182
The Prime Minister to the High Commissioner for New Zealand

Your telegram of 15 June (No. 181). Your reference to the arrival of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force has occasioned surprise. If we are to understand that the impending arrival has become known then grave anxiety must be felt here, and we would be glad of immediate reassurances on this point.

On the question of enlistments, consult Freyberg on his arrival. If he considers it practicable and if training facilities permit acceptance, the Government would have no objection to the enlistment of men within the present age group 21–40 years. Please send an estimate of the numbers of such enlistments.