram was also sent to the New Zealand Minister at Washington (Mr. C. A. Berendsen), who was requested to discuss the matter personally with Field-Marshal Wilson to seek his support of the Government's representations at meetings of the Combined Chiefs of Staff.