Here are reports from an Australian agent in London, sent directly to the head of government and for his eyes only. I use the word ‘agent’ because in many respects R.G. Casey was that, rather than a more orthodox public servant or member of a diplomatic mission though his stated primary function was to improve the flow of information on international affairs to Australia.

Consider the position. In 1924, Major Richard Gardiner Casey, D.S.O., M.C., M.A. (Cantab.), Chief Intelligence Officer (Citizen Forces) at Army Headquarters in Melbourne, a wealthy bachelor with a distinguished war record, joined the Commonwealth Public Service as a Third Division clerk in the External Affairs Branch of the Prime Minister’s Department. What on earth was such a man doing in the Public Service on £15.9.3 a week?