My Government has under consideration the increase of the 2nd
A.I.F. to an Army Corps comprising two divisions with the
necessary Corps troops. They desire to know whether your
Government would be willing to combine New Zealand forces in an
Anzac Corps under command of G.O.C., A.I.F.

As the name of Anzac has become synonymous with the highest degree
of military prowess, the opportunity of recreating a force to
carry on the traditions associated with this name has considerable
appeal to us. Such a step would be inspiring to the national
morale of Australia and New Zealand in particular and the Empire
in general. There is also a close psychological affinity between
our troops. The effect of such a decision would certainly not be
encouraging to the enemy and it would certainly be a further
demonstration of the solidarity of ourselves with the United
Kingdom. There are also mutual operational and administrative
advantages in concentrating our forces in one Army Corps.

The interests of your forces and your Government would be fully
safeguarded in the organisation and administration of the Corps
and by the right of direct communication of your senior officer
with the New Zealand Government.

Early advice of your views would be appreciated and if proposal
meets with your concurrence it is suggested that a staff
representative be sent to Australia early to discuss the working
out of details.

It is requested that this cablegram be treated with the greatest
secrecy particularly the reference to possibility of expansion of
our forces, which I will not be announcing here before Wednesday
evening. [1]

MENZIES