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The Prime Minister to General Freyberg (Washington)

Before making a final decision on the use of ancillary troops we will wait for your further comments after seeing the Chief of the Imperial General Staff. In view of the manpower situation, we see no alternative but to adhere to the original decision that the ancillary units in the Middle East should be used either as reinforcements for the 2nd New Zealand Division or be returned for essential work in

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New Zealand. If, in your view, the temporary use of either unit is considered necessary or desirable, we would readily agree, provided this did not mean any corresponding replacement of personnel from New Zealand.

Would you please make the position quite clear to the War Office.