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Employment and military service of migrant pearl worker – letter to Arthur Calwell
[underlined] Samsudin Bin KATIB – Indonesian [end underlined.]
The abovenamed Indonesian, who was born at Padang, Sumatra, on 15.7.1918, has applied to this Office for naturalisation.
He came to Australia in 1937 as a Pearl Diver and worked at Broome, Western Australia, for 4 years.
When the Japanese War commenced he went to Perth and joined the C.M.F. on 6.6.1942.
On 6.3.1944 Katib transferred to the A.I.F.as Pte. W.X.36791. He joined the “Z” Special Unit and landed at Borneo with a pre-invasion party, doing intelligence work. He was discharged on 17.4.1946 with the rank of Cpl.
Normally persons of coloured origin are not eligible for the grant of Naturalisation, but, in view of the circumstances this case may be given special consideration. Before such consideration can be given, however, it is desired to learn something officially of the nature of the work done by Katib, whilst in the Army and to record any meritorious conduct on the part of this ex-soldier.
Would you, therefore, kindly advise this Office of Katib’s service and add any remarks you may care to which might assist in considering this man’s application.
