204
The Governor-General of New Zealand to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs

I am asked by my Prime Minister to convey the following reply to your telegram of 14 January (No. 203):

Your remarks on the conduct and bearing of the New Zealand troops who have recently left the United Kingdom are very warmly appreciated by my colleagues and myself. The troops were made page 151 to feel at all times that they were among their own people and that their welcome was genuine and warm, and we here for our part are proud to know that they worthily represented us, and that they have played some part in defending the centre of the Commonwealth. We share with you the conviction that they will worthily uphold their traditions in their new sphere of activity.

His Majesty's Government in New Zealand wish to publish both your message and their reply, but suggest that publication should be withheld until the troops have actually arrived at their destination. They have no knowledge as to whether or not this will coincide with the date referred to in your telegram to the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in New Zealand.¹ If His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom agree to this course, it is suggested that after definite advice has been received of the safe arrival of the troops, the time of publication should be synchronised.