In view of the possibility that there may be some allocation of 195253 Colombo Plan Funds to Ceylon, Mr. Coomaraswamy had informal talks on the subject with Mr. Cavell and Mr. McIlraith during the recent visits made by these two gentlemen to Colombo which related in part to the possibility that Mr. Coomaraswamy might discuss the question with competent authorities in Ottawa at a comparatively early date. I have had little to do with the matter but understand that it may be referred to you by both Mr. McIlraith and Mr. Cavell when they return from their trips on which they are now engaged.

2. If Mr. Coomaraswamy is to visit Ottawa in this connection he will presumably be able to do so only on the invitation of the Canadian Government. It is the case at the same time that, in view of other responsibilities, he could only make a visit to Canada except at considerable inconvenience, in the comparatively early future probably around the end of May. These two points may accordingly merit some consideration even prior to Mr. McIlraith's and Mr. Cavell's return.

3. Mr. Coomaraswamy understands that there is a possibility of certain Colombo Plan Funds being devoted to fisheries development in Ceylon but has no idea of the informal steps which have already been taken in this direction. He is in any case more interested in securing certain funds to be expended on the Ceylon Government's Rural Development Scheme and has told me in this connection that Ceylon would welcome the opportunity of establishing a counterpart fund, to be devoted principally to this purpose through the sale of supplies of flour, newsprint or such other typical Canadian commodities as might be available and as are in regular demand in this country. He did not appear to be very interested in supplies of hand tools, implements, pumps and similar equipment for rural development work except possibly in fairly limited amounts. Altogether I should think the disposal of any contribution to Ceylon for this purpose will require considerably more investigation and study than it has received to date, but the project undoubtedly appears to be one of considerable merit and one also on which funds could be usefully spent in almost any amounts small or large. There is the opportunity also of developing cooperation with such U.N. agencies as U.N.E.S.C.O., F.A.O., and W.H.O., all of which are carrying out or at least planning somewhat similar development work in this country.

4. Any advices which you may have for me in connection with the issue of an invitation to Mr. Coomaraswamy to visit Canada will be most welcome.

PAUL SYKFS