V/42855

KVS/NE

6th March, 1947.

[Addressed to:] The Director of Military Intelligence,

Victoria Barracks,

St Kilda Road,

MELBOURNE [underlined]. Vic.

Dear Sir,

[Underlined heading:] Samsudin Bin KATIB – Indonesian

The abovenamed Indonesian, who was born at Padang, Sumatra, on 15.7.1918, has applied to this Office for naturalization.

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.[Citizen Military Forces] on 6.6.1942.

On 6.3.1944 Katib transferred to the A.I.F. [Australian Imperial Force] as Pte. [Private] 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 [Corporal].

Normally persons of coloured origin are not eligible for the grant of Naturalization, 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.

Yours faithfully,

[Blank space for signature.]

D. A. ALEXANDER

[Underlined:] DEPUTY DIRECTOR