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

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

168
The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Governor-General of New Zealand

8 June 1940

We regret to learn from your telegram of 1 June (No. 158) of the concern felt by the New Zealand Government. We feel that there must have been some misunderstanding as to what has been contemplated. The position is that arrangements had been made for the troops to be stationed in the Colchester area as it was understood from the New Zealand authorities in London that this area was preferred. However, in the existing conditions, operational reasons would have prevented the full concentration of the Second Echelon if stationed in that area, and the War Office accordingly consulted the General Officer Commanding the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, who agreed that in the circumstances an alternative area to Colchester should be found. The War Office are now in further communication with General Freyberg with a view to deciding page 123 upon an alternative area affording suitable training facilities without dispersion, and they expect to reach a decision at an early date.

We are certain that the above will prove satisfactory to the New Zealand Government.