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

The information contained in your telegram of 23 February¹ to the Minister of Defence is greatly appreciated. The Government have now given their concurrence to the request from the United Kingdom.

We know that you and the splendid army of men under your command will face all the dangers of the task ahead with accustomed courage and the determination, whatever the odds, to win through. We are proud indeed that our full confidence in the splendid quality of New Zealand soldiers is shared by those who are allotting this vitally important role.