Australian Manufacturing Files
Correspondence between General Motors Holden and the Australian Government, detailing the steps that eventuated in the manufacture of the 48-215 Holden at Woodville and Fishermens Bend.
Brief Content Outlines are intended as only a guide to the main thrust of the file; they do not pretend to be all inclusive as some files have multi-subjects and are too difficult to capture in a brief summary.
| Date | To | From | Brief Content Outline / Link |
| Joseph Lyons, Prime Minister, 6 Jan 1932 - 7 April 1939 | |||
| 1934 May 9 | Joseph Lyons, PM | Three largest Manufacturers: Ruskin, Richards and Holden | Manufacturers tell Govt of their concerns about proposed bounty on Body panels and shells - uncertainty making planning impossible. PDF |
| 1936 July 7 | L.J Hartnett | H.S. Gullett, Trade Treaties | Response to GMH questions about a Govt proposal for payment of bounty on Engines for motor vehicle production PDF |
| 1936 Nov 11 | Sir Henry Gullett, Min for Trade | L.J Hartnett | GM do not believe it is in the interests of Aust to manufacture components, but they should be allowed to flow freely from USA. PDF |
| 1936 Nov 16 | L.J Hartnett | Sir Henry S. Gullett , Trade Treaties | Govt intend to reduce quota restrictions on some motor goods from USA as local parts become available, asks how much GMH has used quotas to obtain parts. PDF |
| 1936 Nov 30 | L.J Hartnett | Sir Henry S. Gullett , Trade Treaties | Acknowledged GM response of Nov 11th outlining difficulties in making more of the motor cars in Aust, and will study. PDF |
| 1936 Dec 18 | Memo to Storey, Walker, McKenzie, Sunners | L.J Hartnett | Set up Committee to investigate elements surrounding manufacture of Motor vehicles in Aust, to prepare info for Govt inquiry. PDF |
| 1937 Feb 5 | M.E. McCarthy, Sec., Tariff Board | L.J Hartnett | Acknowledged Tariff Board request for GM presentation to next meeting, but difficult to get info together in short time available. PDF |
| 1937 Feb 8 | L.J Hartnett | M.E. McCarthy, Sec., Tariff Board | Acknowledge Feb 5 letter, and that GM will present a case at the next hearing in Melb, and if necessary, later in other states. PDF |
| 1937 Feb 26 | J.R.Holden | M.E. McCarthy, Sec., Tariff Board | 1937 Feb 26 Tariff Board to J R Holden requesting price data on body panel sets in country of origin as well as previously requested data. PDF |
| 1937 April 14 | H McConaghy, Chairman, Tariff Board | L.J Hartnett | Apology for not attending second hearing of Tariff Board enquiry, and nominating Mr Storey in his place. PDF |
| 1937 May 31 | M.E. McCarthy, Sec., Tariff Board | John Storey | GMH responses to Tariff Board questions, mainly in the negative. PDF |
| 1937 Sept 17 | A R Townsend, Dept of Trade and Customs | L.J Hartnett | Response to Govt question as to any useful info about building vehicles in Aust which may be useful to Board enquiry. PDF |
| 1937 Sept 21 | L.J Hartnett | A R Townsend, Dept Trade and Customs | Thanks for information, will prove useful for the Board going forward. PDF |
| Sir Earle Page, Prime Minister, 6 April to 26 April 1939 | |||
| 1939 April 11 | Minister for Trade and Customs | L.J Hartnett | GMH not in a position to make a submission about building motor vehicles in Australia. PDF |
| Robert J Menzies, Prime Minister, 26 April 1939 to 26 August 1941 | |||
| 1939 April 14 | L.J Hartnett | T. Playford | Offer from South Aust Premier to negotiate with Govt on GMH behalf to produce engines in South Australia. PDF |
| 1939 April 19 | L.J Hartnett | Minister for Trade and Customs | Acknowledge letter of 11 April and have noted contents. PDF |
| 1939 May 17 | L.J Hartnett | R J Menzies, PM | Setting out Govt position and asking if GMH is interested in production of engines and chassis components. PDF |
| 1939 May 20 | R.J. Menzies P.M. | L.J Hartnett | Advises that minimum volume required is 20,000 pa and only one local manufacturer. Also problems for foreign company and Aust funding. PDF |
| 1939 May 30 | L.J Hartnett | R J Menzies, PM | Received letter and will consider points made. PDF |
