Summary heading

Function and purpose

 This series consists of four binders containing a documented history of the security and intelligence functions in Australian government, compiled by staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The first three volumes (which are described in the Inventory of Records (CRS A12396) as series HE1) are a three-part chronological account covering period 1945 to 1958 dealing with Joint Intelligence Office (JIO), Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) and Australian Security Intelligence Service (ASIS) respectively. There is a brief narrative followed by copies of relevant documents. The fourth volume (described in the Inventory of Records as series HE2) contains copies of documents relating to the history of JIB, JIC and ASIS in period 1953 to 1969.

Physical characteristics

 The folders are large format arch files (brown binder with yellow spines with labels reading ‘DFA’s documentary survey / Post War Development of Australia’s Intelligence Machinery’.

System of arrangement and control

 In the Inventory of Records (CRS A12396) these four volumes are described as separate series, volumes 1 to 3 being identified as series HE1 and volume 4 as series HE2.

This distinction has not been maintained in the serialisation by the Archives and the four volumes are controlled in as items of one series in a simple numeric sequence 1 to 4.

Custodial history

 Following the closure of the Royal Commission in 1977 the records were transferred to the custody of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (in Canberra) where they remained until transferred to National Archives of Australia in 2001.