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Letter from the Governor of Fiji to the Prime Minister of New Zealand

I understand that the Service authorities here have represented to you the inadequacy of present military and air forces to protect and hold Fiji against the scale of attack it may have to face. That our defences are entirely insufficient is also the feeling (in their case, of course, not based on expert knowledge) of the civil population of the Colony, in whose interests I am writing this personal letter to you.

I am not clear as to the latest arrangements as regards the New Zealand Defence Area, but I write to offer you what support I may in the representations which your Government is doubtless making with the Allied Command to the effect that Fiji's defences may be brought rapidly up to requisite strength.

It would be regrettable if our defences, while sufficiently important to invite attack, were insufficient to repel it.

Believe me,

With kind regards,
Yours sincerely,

(Sgd) H. C. Luke

P.S. I would appreciate any information you can give me as to the latest Allied Command arrangements for this area.

H.C.L.