[Letterhead: 'AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION, COLOMBO. CEYLON.']

For transmission through the Department of External Affairs

Memorandum No. IMM. 176/63

[Stamped in blue ink: 'DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION', with handwritten reference number '63/41459'.]

[Stamped in blue ink: 'RESTRICTED IMMIGRATION', '24 JUL 1963', 'RECEIVED'.]

[Illegible stamp in blue ink.]

16th July 1963

The Secretary,

Department of Immigration,

CANBERRA. [underlined.]

[Underlined heading:] MR. & MRS. V.A. W [full surname blocked out throughout document.]

[Underlined heading:] MR. & MRS. E.J. R [full surname blocked out throughout document.]

I enclose a record of interview and photographs of the above persons.

2. All Major W’s remaining relatives are in Australia, but because he is a Eurasian and is now married to a Sinhalese, we should reject his application on grounds of policy. The couple, who are dependent on their son-in-law, are likeable and I do not think any great difficulty would arise in Australia because of Mrs. W’s wholly non-European decent. Her background is essentially western.

3. Mr. R is below borderline. His photograph is a good likeness. His brother and sisters, who have not yet applied, will do so if he is successful. If Mrs. W, who is clearly outside present policy, was excluded we should be able to send these applications to you with the recommendation that Mr. R’s appearance overlooked in view of the net overall gain.

4. When advising your decision on this case would you please also notify your Adelaide office (their reference SA 63/4862) which has received representations on behalf of the applicants and which has written to us direct.

[Handwritten signature:] M R Casson

(M. R. Casson)

Second Secretary