Personal code telegram from Joseph P. Walshe to William Warnock (Berlin)
(No. 71)

Circular telegram. General Instruction to all Missions.

1. With intensification of war, representatives abroad should exercise greater care than ever before in word and action so that they may completely represent the neutral attitude of the Government.

2. The Taoiseach wishes to remind all our staffs abroad, and this applies also to wives, that imprudent and unneutral expression of views reach places for which they are not intended and might have serious repercussions on the results of the policy of neutrality which the Government has pursued as the only means of preserving the independence of the nation and the lives of the people.

3. The crisis is exceedingly grave, and the Taoiseach requires from all the utmost zeal and cooperation. It is especially important to avoid expression of views in any way hostile to Government to which you are accredited, even in smallest things. False conclusions are easily drawn as to general attitude and serious damage is done. In such matters your diplomatic colleagues are your greatest enemies.

4. Your primary task is to secure the goodwill for Ireland of Government to which you are accredited.

5. The Taoiseach requires from all the strictest adherence to the foregoing instruction.