‘Pre-war action in New Zealand

‘Simultaneously with these various pre-war conferences which were taking place in London, general plans were under discussion in New Zealand for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and prompt export of the Dominion's exportable surplus of primary products to the United Kingdom in the event of war. These discussions were commenced as far back as 1937 within the general framework of the Organisation for National Security, which had been set up by this time. It was agreed that the Marketing Department could well form the nucleus of whatever organisation would be required in the event of an outbreak of war and the bulk purchase of primary products by the United Kingdom Government. The Dominion was therefore already well equipped to meet the emergency and to commence detailed negotiations immediately war did commence on 3rd September.