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The Prime Minister to the Hon. F. Jones (London)

Your telegram of 17 April.

The proposed arrangements for the replacement of the longest service men in the Division are much appreciated. I have just sent another personal message to Mr. Churchill about the use of New Zealand troops and have asked him also to convey its contents to you.¹ It is essential for you to discuss all these matters as early as possible with General Freyberg, who, in response to my request that he sees you at once, has just informed me that this can be arranged. He states:

Operations have now reached a semi-static state very different from the Mareth operations in progress when Mr. Jones was in the Middle East last month. I can make adequate arrangements here for his safety, and suggest that he comes via Algiers to see Generals Eisenhower and Alexander. You will realise that it may be difficult to see all the troops here. His presence in the forward area would be most welcome.²

Will you please endeavour to return to the Middle East at once and report to me as early as possible before Parliament meets on 19 May on the various matters discussed with Mr. Churchill.