Mr. Pritchard 6/11/39.
Mr. Acheson.. ¥Ah
Mr. Dixon. ¥/{}>,Q fA9
Mr. Stephen8on.^lKl?-onca
as Oft.
CYPHER T3LBGRAM from the Secretary of State for the
Colonies to the Governor of Fiji.
Sent         p.m.   11th December, 1939.
No. 233 Secret.
Your telegram No. 211.     Regret delay in
replying.
1. His Majesty's Government in New Zealand have
never indicated officially whether they accept
Recommendation No. 33 of the New Zealand Defence
Conference Report.
2. In view of the discussions which have taken
place and are still in process as to the military
t
assistance which New Zealand may "be able to give in
the War, His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom
would he reluctant to ask the Government of New Zealand
at the present juncture to accept a definite commitment
to send a "brigade of New Zealand troops to Fiji.
3. If you think that it is nevertheless desirable
to concert advance arrangements to facilitate ttie
reception of the brigade, if sent, there would he no
objection to your discuosing with the New Zealand
authorities the desirability of plans being v/orked out
for the accommodation, etc., of such a force, it being
appreciated that the question of the despatch of the
brigade would be a matter for consideration only if and
when an emergency requiring its presence were regarded
as imminent.
/ \K
Copies with copy of 88 to:-
D. 0. /
Service Depts.
Cabinet Office.