Letter from Michael McDunphy to Diarmuid O'Hegarty (London)

Dear O'Hegarty,

I am sorry to say that we have not yet been able to get accommodation on the matter of the Naval Treaty. The Opposition have definitely taken the stand that the President has given an undertaking in the Dáil in regard to matters of this nature, and they see no reason for releasing him from that position in the present instance.

Mr Duggan¹ has endeavoured, by all sorts of arguments, to induce them to alter their decision, but so far without success. He will make a final effort tomorrow, but would not advise undue optimism. If he is unsuccessful - the view of Ministers here is that in these circumstances the Executive could not advise ratification without submission to the Dáil. They realise fully the very awkward position which this decision would create but see no way out.

[Handwritten] I will wire you tomorrow, early in the afternoon if possible.