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The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Governor-General of New Zealand

Your telegram of 5 August.

His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom greatly appreciate the willingness of His Majesty's Government in New Zealand to provide a brigade group for Fiji and consider that this decision of the New Zealand Government represents a most valuable form of assistance to the common cause. We note that the New Zealand Government's page 273 view is that the force should be despatched in the near future, and we agree with the view. We also agree to the advance party being sent at once as proposed, but we should hope that as far and as long as possible all publicity will be avoided. The Governor of Fiji is being advised accordingly and will make all preliminary arrangements for the reception of the New Zealand troops.

The Governor of Fiji has telegraphed a summary of the recommendations made by the New Zealand Chiefs of Staff on their recent visit and this is under close consideration here so far as it affects Fiji.