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Documents Relating to New Zealand's Participation in the Second World War 1939–45: Volume I

Appendix I — Visit Of Ministers From Dominions And Of A Representative From India — Agreed Conclusions of Discussions Between Officials, Held at the War Office on 2 November 1939

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Appendix I
Visit Of Ministers From Dominions And Of A Representative From India
Agreed Conclusions of Discussions Between Officials, Held at the War Office on 2 November 1939

Subject to approval by the New Zealand Government of any matters of policy involved, the following conclusions were agreed upon at a meeting held at the War Office on 2 November 1939, at which New Zealand Military representatives were present.

1.

The despatch of New Zealand Military forces

A decision by the New Zealand Government to despatch military forces overseas would be governed primarily by the attitude of Japan. The subsequent conclusions are on the assumption that the New Zealand Government is satisfied on this point, and gives the necessary authority to despatch forces.

2.

The composition of the force and programme of despatch

The force would consist of one complete Division. Provisional dates for the sailing of the force would be—

  • Divisional Headquarters and First Brigade Group—15 January

  • Second Brigade Group—15 April

  • Third Brigade Group—15 July

The Division would thus be concentrated at the beginning of August, and should have completed training by 1 September 1940.

3.

Organisation

Generally speaking, the organisation of the New Zealand Division would be similar to that of a British division. The New Zealand authorities would have no objection to this being turned into a motorised division, if this was found to be desirable, on its arrival at its destination. A machine-gun battalion could be provided (but see under Equipment). The New Zealand representative agreed to furnish the War Office with a provisional order of battle.

4.

Destination

The destination of the New Zealand Division should, in the first place, be the Middle East, where it would complete its training.

5.

Reinforcements

The first batch of reinforcements from New Zealand should arrive about 1 July. A reinforcement unit would be required in the Middle East, to deal with a rate of wastage of approximately 10 per cent per month.

page 334
6.

Equipment

(a)

Little equipment could be made available from New Zealand, except web equipment, rifles, and bayonets. All other equipment would have to be provided from United Kingdom sources.

(b)

The War Office undertook to provide sufficient equipment for the New Zealand Division for training, on its arrival in the Middle East. Full war equipment would be provided a month before the Division was required to go into action.

(c)

Mechanical transport should not be shipped from New Zealand.

(d)

Detailed questions concerning equipment would be settled in subsequent discussions.

(e)

The provision of clothing from New Zealand sources was under consideration, but anti-gas clothing and equipment and steel helmets could not be provided.

7.

Training

The training of instructors and of tradesmen should take place in Egypt, the details being arranged by the Director of Military Training and the New Zealand Military authorities.