117
The Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia to the Prime Minister of New Zealand

I suggest that, having regard to the Italian situation and the possibility of the passage through the Red Sea becoming impracticable, consideration be given to the postponement of the embarkation of the New Zealand Forces until the situation is clarified. Accommodation would not be available here for the New Zealand troops if the convoy were held up in Australia. In this connection, my immediately following telegram contains the text of a telegram sent today to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs.