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Documents Relating to New Zealand's Participation in the Second World War 1939–45: Volume III
118 — The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Prime Minister of New Zealand1
118
The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Prime Minister of New Zealand1
It is felt to be very important that Wavell should exercise supreme command without delay, as soon as he reports himself ready to do so. So far as United Kingdom forces are concerned, the Commander-in-Chief Far East has already relinquished command and Wavell has assumed command.2 We accordingly suggest that as soon as Wavell reports himself as ready he should be formally authorised to assume supreme command without prejudice to further discussion of the machinery for consultation outlined in Annex 2 of the Supreme Commander's directive.
2 See p. 114, note 1.
2. The United States Chiefs of Staff agree. A similar suggestion is being made to the Dutch.
3. We should be grateful for your earliest reply.1
1 Mr Fraser replied on 14 January that the New Zealand Government had no objection.