Clear telegram from Seán Murphy to the Department of External Affairs
(Dublin)
(No. 275) (P.12)

There is considerable evidence that, for the last six weeks, internal situation in France has greatly deteriorated. The number of attacks against persons, trains and railway lines has greatly increased, and feeling of uneasiness has become more acute and more widespread. It is quite possible seriousness of situation is being deliberately exaggerated, but, even admitting this, situation is fairly alarming.

Activity of the Gestapo all over France has greatly increased, and there have been great numbers of arrests in all sections of the population. The idea apparently is to remove all possible sources of revolt. These activities appear to be carried on without the knowledge of the German authorities here, and it is suggested even these authorities feel themselves menaced.