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Mr. A. R. Cutler, High Commissioner for Australia, and Mr. A. Rive, High Commissioner for Canada, were welcomed. Of particular interest was the visit of Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd, United States Navy, and Task Force 68. Hospitality was also extended to H.M.S. " Black Prince," to the French sloop " La Grandiere," and to the officers and crews of British aircraft—namely, R.A.F. Lancaster " Aries," R.A.F. " Lincoln " aircraft, and the R.A.F. Halifax " Mercury." In addition to State luncheons and other receptions tendered during the visits of many of the above named, receptions were also tendered to the English League Football Team, the Kiwi Rugby Football Team, the M.C.C. Cricket Team, and to the American athletes. IX. WAR HISTORY BRANCH During the year the activities of War History Branch have advanced and expanded. On Ist July, 1946, the Editor-in-Chief, Major-General H. K. Kippenberger, assumed duties. The following proposals for histories were submitted to Cabinet on 4th July, 1946, and approved : {a) A series of white-papers .. .. .. .. About 4 volumes. (6) A popular and illustrated history, issued in parts capable of binding into volumes and suitable for use x in schools (about 48 parts) .. .. .. .. .. 4 volumes. (c) The official history proper, divided as follows— Navy .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 volume. Army .. .. .. .. .. 7or 8 volumes. Air .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 volumes. Prisoners of War . . .. .. .. .. 1 volume. Civilian War Effort and Effects of War .. .. 3 volumes. Medical and Dental .. .. .. 3 or 4 volumes. Total .. .. .. .. .. 19 or 20 volumes. (d) A series of unit histories dealing with all important units of 2 N.Z.E.F. .. .. .. Say, 20 volumes. Because of the fundamental need for intensive and comprehensive research by the production of a series of narratives dealing with every part of New Zealand's war experience, civilian and military, a trained staff was essential. This has now been recruited and is adequate for the present. When problems of publication and distribution are reached, further appointments will be necessary, but the number of research assistants can then be reduced. For the important Medical History it became clear that a highly qualified medical practitioner was necessary, and an appointment has now beert made. In July, 1946, a representative meeting of senior officers of 2 N.Z.E.F. approved proposals as to unit histories, which are to be free to ex-members of units and next-of-kin of deceased members. Cabinet has further approved the appropriation of the sum of £60,000 for unit histories. Contracts have been entered into with some fifteen authors, some of them writers of distinction, and with the backing of sound research, volumes worthy of their subjects should be produced. There is a continuing difficulty as to accommodation, but it may now be stated with confidence that the Branch is soundly established and will be commencing publication during the coming year.

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