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Major-General Barrowclough to Lieutenant-General Puttick

Your telegram of 13 March.¹

Harmon saw me today. He indicated that Halsey saw no objection to the withdrawal of men from my Division, even though it precluded us from fulfilling the reserve role. It was agreed that the method of return was merely a question of arranging shipping. Harmon thought I should return to New Zealand for consultation and then submit a plan to him for the Commander-in-Chief for the necessary personnel. Harmon is to signal me shortly if Halsey approves of my temporary absence from Green Island. This is merely to report our interview. I do not purport to act as Halsey's spokesman. He will doubtless communicate with you direct.