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The New Zealand Minister, Washington, to the Prime Minister

I spent an hour with General Marshall yesterday and set out our needs as I saw them, particularly with regard to your appreciation of 13 March³ and the need of fighter squadrons and troops. There are many difficulties in allocating available supplies, but he advised me in complete secrecy that, in addition to those which have already left for Australia and other places, one division was due to leave on 15 April and one on 20 May. The 15 April division is scheduled for Australia, the 20 May division for us.

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I stressed the need for three divisions and urged that at least half a division should be sent early, and when I see him again next week I will suggest that if the 15 April convoy cannot come to New Zealand then at least half of each division should come to us.

He promised to examine the position regarding fighter squadrons, and I am to see him again on either Wednesday or Thursday next.