[Stamped in red ink: ‘RECEIVED’, ‘9 DEC 1954’, ‘PRIME MINISTERS’ OFFICE’.]

[Stamped in purple ink: ‘5- DEC 1954’, ‘PRIME MINISTER’S DEPARTMENT’, with handwritten reference number ‘546/4’.]

[Letterhead for ‘ASSOCIATED TV PTY. LTD.’, ‘TELEVISION SERVICE OF AUSTRALIA’.]

CGS. mms

December 8th, 1954.

The Rt. Hon. R.G. Menzies, M.H.R.,

Prime Minister,

CANBERRA, A.C.T. [underlined in red ink]

Dear Mr. Menzies:

I am sending herewith an observation on the subject of television, in the hope that it may be of use in supplying you personally with information on a subject which will assume great importance in the future.

I have just completed my fourth visit overseas for the purpose of studying and comparing television in all parts of the world where it operates. The observations I have made in the report are presented in the hope that they may assist in broadening the conceptions of television which are popularly held in our country.

[Handwritten annotation in margin:] see folio 118 [illegible initials] 14/12.

Until global instantaneous transmissions become possible (and this will not be for many years), the only way Australia can take advantage of the enormous opportunity this new medium offers in the way of international publicity is by the use of filmed material. Unfortunately, we have never developed an industry which can fulfil this basic function. The alteration of this state of affairs is a matter which deserves the Government’s serious consideration.

If I can be of any assistance in advising you on this matter, I will be happy to do so voluntarily.

May I also take this opportunity of wishing you the compliments of the season.

Yours faithfully,

[Handwritten signature:] C.G. Scrimgeour.

C.G. Scrimgeour,

Chairman & Managing Director.