| 1939 Nov 1 | L.J Hartnett | Lawson, Minister Trade and Customs | Asks for copy of LJH desired discussions with Menzies. PDF |
| 1939 Nov 6 | Lawson, Minister Trade and Customs | L.J Hartnett | Suggested Telegrams for Govt to send overseas. PDF |
| 1939 Nov 7 | L.J Hartnett | J. N. Lawson, Minister Trade and Customs | Received LJH note and suggested telexs. PDF |
| 1939 Dec 16 | L.J Hartnett | J. N. Lawson, Minister Trade and Customs | Telex: Is GMH interested in Motor vehicle engine and chassis component manufacture in Australia? PDF |
| 1939 Dec 18 | J. N. Lawson, Minister Trade and Customs | L.J Hartnett | Telex: Not been able to get copy of the Motor Vehicle Engine Bounty Act, and difficult to comment until Act is sighted. PDF |
| 1940 Feb 29 | R.J. Menzies P.M. | L.J Hartnett | Support and understanding of A.C.I decision. PDF |
| 1940 April 3 | Public | R J Menzies, PM | Statement in Parliament of Government Policy on Motor vehicle manufacture by A.C.I., and opening up the subject for discussion. PDF |
| 1940 April 5 | R.J. Menzies P.M. | L.J Hartnett | Should proposal for A.C.I. not go ahead, GMH would like to receive any proposition Govt may put re building cars in Australia. PDF |
| 1940 April 12 | L.J Hartnett | M.C Tritton for R J Menzies, PM | Thanks for 5 April letter; pleased GMH are now interested in proposal to build motor vehicles. PDF |
| 1940 April 27 | Internal GMH memo | L.J Hartnett | Notes on LJH meeting with Menzies re manufacture in Australia. PDF |
| 1940 May 30 | L.J Hartnett | H F Thomas, Supply Dept., GMH | National Radiators refute press reports that GMH have given them exclusive total requirement orders for radiators. PDF |
| 1940 June 14 | R.J. Menzies P.M. | L.J Hartnett | Expanding on 5 May telex, explaining problems with Australian Currency and the A.C.I. virtual monopoly. PDF |
| 1940 June 18 | L.J Hartnett | R J Menzies, PM | Thanks for June 14 letter, passed to Minister for Customs for response. PDF |
| 1940 July 29 | L.J Hartnett | G McLeay, Min. for Trade and Customs | Please forward details of your proposals of June 14 to plan and procure machinery to build vehicles suitable for Defense PDF |
| 1940 Aug 27 | G McLeay, Min. for Trade and Customs | L.J Hartnett | Response to 29 July letter: GMH place on record their desire to build vehicles of any kind including Defence, that Govt. would like. PDF |
| John Curtin, Prime Minister, 7 October 1941 to 5 July 1945 | |||
| 1942 June 9 | L J Hartnett | Essington Lewis, Direct-General of Munitions | Supports LJH visit to USA to present Australia's special needs for war production in tools, equipment and information. |
| 1943 | Statement | GMH | 1943 GMH Profits 1926 to 1942. PDF |
| 1943 May 18 | L J Hartnett | Unknown | Notes on meeting between Tariff Board reps and Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries re vehicle manufacture in Australia. PDF |
| 1943 May 19 | L.J Hartnett | F.T. Partridge, Pres of Federal Chamber of Automotive Inds. | Comments on Meeting with Tariff Board. PDF |
| 1943 May 22 | Chairman, Tariff Board | L.J Hartnett | LJH requests interview with Tariff Board. PDF |
| 1943 June 1 | F.T. Partridge, Pres of Federal Chamber of Automotive Inds. | L.J Hartnett | Notes on L J Hartnett's meeting with the Tariff Board on 27 May. Board would repeal A.C.I. proposal if better available. PDF |
| 1943 June 3 | L.J Hartnett | J Jensen, Ministry of Munitions | US report of a new motor car designed for quick production. PDF |
| 1943 Oct 18 | Auto Industry. | Secondary Industries Commission | Circular advising that the Govt is setting up a Secondary Industries Commission. PDF |
| 1943 Dec 7 | John Curtin, PM | L.J Hartnett | LJH wants to discuss problems encountered in carrying on business in Australia. PDF |
| 1943 Dec 13 | L.J Hartnett | E W Tonkin, Sec. to PM Curtin | Curtin has no time to see LJH, but has asked Ben Chifley to meet with him. PDF |
| 1944 | Memo | L.J Hartnett | 1944 List of GMH major War Projects. PDF |
