(Due to arrive Canberra 15.3.29)

My Dear P.M.,

I think the proposal in the attached letter regarding C.I.D.

papers will meet the case. [1] I have had some signs that the
Defence Department think that I am usurping some privilege of
theirs by my position in the C.I.D. Office and by seeing and
sending out through you copies of all C.I.D. papers that they seem
to think affect them exclusively. They appear to resent the fact
that I am the channel (through you) through which these papers
reach them and that they are not available to their Service
Liaison Officers here.

I mention this fact-not that it disturbs me a great deal-in order
that you may be aware of the possibility of their trying to alter
the present arrangement at this end. Personally, I think-and
without trying to forward any ends of my own-that any alteration
of the present scheme would not be an improvement. We are liable
to lose more than we gain by any attempted change.

I think that the origin of their discontent lies in the fact that
I was able to send you information which enabled you to postpone
the 'modernisation' of our coast defences. I also hear echoes of
criticism that I am biased in favour of the air. Both these
criticisms annoy me a little. Firstly, I could not have advised
you other than I did with regard to coast defence without gross
dereliction of my duty to you. Secondly, I have gone through all
my letters and notes to you on the question of the share that the
Air should take in coast and other defence, and I am still of the
opinion that I have always maintained a reasonable attitude in the
matter. I have shown Hankey the bulk of my letters on the subject
and he thinks I have maintained the balance.

I am, Yours sincerely,
R.G. CASEY