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The Prime Minister of New Zealand to General Freyberg (London)

As indicated in my telegram of 29 August, the Government have agreed to provide one brigade group for the British Commonwealth force for a period of six months. It is further agreed that the strength of this force should be 5000 all ranks, and that it should be a properly balanced brigade group with the necessary administrative and welfare services.

In the circumstances it is considered that the men required to fill the establishment should be drawn from the single men of the 13th, 14th and 15th Reinforcements. The Government also consider that suitable volunteers should be accepted from all categories of men outside the 13th, 14th and 15th Reinforcements.

It is at present proposed that the term of service in Japan should be six months, but if it is decided to retain a New Zealand force there for any greater length of time, volunteers will be sent from New Zealand for the purpose of reliefs.