Cablegram 81 [1] CANBERRA, 26 January 1942
MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET
Following for the Prime Minister [2] from the Prime Minister. [3]
With further reference to my telegram 74 [4] it is noted from cablegram No. 45 from the New Zealand Government [5], which has been repeated to us, that reference is made to Dominion membership of the United Kingdom War Cabinet ‘as this is in effect accorded to Australia’.
2. We are, of course, unaware of the terms of your communication to New Zealand, but we wish it to be quite clear that our request in cablegram No. 68 [6] implied and meant full membership of the United Kingdom War Cabinet with all rights and privileges unless and until an Imperial War Cabinet is constituted.
3. We would be glad of early answer on Pacific Council scheme and note that New Zealand Government seems to be in substantial agreement with us.
FORDE
_
1 Repeated to the N.Z. Prime Minister as no. 37.
2 Winston Churchill.
3 See editorial note before Document 294.
4 Document 298.
5 Dispatched 26 January. In PRO:DO 35/1010, iii.
6 Document 289.
_
[AA:A2680, 14/1942]