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The Deputy Prime Minister to Admiral Halsey

Your prompt attention to the request contained in my message dated 4 December is warmly appreciated and we are most relieved to learn from advice received from comgensopac that firm transport arrangements are in hand.

The meat-killing and cool storage situation in New Zealand is extremely critical and every day is of value in ensuring the maximum

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meat for freezing. The arrival of the men from Tonga and Fiji, most of whom will be directed to freezing work, is essential if a serious reduction in the quantity of valuable foodstuffs is to be avoided.