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336
CYPHER TELEGRAM
NEW ZEALAND.
From the Government in New Zealand.
Dated 21st July, 1940. Received 4.24 p.m. on 20th
IMMEDIATE.
No. 289. Sacret.
July.
The New Zealand Naval Board have beer advised by Commodore in charge of Hong Kong of necessity for shipping to convey from Manila to Australia a number of evacuees from Hong Kong and it is understood that while Director of Sea Trans- port and H,M.G. in Australia have been able to provide the shipping requirements to a large extent there still remains the necessity for further tonnage. In these circumstances if need exists H. M. G. in New Zealand twill?group omitted arrange to placethe AWATEA at the disposal of H.M.G. in the U.K. for this purpose on the understanding that the vessel will have completed its mission and returned to New Zealand on or about August 15th. As it will be necessary for this reason for the vessel to depart on Tuesday next the 27th July H.M.O. in New Zealand would be grateful for a very early intimation of the wishes of H.M.Q. in the W. Kingdom.
We know that the manilas auths. are auxious to get rid of the evacuees as possible. Other departement's
informed
"CR. Wentamosh
ao ooon
have been
23/7.
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207
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