| 1944 Jan 14 | File | The Age newspaper article | Chifley announces the Secondary Industries Commission, and that it will have a technical committee drawn from industry to advise it. PDF |
| 1944 Feb 7 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | GMH should join Govt's post war reconstruction planning as need to provide employment for staff engaged during war time plus for returning men. PDF |
| 1944 Feb 21 | F.T. Partridge, Pres of Federal Chamber of Automotive Inds. | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Acknowledges that the Chamber has set up a special committee and welcomes their input, which will always be in confidence. PDF |
| 1944 Feb 24 | J P Walter, Ministry of Post War Reconstruction | J R Holden, Director of Manufacturing | Thanks for "Manual of Factory Survey Practice; will confer with Hartnett about contacts, meanwhile J K Stuart glad to talk to you. PDF |
| 1944 Mar 07 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | Concerned about lack of planning for post war employment and asks for guidance re motor industry prospects. PDF |
| 1944 Mar 08 | Parliament of Australia | Extract from Hansard of 8 March, Opposition asked if Govt would recind Motor Vehicle Act of 1940 to allow others to compete? PDF | |
| 1944 Mar 16 | L.J Hartnett | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Govt is sincere in desire to have a complete car made in Aust, and GMH is well qualified to do so if they decide to do so. Otherwise. Others including Govt factories might take up the challenge. PDF |
| 1944 Mar 28 | L.J Hartnett | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Did my letter of 16th March answer your questions sufficiently or is there anything else you want to know? PDF |
| 1944 Mar 31 | S Blundell | J K Stuart, Manufacturing Manager | Asks Blundell to work with Mr A Walker who wants to know what disabilities the company is suffering in planning for post war production. PDF |
| 1944 April 4 | L.J Hartnett | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Thanks for co-operation with the Secondary Industries Commission. PDF |
| 1944 June 2 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | GMH studying complete car manufacture but man power shortage due war production involvement making slow progress. PDF |
| 1944 June 26 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | Invites Secondary Industries Commission to meet him at Fishermens Bend where a great deal of data is available. PDF |
| 1944 June 27 | L.J Hartnett | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Confirms Committee's agreement to meet at Fishermens Bend, but delayed to 7th June. PDF |
| 1944 July 7 | L.J Hartnett | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Govt believes a low priced car is a necessity post war, and asks if Holden is interested in building a complete car. PDF |
| 1944 July 10 | L.J Hartnett | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Approval of three month overseas trip and congratulations for war time leadership and efforts. PDF |
| 1944 July 10 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | Sincere thanks for good wishes. PDF |
| 1944 July 11 | L.J Hartnett | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Reinforces the intention of Govt that Industrial expansion be encouraged post-war, and the motor industry is a key part of that. PDF |
| 1944 July 12 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | Thanks for congratulations by Jenkins and Minister. PDF |
| 1944 July 12 | Hon. N J Makin, Minister for Munitions | L.J Hartnett | Thanks to Minister for congratulations (this note attached to Jenkins note July 12th.). PDF |
| 1944 July 12 | L.J Hartnett | Ben Chifley, Min. for Post War Reconstruction | Heard LJH going to USA to talk about Australian Car Manufacture, asked Aust Minister in Washington to give every assistance. PDF |
| 1944 July 14 | L.J Hartnett | J.H Scullin | Heard LJH going to USA, would welcome any proposal to build cars on his return. PDF |
| 1944 Aug 1 | Public | R J Menzies, PM | Menzies statement on Industry post war. PDF |
