281
The High Commissioner for New Zealand to the Prime Minister

It is reported by Colonel Park that satisfactory accommodation at Aldershot has been secured for the battery and the first reinforcement, comprising four officers and 140 other ranks, who will probably enter training on 24 October, attached to an anti-tank training regiment. It might be possible to obtain a larger number of active service personnel from applicants presenting themselves for medical examination on 9–11 October. The unit will use battle dress supplied by the Imperial authorities who will carry out the whole administration. The War Office will make per capita charge, for which please authorise payment. It is anticipated that the training period will be about four months. I shall visit the men shortly after mobilisation. With reference to your telegram of 5 October (No. 280), is the possible production of a full regiment implied in the reference to the European theatre of war? Are the Home Defence rates of pay mentioned applicable to the United Kingdom unit and are they payable in sterling or in New Zealand currency? Please telegraph your reply by tomorrow.