Cablegram unnumbered 17 March 1938 SECRET,
Government has received report from its Geological Adviser [1] to the effect that known deposits iron ore capable of being mined economically of considerably less magnitude than hitherto believed. Report quite serious. Adviser urges Government limit or prohibit export ore pending survey resources. Government has decided announce Saturday [2] embargo operate in 3 months exportation of iron ore.
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1 A revised version of the Woolnough report is printed as an attachment to Document 203; the earlier version is on file AA :
A1608, C 47/1/4, iii.
2 19 March 1938.
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[AA : A1608, C47/1/4, ii]