| 1944 Sept 12 | Govt Statement | John Curtin, PM | PM Press statement on Car Production confirming Cabinet decision of 4th September. PDF |
| 1944 Sept 21 | Hon R V Keane, Min for Trade and Customs | W.D. Hill, Deputy MD (Acting MD) | Puzzled whether Govt wants submission now or prior consultation? Meanwhile, industry needs Govt statement on importation of Chassis post war. PDF |
| 1944 Sept 24 | W.D. Hill, Deputy MD (Acting MD) | Hon R V Keane, Min for Trade and Customs | Acknowledge letter of 21st Sept, will consider when all facts are to hand. PDF |
| 1944 Sept 24 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | W.D. Hill, Deputy MD (Acting MD) | Copy of letter to Keane 21st Sept sent to Jensen for information. PDF |
| 1944 Oct 5 | L.J Hartnett | J Kennedy, Comptroller General, Trade and Customs | Govt decided to repeal Motor Car and Engine Bounties, and offer freight equalisation to manufacturer. GMH invited to submit proposal. Govt will go alone if no suitable proposal received from industry. PDF |
| 1944 Oct 12 | L.J Hartnett | W.D. Hill (Acting MD) | Received you letter and have cabled it to LJH in USA. PDF |
| 1944 Oct 18 | Internal Memo | L.J Hartnett | Press clip of 28 Sept news item says Pangaga Industries are asking Govt for an option on plant and equipment. PDF |
| 1944 Oct 28 | L.J Hartnett | J Kennedy, Comptroller General, Trade and Customs | Govt decided that consideration of a car Industry should now be handled by the Secondary Industries Commission. PDF |
| 1944 Nov 16 | Govt Statement | Frank Forde, Acting PM | PM Statement on Car Chassis: Wants complete car manufacture but will allow importation of chassis in the meanwhile. PDF |
| 1944 Nov 17 | Auto Industry. | Frank Forde, Acting PM | House of Reps: Govt not yet received any proposals for Complete car manufacture, and have not decided on what financial assistance might be available. Govt still says will manufacture cars themselves if no proposals received. PDF |
| 1944 Dec 1 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | W.D. Hill, Deputy MD (Acting MD) | Will submit a proposal to Govt once Mr Hartnett arrives back from USA talks. PDF |
| 1944 Dec 1 | H B Phillips Regional Director | W.D. Hill, Deputy MD (Acting MD) | Attached is reply to Jensen as instructed in your telex No 75 of Nov 24th. PDF |
| 1945 Jan 5 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | GMH's detailed proposal for making Motor Car in Australia, subject to some conditions. PDF |
| 1945 Jan 15 | Holden Staff | L.J. Hartnett | Managing Director's Directives, first issue. PDF |
| 1945 Jan 22 | L.J Hartnett | Ben Chifley, Min. for Post War Reconstruction | Received letter, will consider and advise. PDF |
| 1945 Feb 3 | L.J Hartnett | John Curtin, PM | Pleased to receive proposal, should discuss details with Ministers. PDF |
| 1945 Feb 12 | John Curtin, PM | L.J Hartnett | LJH Pleased with Govt response to Jan 5 letter, and explains how capital is proposed to be raised. PDF |
| 1945 Feb 13 | John Curtin, PM | L.J Hartnett | Re Feb 5 letter, GMH ask that any announcement only says that a proposal has been received by Govt and is being worked on. PDF |
| 1945 Feb 19 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | Hartnett happy to attend meeting as suggested by PM to discuss car production, anywhere, anytime. PDF |
| 1945 Feb 26 | L.J Hartnett | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Am endeavouring to arrange meeting with Mr Morris, also another with the Ministers in Canberra. PDF |
| 1945 Mar 01 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | Acknowledge letter of 26th Feb, will await meeting. PDF |
| 1945 Mar 22 | Parliament of Australia | - | Hansard record of A Bill to repeal the Motor Vehicle Engine Bounty Act of 1939 PDF |
| 1945 April 05 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | Appreciate the opportunity to talk to your committee, and am preparing data on the effect of Sales Tax on the cost of manufacture and the possible use of Govt factories to make Tooling (jigs, fixtures, etc.). PDF |
