PACIFIC AREA, 4 October 1944

TOP SECRET

[matter omitted]

I spoke to the Prime Minister about the desirability of having
military representation at talks in New Zealand. [1] Colonel
Conlon [2] is au fait with the Army point of view in this matter
completely. If the Government thinks it desirable to have any
military adviser there, I suggest that Brigadier Thompson of the
General Staff at Army Headquarters might accompany the Australian
delegation. [3]

Militarily, of course, New Zealand is of very little real interest
to Australia. On the other hand, Australia is of the very greatest
interest to New Zealand from the military point of view. As long
as Australia is safe, New Zealand is completely safe in the
present world set up, so that any Australian military commitments
should be solely designed to Australian requirements, without any
consideration to New Zealand's position at all. In my view, the
commitment by Australia to any military protective requirements
should be most carefully approached and we should not even inform
New Zealand of our views on this question at present, until we
have finally decided our own preparedness to commit ourselves in
the future.

From the Army point of view, Colonel Conlon has been dealing with
all the various matters and as I understand that Mr. Ward is going
with the delegation, I presume it will deal with the question of
administration of the island territories. I would suggest,
therefore, that you consider including Colonel Conlon in the
delegation, as he is very well informed on our position in this
matter.

T. A. BLAMEY