S-a-1336 - Melbourne Office Correspondence - Early Cables & Preliminary Arrangements
This file compiles early correspondence, cables and secret telegram translations concerning preliminary arrangements for salvaging the R.M.S Niagara and the handling and transport of recovered bullion. The file includes confidential cables between bank branches, the Melbourne office and government/Navy contacts discussing practical and security measures: proposals to ship gold on American vessels, coordination with the Air Board and naval escorts near Fremantle and Sydney, strict secrecy in telephone traffic (including a suggested simple code of numbers and ciphers), and requests that the Naval Authorities be kept fully informed. Also present are draft contractual points and instructions asking the Bank to act for the owners in drawing up a formal contract for the United Salvage Syndicate and to arrange transport and insurance, with items allocating responsibility for freight, gear, stock‑in‑trade and losses. The packet contains translations of numerous telegrams from Commonwealth Bank branches and the Reserve Bank (coded and plain), administrative memos, and notes on communications with New Zealand authorities and the Admiralty.