IMMEDIATE

Your PM No. 27 of 17th May. [1] Uranium. Following inspection of
Mt. Painter District it appears probable that to be effective
underground development will be needed. This will require road
construction costing 10,000 plus provision of mining equipment
for development at one selected site, together with portable
prospecting equipment for three other locations, costing in all,
including expenditure on development and prospecting, 35,000 or
total including the road of A45,000. This A estimate is subject
to completion of work within the allowed time and is subject also
to variation accordingly.

We understand from your cablegram that it is an urgent war
requirement to determine the potentialities of the Mt. Painter
field within the next six months. In view, however, of our overall
manpower position we are unable to undertake new projects unless
they are absolutely essential. We would be glad, therefore, if you
would confirm the urgency of this matter and obtain a definite
request from the United Kingdom authorities if they desire us to
proceed. Expenditure would of course be chargeable to United
Kingdom and it should be clearly understood that the A45,000
mentioned is purely an initial estimate and subject to appreciable
increase.

The examination of Radium Hill will be undertaken shortly and
further advice will be furnished in this regard.