Documents Relating to New Zealand's Participation in the Second World War 1939–45: Volume II
218 — The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to the Prime Minister of New Zealand
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218
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to the Prime Minister of New Zealand
Your telegram of 19 April. There is only time and plant to train one more division in amphibious action, and if the New Zealand Division cannot be counted on for certain another must at once be selected. There is thus no possibility of waiting until any date in May. Therefore I am informing General Alexander that your Division cannot take part in the assault phase of the landing in Sicily. I still hope, on symbolic and historic as well as military grounds, that it may be available for the follow-up in Europe.
Your wishes about Mr. Jones will be complied with.
Tonight (19–20 April) the main battle is joined in Tunisia and your Division is attacking with the rest of Eighth Army. May God bless your brave men is my prayer.
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