Extract from a letter from Joseph P. Walshe to Kathleen O'Connell (Dublin)

I also enclose a Memorandum which the Department of Industry and Commerce propose to submit to the Government.¹ As you will see, it concerns the establishment of an Irish Transatlantic air service. The Department of Industry and Commerce would be very glad to know that the Taoiseach, as Minister for External Affairs, agrees with the proposal. As the Taoiseach knows, our Atlantic air position can hardly be regarded as adequately established until we are running a service of our own. It would enhance our prestige, induce America to believe in our capacity to run our country efficiently, and attract American capital to Ireland. There is no reason why we should not ultimately secure a good place in the Atlantic traffic.