Memorandum from Joseph P. Walshe to Eamon de Valera (Dublin) regarding
Jewish refugees

1. During March, in reply to an enquiry by the American Government, we said that the Irish Government were prepared to receive 500 Jewish refugee children. At that time the children were to come from France through Spain and Portugal and the American Government were examining the question of securing the necessary transport. They were also ready to assist us in regard to supplies of food and clothing for the refugees. We heard nothing further until August 14th, when the American Legation enquired whether the Irish Government were ready to extend its acceptance in principle to children from Hungary as well as from France.

2. It is, on the whole, unlikely that these children will ever reach this country. The intensification of the war will undoubtedly hold up projects of this character.

Of course, it was always understood that the children should reside here only for a brief period while awaiting transfer to a permanent home.