You will recall my letter to you of 2nd January, in which I
informed you of various Cabinet decisions relating to the
Antarctic. You may be interested in subsequent developments.

On 16 January the Cabinet again discussed plans for the expedition
to the Australian Antarctic Territory to establish a permanent
scientific base. The Cabinet had before it reports from the
Departments of Navy and Air on the practicability of a short
voyage this summer by a naval ship equipped with suitable
aircraft, to survey Cape Freshfield and its approaches, and
undertake general reconnaissance.

The Department of Navy advised that there was available no
suitable ship from which an air reconnaissance could be made; and
that the length of the voyage was beyond the fuelling capacity of
the average naval ship. Even if a ship were available, there were
serious difficulties in providing suitable equipment. A small ship
(such as a frigate) would run serious risks from ice.

The Department of Air reported that a long-range air
reconnaissance from the mainland would be attended by definite
risks, which would be justified only if the results obtained
played a decisive part in expediting the establishment of the base
next year.

The Cabinet therefore accepted the recommendation of the Ministers
for External Affairs and in charge of Scientific and Industrial
Research, that the proposal for an expedition this summer should
not be proceeded with, and that an executive committee be formed
to develop concrete plans for the despatch of an expedition during
the summer 1947-48. The executive committee consists of
representatives of-
Department of Navy
Department of Air
Department of External Affairs
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research,
and of Sir Douglas Mawson, who has been co-opted as adviser on
planning.

The Executive Committee will meet shortly to discuss
recommendations for the appointment of an executive officer. The
latter will undertake full-time work on planning, and be prepared
to accompany any expedition in charge of general supply and
management under the leader appointed by Cabinet.