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The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Prime Minister of New Zealand

The following is personal for the Prime Minister from the Secretary of State for the Colonies:

Since the outbreak of war with Japan I have often had occasion to feel gratitude for the generous and unselfish manner in which page 326 your Government has balanced the defence needs of Fiji and the High Commission territories in the Western Pacific, for which I am ultimately and in part responsible to His Majesty, against the urgent calls for the defence of New Zealand herself.

I do hope you will never feel that we are taking your constant care and helpfulness for granted. Your sympathetic understanding is a powerful aid in ensuring that all resources are disposed in defence to the best advantage. It will hasten the day when we shall start to throw the invader out of the South Pacific.

With respect I express my thanks and admiration for your generosity and judgment.