Reference cablegrams relative despatch of Division overseas,
Cabinet has decided and I am announcing to House tomorrow that
this Force, which was raised for service at home or abroad as
occasion might require or permit, will proceed overseas when it
has reached a suitable stage in its training. It is anticipated
that this will be early in New Year. After further training
overseas it should be able to take its place in a theatre of war
in European Spring. Further advice will be forwarded regarding
equipment which will be taken but Government is averse to shipment
of artillery or any other material needed for maintenance of our
militia forces, unless it is capable of rapid replacement. In view
of reasons which decided reversal of decision to despatch Air
Expeditionary Force, it is not proposed to despatch Army Co-
operation Squadron. I would add for your personal information that
there are doubts as to attainment of satisfactory degree of
organization, training and outfitting of Force for commencement of
shipment by middle of December, and Government feels that time
table proposed in cablegrams has not been prepared with adequate
regard to local considerations, not least of which is that further
local training of our Force affords period for clarification of
international situation without prejudicing our strength here or
subsequent co-operation when Force is ready to take field. It is
suggested you consult with United Kingdom Government and New
Zealand representative regarding co-ordination of shipping
requirements for our Force with New Zealand arrangements.

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