The Bulletin, July 2, 1977, p. 14, in Robert Drewe’s So It Goes column.

Leaked to So It Goes (by one of our rich, powerful sources who must remain anonymous) is this telex sent on June 7 to the then acting Prime Minister, Doug Anthony, and subsequently relayed to Malcolm Fraser care of the Australian High Commission in London:

“Loss of the Whitlam referendum means that for political expediency your government has to replace present G.G. immediately in case Senate balance changes. Considering this fact in conjunction with the need to eliminate political wrangling in WA and for that State’s benefit, respectfully suggest way out may be to appoint Charlie Court G.G., in which case you would need to promote him to peerage in order to persuade him to give up WA Premiership.”

The signature is “Cheerio, Lang.”

Here, then, is millionaire mining magnate Lang Hancock’s latest bid to get rid of his bete noir, Sir Charles Court, by making him Lord Court and Governor-General of Australia. It’s not very likely, but full marks for trying.