8 [handwritten in red ink] CEC/PK

[Stamped '9 AUG 1951']

1301 1/12

MEMORANDUM [underlined] for:-

The Secretary,

Prime Minister's Department,

CANBERRA. [underlined] A.C.T.

[Underlined heading:] Your reference 867/1/5, of 17th July, 1951.

Text of the letter from Mahomet Allum suggests, and inquiry by my Deputy Director in Adelaide confirms, that the Prime Minister's correspondent is a herbalist.

2. In conformity with the usual practice of his colleagues, he claims ability to cure without prior knowledge of the pathological condition he is required to treat.

3. There is no reason to suppose that the well-intentioned herbalist can offer His Majesty any therapeutic agent or discipline not already available to him.

[illegible handwritten signature]

(A.J. METCALFE)

Director-General of Health.

[Stamped in blue ink:] Despatched