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The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Prime Minister of New Zealand

The Prime Minister desires me to transmit the following:

Your telegram of 26 January. I am sorry you still do not think that our proposal is a workable method of meeting the situation. In the circumstances I am putting your views and those of Curtin as to the formation of a Pacific War Council in Washington to the President for his consideration.

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As regards the specific points raised at the beginning of your telegram, I confirmed that New Zealand would be perfectly entitled to put their views before the Far East Council in London, not only on matters affecting the ABDA area but on all Pacific questions. You are right in thinking that our proposal was that the Far East Council in London should deal with Pacific areas outside the ABDA area as necessary.

May I add how much I appreciate the tone of the official statement which you have just issued on this subject.