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The Prime Minister to General Freyberg (London)

Parliament has now approved proposals for New Zealand's participation in the Commonwealth Land Force in the Pacific, and it has been agreed that two infantry brigades with Headquarters and Line of Communication units should be made available. The establishment approved is 16,000. Two thousand reinforcements will be made available this year and the remaining 3000 early next year.

Arrangements are now in hand for the despatch of the 16th Reinforcements from New Zealand.

I am informing the Secretary of State, and also requesting immediate advice regarding the shipping arrangements for the 20,000 men due for return from the Middle East.