In the absence of an opinion by the district court, it is impossible for us to determine the basis of that court's decision in its denial of appellant’s petition for a writ of habeas corpus and to properly consider and pass upon the merits of

*365 this appeal. Cf. United States ex rel. De-Vita v. McCorkle, 3 Cir., 1954, 216 F.2d 743.

The order of the district court will be vacated and the cause remanded for further proceedings in accordance with this opinion.