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The acting Prime Minister to General Freyberg

Your telegram of 7 April.

Will you please arrange for the following message to be published in orders:

The news of the day is good—the coming news is better—the day for destroying the enemy is at hand. Every day is bringing new triumphs for the United Nations, and everywhere the prospect of their complete victory grows clearer, nearer, and more substantial.

Although operations may yet be hard and difficult and may still last some time in Germany and Japan, the armies of the British Commonwealth, the United States, Russia, and the other United Nations are gradually overwhelming the forces of the enemy. The New Zealand Division is now entering a battle which probably will be the most crucial of the arduous campaign in Italy.

The people and Government of New Zealand will tensely watch your operations with the greatest confidence. Time and

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again the New Zealand Division has proved its mettle at the highest level of quality as a fighting force. You will do it again. Be yourselves once more and there can be no doubt of the victorious result.

Godspeed to you all.