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

The Admiralty have had the position in relation to the onward passage of US 3 from Freetown under consideration. The general situation remains as indicated in my telegram of 27 May (No. 154).

HMS Resolution¹ and HMS Arethusa² will be stationed at Gibraltar before the convoy leaves Freetown, and for the last part of the passage units of the Home Fleet will provide cover. In the present circumstances, and with these additional measures of security, it is considered that ocean escort by HMS Shropshire and HMS Cumberland will afford adequate protection, but a destroyer page 122 screen and air reconnaissance will be provided during the passage through the submarine zone. If a change in the situation should so require, means are available to reinforce the ocean escort.

The convoy will pass to the west of Ireland and is destined for the Clyde.