| 1945 April 11 | L.J Hartnett | W D Scott, Secondary Industries Commission | Have taken up effects of Sales Tax on Tooling with Treasurer and Tax Commissioner, hopeful of putting a convincing case soon. PDF |
| 1945 April 12 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | Needs to survey Govt factories to see what potential exists for supplying Auto parts for a Aust Car Program. PDF |
| 1945 April 17 | F T Merrett, Small Craft Directorate. | L.J Hartnett | Gave Merrett two volumes on Material Disabilities in March, wants to replace them with a special set. PDF |
| 1945 April 17 | H F Morris, Chairman, Tariff Board | L.J Hartnett | Enclosed, two copies of Material Disabilities folders as previously give to Merrett. PDF |
| 1945 April 17 | W D Scott, J L Knott and J T Kennedy | LJ Hartnett | Covering letters for copies of Materials Disabilities folders sent to these gentlemen - same letter as to Morris. PDF |
| 1945 April 18 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | Enclosed, two copies of Material Disabilities folders as previously give to Merrett. PDF |
| 1945 April 23 | L.J Hartnett | J A Hueston, Sec to H F Morris | Acknowledged receipt of Materials Disabilities folders sent to Morris. PDF |
| 1945 April 27 | L.J Hartnett | J L Knott, Sec., Secondary Industries Commission | Acknowledged receipt of Materials Disabilities folders; Please send copies to Breen. PDF |
| 1945 May 1 | J L Knott, Secretary, Secondary Industries Div. | L.J Hartnett | Thanks for April 27 letter, GMH will work with Mr Breen, and will tell him when difficulties arise. PDF |
| 1945 May 1 | H P Breen , Director Secondary Industries Div. | L.J Hartnett | Congratulate Breen on appointment as Director, will send details of analysis of Aust costs versus overseas costs as available. PDF |
| 1945 May 1 | Distribution | L.J Hartnett | Breen has been appointed Director, wants advice where his Div can improve efficiency and effectiveness of Industry. PDF |
| 1945 May 2 | L.J Hartnett | F T Merrett, Secondary Industries Commission | Thanks for two volumes of Materials Disabilities folders. PDF |
| 1945 May 2 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | Please cancel previous lists of components sought; GMH will now contact factories direct. Please inform Managers it is OK to talk directly with GMH. PDF |
| 1945 May 4 | L.J Hartnett | W D Scott, Secondary Industries Commission | Thanks for two volumes of Materials Disabilities folders. PDF |
| 1945 May 7 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | Suggested liaison between Defence and Car Industry engineers to make provision for war time requirements to be incorporated in new car design. PDF |
| 1945 May 14 | L.J Hartnett | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Awaiting Govt direction on charges to be made when Govt Factories do work for industry. PDF |
| 1945 May 14 | L.J Hartnett 2 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Thanks for two volumes of Materials Disabilities folders. PDF |
| 1945 June 8 | Ben Chifley, Acting PM | L.J Hartnett | Asks for Govt statement that GMH proposal has been accepted to ease negotiations with other Govt Depts and others. Notes repeal of Motor Vehicle Engine and Bounty Acts. PDF |
| 1945 June | Distribution | L J Hartnett | Conferred with H B Phillips on points to be covered in reply to Jensen's June 2nd letter. PDF |
| 1945 June 26 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | J R McKenzie, GMH Company Secretary | No interest in Villawood factories; comments on possibility of Govt holding shares in local car production. PDF |
| 1945 June 8 | Ben Chifley, Acting PM | L.J Hartnett | Requesting Govt to formally approve GMH proposal to build complete car. PDF |
| 1945 June 8 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | Attached is copy of letter to Chifley; approval of GMH proposal will facilitate better relations with Govt Depts. PDF |
| 1945 June 20 | Public | Melbourne Herald | Article saying there would be no local car production for eighteen months and it should then produce Defence vehicles. PDF |
