page 84

102
The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Governor-General of New Zealand

In reply to your telegram of 3 February (No. 101). The Admiralty, on whom rests the responsibility for providing adequate escort, regard the position as being better than in January, and they see no military necessity to provide a battleship escort between New Zealand and Australia in the present situation. However, in deference to the representations of His Majesty's Government in New Zealand, the Admiralty agree that HMS Ramillies should proceed to New Zealand on this occasion. It will be appreciated that this will mean a delay of nine days in the sailing of the convoy.