Documents Relating to New Zealand's Participation in the Second World War 1939–45: Volume II
29 — The Prime Minister of New Zealand to the High Commissioner for New Zealand (London)
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29
The Prime Minister of New Zealand to the High Commissioner for New Zealand (London)1
With reference to the scale of reinforcements for the 2nd NZEF, please see the telegram of 6 January from War Office to the Chief of the New Zealand General Staff.
The high rate of reinforcement contemplated is giving us concern. It is considerably greater than that which we had allowed for, namely 10 per cent a month, based on experience in the last war. In view of the large manpower requirements for the air training scheme, plus the special formations extra to Divisional establishment already
1 Rt. Hon. W. J. Jordan, PC; New Zealand High Commissioner in the United Kingdom, 1936–51.
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agreed upon,1 we are concerned whether we will be able to maintain such a high rate of reinforcement on a voluntary basis. We would be grateful if you and Park2 could therefore discuss this matter with the War Office and advise us whether, having regard to the actual experience of this war, any substantial reduction in the scale of reinforcement contemplated in the War Office telegram of 6 January will be possible.
1 See Volume I, Special Units.
2 Brigadier R. S. Park, CBE, New Zealand Military Liaison Officer, London, 1939–46; commanded 2nd NZEF (UK) 1941–46; appointed New Zealand representative on the Joint Planning Staff, Chiefs of Staff Committee, London, Feb 1942; Commandant, Northern Military District, May 1947 – Feb 1950; Commander K Force (Korea) Aug 1950–.
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