– 128 –

178
The Governor-General of New Zealand to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs

His Majesty's Government in New Zealand agree in general with the viewpoint expressed in your telegram of 12 June (No. 172) and approve the use of New Zealand troops, if necessary, for home defence in the United Kingdom, subject, however, to the prior condition that they have been equipped previously with fighting equipment suitable for the purpose, even should a less modern type of equipment only be available. They feel also that the New Zealand troops should work as a separate formation directly under the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the war area where they are stationed and that they should not be placed under a British Divisional Commander.