Extract from a letter from George Gavan Duffy to Desmond FitzGerald
(Copy)

Dear D.F.
[matter omitted]

I have been reading the reports read to Dail with great interest and am particularly impressed with the volume and efficiency of the work done in so many directions. But I saw with alarm that the President recommends an envoy being sent to Russia and I hope this step will not be taken without consideration; if it is taken, we may as well at once give up all further political effort on the Continent. I do not in the least want to thrust my personal opinions on those concerned, but I refer to this because I know what the effect will be in France and Switzerland and Belgium; besides Lenin, who would welcome anyone who could give him technical advice on agriculture and trade and cooperation is by no means friendly to nationalism, despite the Russian talk about Ireland, so that the real gain from the move is problematical and the loss certain. Perhaps you would be good enough to convey this to the proper quarters and especially to A.G., who would, I fancy, take very much that view.