**** 8EG8E
Reference to previous correspondence:
With the compliments of b*-?*-**
A copy has also been sent to c^*S '
Dominions Office, Downing Street,
31 Jltf3^
(M6S0)   Wt 15508.3017   20.000(4)   7/30   H & SP   Op «W
To the Government of Hew Zealand*
Sent 10 p.m., 39th July, 1939.
No. 86. Secret.
Ky telegram Ko. 69 Secret of the 6tli June.
Arned Merchant Cruisers.     In addition to cost of
conversion Admiralty state that coot of naval stores and
outstanding quantities of ammunition required is estimated
at about £16,000 for each ship.     ./ith regard to hire and
maintenance estimated cost for each ship, which is
necessarily very ap iroxirjate, is £248,000 per annum. In
addition there would be a charge for reconditioninc the
ship o n completion of hire, hut forecast of this would
he mainly guesswork.
The last sentence of pararraph 4 of your Secret
telegram Ho. 53 of 16th May is noted.     In view, however,
of the ;;reat importance attaching to the local provision
of personnel for such vessels, it would he appreciated if
an estimate could "be furnished of the numoer of officers
and men in each class whom it mifht he possible to make
available locally for this purpose in an emergency.