When the United States dropped the first atom bomb on Hiroshima, the shock emanated around the world. The power of the smallest object known to man to cause its greatest destruction opened the doors to the enormous possibilities of the atom. However, the 1948 Memorandum of Intention, superseding the previous Quebecois Agreement, has closed the very same door on the Australian people to harness this incredible energy source. This has caused great concern in Cabinet, as we lack the oil and coal reserves for long term energy production, a significant blow to our nation’s security. Given the use of sovereign Australian territory to further Britain’s own nuclear ambitions, Prime Minister Evatt believes it only fair that Australia be allowed to collaborate with its closest allies on the development of nuclear energy in the near future. As such, we are approaching the United States, Great Britain and Canada for a research sharing and joint development agreement/approval as follows:

• The sharing of technical knowledge on nuclear production and development between Australia and Great Britain (the American Atomic Energy Act of 1946 restricts them from sharing this with us)

• The sharing of and cooperation on scientific research on the use of nuclear power as a peaceful energy source with the Australian Atomic Energy Commission

• Making Australia a full partner of the previously mentioned Memorandum of Intention, requiring consultation with (but not approval of) the Australian Prime Minister and his Cabinet before the detonation of a nuclear device in a non-test environment

• Assistance on the construction of a research reactor at Lucas Heights

• The ability for the Australian government, with the approval of the governments of the other three parties, to develop uranium-235 and plutonium should it be deemed vital for the national security of Australia

We welcome any amendments or additions.