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The New Zealand Minister, Washington, to the Prime Minister

At an interview with the President this afternoon he handed me a message to you in the following text:

‘To the Prime Minister of New Zealand.

‘Your message of 19 March has been received through Mr Nash. I am glad to learn that the arrangement which we proposed meets with your warm approval.

‘I am in complete agreement with your statements in regard to the importance in the war against Japan of New Zealand and the Fiji Islands which, together with Australia, can and must be held and used as bases for an offensive against Japan.

‘I want you to know Mr Prime Minister that we are straining every effort to send the forces to which you refer at the earliest possible moment. We shall also do what we can toward increasing the help in men and in equipment. Everything that it is possible for us to do in this regard as a contribution to our combined war effort will be done. (Signed) Roosevelt.’

The original is being sent by next mail.