| 1945 June 20 | J J Dedman, Min for Postwar Reconstruction | L.J Hartnett | Asking Dedman for clarification, particularly as to vehicle design type required by Govt.- Civilian passenger and utility or Defence? PDF |
| 1945 June 26 | L.J Hartnett | J J Dedman, Min for Postwar Reconstruction | Acknowledges letter of June 20 and will consider and advise later. PDF |
| Ben Chifley, Prime Minister, 13 July 1945 to 19 December 1949 | |||
| 1945 July 9 | L.J Hartnett | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Govt responses to issues raised by GMH. PDF |
| 1945 July 16 | L.J Hartnett | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Govt factories have now been advised of basis on which they can quote for Auto related work. Talk directly to them. PDF |
| 1945 July 18 | L.J Hartnett | J J Dedman, Min for Postwar Reconstruction | Further to Jujne 26th note, have not yet discussed requirements with Defence, so cannot give an answer at present. PDF |
| 1945 Aug 1 | L.J Hartnett | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Best way to get Govt Dept assistance is through the Secondary Industries Commission, Messrs Breen and Knott. PDF |
| 1945 Aug 4 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L J Hartnett | Appreciative of help from Secondary Industries Commission. PDF |
| 1945 Aug 6 | Distribution | L.J Hartnett | Please read Jensen's 1st Aug letter; he is offering to help with any road blocks encountered in dealing with Govt. PDF |
| 1945 Sept 20 | L.J Hartnett | Arthur Caldwell, Min for Information | Thanks for six volume set of "General Survey of Australia" produced by GMH, very useful books. PDF |
| 1945 Sept 25 | Arthur Caldwell, Min for Information | L.J Hartnett | Sees great value in Govt printing similar book and distributing to industry; LJH offers to place 200 copies in hands of overseas manfrs. PDF |
| 1946 Feb 19 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | Detailed report to Govt of progress with development and manufacture of the new car. PDF |
| 1946 Feb 19 | L.J Hartnett | J L Knott, Sec., Secondary Industries Commission | Request for a detailed progress report on technical development for Secondary Industries Commissions meeting. PDF |
| 1946 Feb 26 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | Major problem developed: inability to find housing for Overseas Engineers in Melb. LJH was converting his garage as temporary accommodation but work stopped by local council. Please intercede. PDF |
| 1946 March 4 | L.J Hartnett | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Your letter of 26th Feb being taken up with Victorian Premier. PDF |
| 1946 March 14 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | E W Anderson, GMH, Purchasing | List of Govt equipment installed in GMH plants and desired to be purhased by GMH. Discussion of purchase terms. PDF |
| 1946 Apr 3 | Ben Chifley, PM | L.J Hartnett | Congratulations on new Taxation Bill which will aid industry in getting established. PDF |
| 1946 April 23 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | Request Govt give 28.5% discount to GMH on buying equipment ex-Govt factories, and have the same standing as Govt Factories in priority for acquisition of machine tools. PDF |
| 1946 May 1 | L.J Hartnett | H P Breen , Director Secondary Industries Div. | Thanks for detailed progress report to Committee; Could similar reports be available in future? Also glad difficulties with problems outlined in Feb 26th letter now overcome. PDF |
| 1946 May 3 | L.J Hartnett | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Received your letter of 23rd April re 28.5% discount on equipment purchases and will present it to Cabinet Sub-committee on Secondary Industry as soon as possible. PDF |
| 1946 May 9 | Ben Chifley, PM | L.J Hartnett | Update of twelve months progress towards manufacture of Australian car: SOP will be delayed until late 1948. PDF |
| 1946 May 14 | L.J Hartnett | Sec to Ben Chifley, PM | Received May 9 letter and will consider points made. PDF |
