A.—la.

1939. NEW ZEALAND.

DECLARATION OF WAR WITH GERMANY. TELEGRAMS EXCHANGED BETWEEN HIS MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND HIS MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT IN NEW ZEALAND.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command.

Telegram from the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Governor-General of New Zealand, received at 11.45 p.m. on the 3rd September, 1939: — Circular telegram C. 49. Defence. War has broken out with Germany. (Signed) Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs.

Telegram from the Governor-General of New Zealand to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, sent at 1.55 a.m. on the 4th September, 1939: — With reference to the intimation just received that a state of war exists between the United Kingdom and Germany His Majesty's Government in New Zealand desire immediately to associate themselves with His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom in honouring their pledged word. They entirely concur with the action taken, which they regard as inevitably forced upon the British Commonwealth if the cause of justice, freedom and democracy is to endure in this world. The existence of a state of war with Germany has accordingly been proclaimed in New Zealand and His Majesty's Government in New Zealand would be grateful if His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom would take any steps that may be necessary to indicate to the German Government that His Majesty's Government in New Zealand associate themselves in this matter with the action taken by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. The New Zealand Government wish to offer to the British Government the fullest assurance of all possible support. They are convinced that the step that has been taken will meet with the approval of the people of this Dominion and they will give the fullest consideration in due course to any suggestion of the British Government as to the method or methods by which this Dominion can best assist in the common cause. (Signed) Governor-General of New Zealand.