Extract from a confidential report from Leopold H. Kerney to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin)
(S.S.27/6) (Secret)

With reference to your secret minute of 24th August,¹ my last telegram² was sent from here at 11 a.m. on 1st September and outbreak of hostilities between Germany and Poland became known here at 1 p.m. the same day. The 'situation' code1 does not appear to meet the situation which has now arisen and I presume therefore that there will be no object in utilising it for future daily wires relating to the

situation.

I feel that your chief anxiety, in so far as information from this Legation is

concerned, will be to know the attitude which Spain is likely to adopt as the situation develops. The general desire here is undoubtedly in favour of neutrality. The official attitude is one of reserve but appears to encourage the idea of Spanish

neutrality.

[matter omitted]

My own impression of the Spanish attitude is that strict neutrality will be preserved so long as Italy may remain outside the conflagration but that this position may undergo modification from the day on which Italy enters the war.

[signed] L.H. Kerney