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Requests approval of introduction of legislation
to change title of Fiji Defence Force to Fiji
Regiment.
Is increasing maximum age for compulsory training
unless instructions are received to the contrary.
These telegrams should have been registered
on the General papers 7025/2A,. which accounts for
the delay in dealing with them.
Fortunately the delay is of no serious
consequence.    The recommendation in para.l of No.l
is in full accord with the conclusions reached at
the New Zealand Conference, which have been approved
in No.33 on 7025/2A/39.   The proposals in para.2
introduce no new principle.
I have discussed with Mr. Antrobus, and pass£>
the telegram approving the Governor's proposals.
When action is complete, including the Lf.
action, this correspondence should be transferred
to 7025/2A/39.
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Mr. Pritchard.
1. I discussed No.s8 briefly with you
yesterday.
2. The position is that in C.0.S.16 (flag
A on 6214/20A/39) the Hew Zealand Chiefs of
Staff recommended that a "force of one Brigade
Group should be ready in New Zealand to move at
short notice to reinforce the local defence
(i.e. in Fiji).   The New Zealand Defence
Conference
forces"
Conference referred to this recommendation and
stated that it was "of the opinion that New
Zealand should consider assisting in the manner
set out, and if the Government so decides a force
could be despatched when the emorgency arises".
(Paragraph 33 of the report - flag B on 7025/2A/39).
3. There is a reference to this particular
paragraph in paragraph 10 of Sir H. Batterbee's
report (No.7 on 7025/2A/39), but so far as I can
see from the correspondence sent to us, nothing
has been received from the New Zealand Government
in the matter.
4. I take it that what is in question is
whether New Zealand will definitely accept a
commitment that, in the event of war with Japan,
they will send a brigade of troops to Fiji. (I
assume that the "emergency" is the outbreak of war
with Japan, not an apprehended raid on Fiji by
the Japanese).   You may think it difficult, in
present circumstances, to pursue this matter With
the New Zealand Government despite the fact that
forces are being raised there: but we should
appreciate your observations on the question,
and your advice as to the reply to be returned
to Fiji.    It is conceivable, I suppose, that the
Fiji authorities could be authorized to work cut,
in consultation with the New Zealand General
Staff, plans for the reception and maintenance
of the force, without there being, any definite
undertaking beforehand on the part of New Zealand
to send the force.
25.10.1939.

Mr. Lee.
V/e discussed this, and I attach a draft
telegram in reply to Fiji.     I think it is rather for
the Colonial Office to obtain War Office concurrence,
but if you prefer it I will send a copy of the draft
to Major Hope asking him if he agrees.
6.11.59.
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