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The New Zealand Minister, Washington, to the Prime Minister

Your telegram of 5 April.

I have notified Admiral King of your continued opinion that Australia and New Zealand form one strategic whole, and that, whilst you will maintain direct liaison with Australia, you will, so long as the directive operates, do everything possible to attain maximum efficiency. He advises that his understanding is that General Mead remains in command of the defences in Fiji under the New Zealand Chief of Staff. He is in agreement with your proposal that the New Zealand Government will be consulted and their agreement obtained before New Zealand troops are moved from the Dominion or from one island to another. The last-mentioned proposal should, I think, either be included in the directive or an undertaking be [group omitted–given?] by the President. I am writing to Admiral King and on receipt of his reply will advise you.