| 1946 May 16 | H P Breen , Director Secondary Industries Div. | L.J Hartnett | Happy to provide further progress reports; next will be in early June. PDF |
| 1946 May 23 | L.J Hartnett | H P Breen , Director Secondary Industries Div. | Inter-department Committee established for Auto industry; Hartnett invited to meet and talk with them. PDF |
| 1946 June 13 | L.J Hartnett | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Request for 28.5% price discount for used equipment, refused. PDF |
| 1946 June 13 | E W Anderson, GMH, Purchasing | Machine Tools | Basis on which GMH can purchase machine tools and continue to use Govt equipment. PDF |
| 1946 June 18 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | Regret Govt has not seen fit to reduce equipment prices; they will reflect in increased rices for the car to public. PDF |
| 1946 June 27 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Sir Edward Holden, Chairman, GMH | Please review decision to not allow discount on equipment prices; not fair as disadvantages new car program. PDF |
| 1946 June 27 | Ben Chifley, Acting PM | Sir Edward Holden, Chairman, GMH | Please review decision to not allow discount on equipment prices; not fair as disadvantages new car program. PDF |
| 1946 June 28 | L.J Hartnett | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Happy to re-present case for equipment price discount to committee if GMH can provide evidence of disadvantage. PDF |
| 1946 July 2 | Sir Edward Holden, Chairman, GMH | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Govt decision re Machine tools made after considering all factors; will resubmit if evidence GMH is disadvantaged re purchase from overseas suppliers. PDF |
| 1946 July 3 | Sir Edward Holden, Chairman, GMH | Ben Chifley, PM | Letter received by PM and will be given consideration. PDF |
| 1946 July 5 | L.J Hartnett | Sir Edward Holden, Chairman, GMH | Enclosed are letters from Jensen and Chifley FYI. PDF |
| 1946 July 8 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | Thanks for agreeing to resubmit GMH position on purchasing Equipment, a new letter is attached. PDF |
| 1946 July 8 | L.J Hartnett | A C Wigan, Supply Manager, GMH | Detailed report on price difference between buying ex-Govt owned equipment and new similar machines from manufacturer. PDF |
| 1946 July 9 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | Covering letter again requesting better pricing and priority of Machine Tools ex-Govt factories, attaching Wigan's report. PDF |
| 1946 July 16 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | GMH view now better to delay program until affordable equipment available from source, rather than pay inflated Govt prices. PDF |
| 1946 July 17 | W D Scott, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | Scandalous that Govt is charging high prices for used equipment and attaching A C Wigan letter for circulation to Committee. PDF |
| 1946 July 22 | L.J Hartnett | R J McCallum, GMH, Pagewood | Report on talk given by Jensen in Canberra on Progress made in Secondary Industry, where he mentions local Auto manufacture with GMH leading the way but Ford, Rootes, Austin and others all joining in this new venture. PDF |
| 1946 July 25 | L.J Hartnett | Ben Chifley, PM | Matters raised in May 9th letter been referred to Industries Commission's Interdepartmental Committee for consideration. PDF |
| 1946 Aug 2 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | A C Wigan, Supply Manager, GMH | Difficulties in dealing with Lithgow Plant explained, but now fixed. PDF |
| 1946 Aug 2 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | A C Wigan, Supply Manager, GMH | Ex-Lend Lease Machine tools purchased are over priced and cost more than new machines from overseas. Please reconsider. PDF |
| 1947 Jan 7 | Ben Chifley, PM | L.J Hartnett | LJH taking hurried trip to New York, and confirms production will not start until late 1948. PDF |
| 1947 Jan 7 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | L.J Hartnett | Hartnett will be out of the country on a short visit to USA. Will be a delay to car SOP due to circumstances beyond their control. PDF |
