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The New Zealand Minister, Washington, to the Prime Minister

The following message has been received from Admiral King, which he has asked me to transmit to you in reply to your personal message contained in cable [No. 297]:

‘Your personal message to me conveyed through the Minister for New Zealand is most welcome and encouraging in that it indicates recognition and confirmation of the basic strategic concept that the defence of New Zealand is most likely to be effectively done by the holding of Fiji, together with New Caledonia and Samoa, as strong points which the enemy will hesitate to pass by.

‘Moreover it conveys the cheering assurance that you and your Government intend full and cordial co-operation in military developments that will in time lead us to victory, for which all of us are working together.

‘I will take up with General Marshall your generous and understanding proposal to strengthen Fiji by retaining some, if not all, of the New Zealand Forces.’