You may know that there is a special procedure for checking the back ground and character of persons who are likely to be employed on duties involving access to exceptionally secret Government information. It is the duty of the New Zealand Security Service to carry out such inquiries, which are made with the knowledge of the person concerned.

Mr........., who comes within the above category, has given your name as a character referee. I should be grateful if you would assist by giving me any information which you think would help in determining whether he is a person who can properly be entrusted with exceptionally secret Government information.

Although information regarding a person's technical or professional ability is available from Government or other sources, there are other aspects of his life which might have a bearing on determining his loyalty and reliability, and it is essential that these attributes be not in doubt.

It would be appreciated therefore, if you would assist the Government of New Zealand by completing the enclosed form to the best of your knowledge and belief and returning it to me as soon as possible in the stamped and addressed envelope provided. The form has been compiled with a view to assisting referees to provide the type of information which is required in assessing character and reliability.

Please be assured that your reply will be treated as strictly confidential.