– 66 –

89
Army Headquarters (Wellington) to Headquarters 2nd NZEF

The despatch of 5500 men, inclusive of a tank battalion and a proportion of technical personnel, has been approved by War Cabinet, who are also prepared to consider the despatch of tanks for the battalion if equal or better tanks are not available in the Middle East. The question of sending any additional tank battalions or technical reinforcements in future must remain in abeyance in view of the present Pacific situation.

The possible date of departure will be telegraphed later. We would like an early reply whether tanks or technical vehicles are actually required.