Dear Mr. Bruce,

On Monday Sir Halford Mackinder [1] asked me to call at his
office. He read to me the speech he proposed to make to the
Imperial Economic Committee on Tuesday. I have commented on this
in another letter. [2] He then referred to the fact that, as
Chairman of the Imperial Shipping Committee, he had received a
letter from you suggesting a survey of Empire maritime law. He
stated that Mr. Larkin [3] had suggested that a visit from Sir
Halford to Australia might be very useful.

He then told me that his doctor advised a sea voyage, that he was
contemplating visiting some portion of the Empire during the
Autumn recess. Did I think a useful purpose would be served by his
visiting Australia as Chairman of the Shipping and Economic
Committees? I mentioned the coming election but as Sir Halford
obviously desired it, I said that I would write privately to you.

I understand that Sir Halford would appreciate an invitation
officially to visit Australia as the guest of the Commonwealth
Government. His idea would be to travel out direct during August
to spend September in Australia and to return during October.

Sir Halford stated that he could well understand that a visit at
the present time might not be propitious but he certainly desired
me to communicate this to you. If you desire to invite him, a
cable upon the receipt of this letter would be necessary. [4]

Yours sincerely,
F. L. MCDOUGALL