15
General Freyberg (Crete) to the acting Prime Minister

I have to thank you for your message of 9 May. While fully appreciating the honour of commanding the Anzac Corps and while realising that the association of Anzac has much to recommend it from an operational viewpoint, I would personally prefer to stay with the New Zealand Division. However, if the New Zealand and Commonwealth Governments so desire, I am prepared to accept the appointment provided that I can remain a servant of the New Zealand Government by continuing to be GOC 2nd NZEF, and provided the New Zealand Division remains part of the Corps I command. It may be possible for me to fly to Egypt and back in a day so that I could discuss this and other matters with the Prime Minister personally. Meanwhile, in accordance with the British Government's request, I must of course remain here with our two New Zealand brigades until we are relieved or until the danger to Crete is past. Our troops are in good form.