No. 212 NAI DFA Secretary's Files S92

Letter from Joseph P. Walshe to William J.B. Macaulay (Rome)
(Most Secret)

Dublin, 20 August 1938

I am directed to inform you that it has been suggested to the Taoiseach by a responsible and well-informed quarter that the Irish Government might take the initiative in endeavouring to bring about a cessation of hostilities in Spain. The proposal was discussed by the Taoiseach with the Nuncio1 who, it is understood, has sent a telegram to the Cardinal Secretary of State in the following sense:

The Barcelona Government were apparently still holding out because of their fear of executions and general reprisals after a capitulation. Could the Secretariat2 Department of State discover whether General Franco would make a statement foregoing reprisals of every kind and formulating reasonable conditions of surrender.

There is not much hope that this démarche will produce the desired result, but the Minister could not let the opportunity pass without making soundings through what seems to be the best channel of approach to General Franco. We shall keep you informed of any further developments.

[stamped] [Signed J.P. Walshe]
Rúnaí

1 Monsignor Paschal Robinson.

2 Handwritten insertion


Purchase Volumes Online

Purchase Volumes Online

ebooks

ebooks

The Royal Irish Academy's Documents on Irish Foreign Policy series has published an eBook of confidential correspondence on the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations.
 

Free Download


International Counterparts

The international network of Editors of Diplomatic Documents was founded in 1988. Delegations from different parts of the world met for the first time in London in 1989.
Read more ....



Website design and developed by FUSIO