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Army Headquarters (Wellington) to Headquarters 2nd NZEF

The Government is considering sending reinforcements to you. It is anticipated that approval will be given to: (a) the despatch at an early date of approximately 2500 or such smaller number as you may recommend as sufficient to meet immediate requirements, and (b) that a further draft not exceeding 2500 would be made available towards the end of this year.

Next year's programme is to depend on future developments in the Middle East and the Pacific.

The manpower situation here calls for economy, and we suggest that you examine your Base and keep your recommendations for (a) and (b) down to the minimum.

Please cable your recommendations as to the size of (a) and (b) and the composition of (a) by arms.