| 1947 Jan 13 | L.J Hartnett | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Good wishes for trip to USA; understand that delay in SOP would not be due to anything lacking on Hartnett's part. PDF |
| 1947 Jan 14 | L.J Hartnett | Ben Chifley, PM | Pleased to facillitate LJH trip to USA; Congratulations on New car progress and LJH personal contributions to War efforts in several ways. PDF |
| 1947 June 18 | A C Wigan, Supply Manager, GMH | H P Breen , Director Secondary Industries Div. | GMH supplying parts to allow Govt to test submissions from Tecnico Ltd. PDF |
| 1947 June 27 | H P Breen , Director Secondary Industries Div. | A C Wigan, Supply Manager, GMH | Drawings and Specifications for parts supplied to Govt to test Tecnico Ltd products; not to be given to Tecnico Ltd. PDF |
| 1947 Oct 13 | H.E. Bettle | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Response to GMH request for assistance with toolmaking. PDF |
| 1948 Jan 30 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | H.E. Bettle | Request Income Tax concessions for USA engineers in Australia be extended to five years. PDF |
| 1948 Feb 2 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | H E. Bettle | Request for income tax considerations for long term American experts working on new car program. PDF |
| 1948 Feb 6 | H.E. Bettle | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Already working on Income Tax concessions, but not easy to extend current two year local tax exemptions. PDF |
| 1948 Feb 11 | H.E. Bettle | H P Breen , Director Secondary Industries Div. | Will present request for Income Tax concessions to be extend to five years to Cabinet Sub-Commission. PDF |
| 1948 Feb 18 | H P Breen , Director Secondary Industries Div. | H.E. Bettle | Thanks for advice that request to extend income tax concessions will go to Sub-Committee. PDF |
| 1948 Feb 18 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | H.E. Bettle | Thanks for advancing the proposal, let GMH know if any more supporting data is required. PDF |
| 1948 Mar 5 | C H McFadyen, Acting Director, Div Indust Dev'l | H.E. Bettle | Undistributed ProfitsTax is being incurred on Profits being reinvested in the business. PDF |
| 1948 Mar 18 | H.E. Bettle | C H McFadyen, Acting Director, Div Indust Dev'l | Received letter re Undistributed Profits tax, and it will be considered. PDF |
| 1948 April 30 | H.E. Bettle | H V Frazer, Aust Ass'n of American Manufacturers | Letter received and will be placed before members. PDF |
| 1948 June 16 | H.E. Bettle | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Pleased to hear of excellent progress. PDF |
| 1948 Sep 1 | H.E. Bettle | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | Congratulations on initiative and enterprise in producing an Australian car of quality. PDF |
| 1948 Sep 9 | J K Jensen, Secondary Industries Commission | H.E. Bettle | Thanks for Congratulations; Hope to release car around 1st December. PDF |
| 1948 Oct 11 | H.E Bettle | E S Hoglund | Progress Report on production difficulties. PDF |
| 1948 Nov 17 | H.E. Bettle | H P Breen , Director Secondary Industries Div. | Approval of Income Tax concessions for three and four year USA engineers resident in Australia. PDF |
| 1948 Nov 19 | H P Breen , Director Secondary Industries Div. | H.E. Bettle | Thanks for income tax concessions for three and four years overseas visitors working on the new car program. PDF |
| 1948 Dec 3 | Ben Chifley, PM | H.E. Bettle | New Aust car program launched successfully; Thanks for Govt assistance and co-operation through the setting up of this new industry. PDF |
| 1948 Dec 21 | F P Callahan | H E Bettle | Reporting volume made of mechanical items. PDF |
| 1949 Dec 13 | Ben Chifley, PM | H.E. Bettle | Congratulates Chifley as his term as PM ends, thanks for Govt assistance to project. PDF |
| 1949 Dec 19 | H.E. Bettle | Ben Chifley, PM | Thanks for good wishes and pleasure that the Car has been a success with the public. Chifley's last day in Office. PDF |