Dominions Office cablegram 102 of 24th May 1947.

We agree that the policy aspects of the lines of research
contemplated in Dominions Office cablegram No. 102 should be
discussed at the meeting of the Commonwealth Advisory Committee on
Defence Science in London in November next. As a result of these
discussions, preliminary arrangements can then be made for
subsequent visits by suitable experts to discuss in detail the
projects which might be undertaken in Australia.

2. In the meantime, the following views are held here concerning
the possibility of Australia undertaking work in the various
fields proposed in cablegram 102:

(a) Accelerated Programme for the Development of Guided and Air
Launched Weapons
We consider tha[t] an expansion of research and development in
Australia is essential to the successful prosecution of the
project, and would welcome further discussions with your experts
as soon as possible.

(b) Design of Small Unmanned Aircraft Capable of Sub-sonic Speeds
and Eventually of Super-sonic Speeds
We agree that Australia should accept this project in principle.

It will be necessary, however, first to obtain broad
specifications from you, but it does not appear that there will be
any inherent difficulties in undertaking the project. Further
discussions between experts will be required to determine the
manner in which the project could be implemented by us.

(c) Design of High Velocity and Short Range Rockets as Substitutes
for Field Army Weapons
We are aware that there is a considerable background to this
project. At present, we could contribute to the development of a
fuel, but could not yet undertake rocket design. We consider that
this project might be discussed at the Commonwealth Scientific
Advisory Conference on the basis of Australia undertaking it
jointly with the United Kingdom.

(d) Development of Methods of Rapid Construction of Ships
particularly of the Escort Vessel Type
We consider that Australia could assist in this project, provided
that the design of a suitable escort vessel could be obtained from
you. However, further details will be necessary before work could
be undertaken.

(e) Chemical and Medical Research into the Possibility of Reducing
the Bulk of Essential Foods
Considerable work in this field has been undertaken already in
Australia, and we agree that such work could be continued here.

(f) Extra-Mural Research
We consider that this question should be reserved for future
discussion, as it is most unlikely at the present time that our
over-burdened University staff could undertake much research.

(g) Cross-country Mobility of Vehicle
We are extremely interested in this problem, but feel that, apart
from contributing ideas and assisting with experimental and user
trials, Australia could not undertake research in this field.

(h) Other Fields of Research Not Suggested by the united Kingdom
We understand that, associated with research and development on
guided missiles, an investigation of guidance by stellar
observation is proceeding in the United Kingdom. We suggest that
Australia might take part in this work, thus building up this new
technique; personnel could then be interchanged with the United
Kingdom. We would appreciate your views as to whether you consider
a duplication of effort in this field would be useful. [1]