HEARD ISLAND

With reference to my memorandum of 27th March, 1947, and your
reply of 8th May, 1947, the question of the annexation by
Australia of Heard Island has been carefully considered in the
light of the views you have expressed and of those of other
Departments concerned.

2. While it is appreciated that the value of Heard Island from a
strategical point of view would not warrant its annexation, other
considerations have influenced a decision to take the necessary
steps to send a mission there as part of Antarctic Exploration
plans. The Executive Planning Committee for the Australian
Antarctic Expedition considers that from a scientific point of
view, it is important for Australia to have available a possible
site for the establishment of a meteorological station in this
region. [1] In addition, it is felt that, while Heard Island does
not at present appear capable of use as a staging point for air
navigation, technical developments in the future may make its
employment practicable. [2]

3. At a recent meeting [3] in Canberra, the Executive Planning
Committee has therefore decided, as part of the programme of
scientific work to be carried out during the Summer, to send small
scientific parties to Macquarie and Heard Islands to cover as wide
a range of meteorological observation as possible. Winter parties,
consisting of about six men, are to be left at each island base.

Hitherto, a proper survey of Heard Island has been lacking and it
will now be possible to undertake this work. At the time of
landing at Heard Island, a formal act of annexation may be
executed.

4. Similar memoranda have been addressed to-
Department of the Navy
" Air
" Civil Aviation
Council for Scientific & Industrial Research