Letter from Seán MacBride to John W. Dulanty (London)
(Secret)

Dear John,

1. I enclose herewith a personal letter to Dr. Evatt, which you can read, close and deliver.¹
2. Would you see Pandit Nehru and give him, for his own confidential information, a copy of the note which you are delivering to the British, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand representatives?² You can also give him an outline of what took place on Sunday.

   There are a number of specific questions in relation to India's future status to which I am anxious to obtain the answers. You can mention to him that I asked you to clear up these points for me, as I had forgotten to clear them up specifically when I met Nehru in Paris. The questions are:-

   • Who will accredit India's diplomatic representatives?
   • Does India propose to retain the title of High Commissioner, or will she adopt the ordinary diplomatic nomenclature in respect of her diplomatic representatives in Commonwealth countries?
   • Will India still claim to be a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations?

     You could also ascertain - though I feel that I already know the answer - whether, after the repeal of the External Relations Act India will be willing to continue the exchange of trade preference and citizenship rights.

3. In relation to the press conference that was held last Sunday by the C.R.O. Parliamentary Secretary, I would like to have, if possible, accurate knowledge as to the following points:-
   • Where exactly was the press conference held?
   • The exact time of the conference?
   • How many C.R.O. Officials were present?
   • Was there a written 'handout' given?

     I don't want to make any use of this information at the moment, but feel that we should have it as, in the event of another conference, I propose to take the matter up seriously with them. I therefore want to have my facts properly marshalled in advance. Possibly some pressman might be able to supply you with the information in regard to it.

4. When I met Eric Louw in Paris, he mentioned that he would like to come over for a couple of days to Ireland and I invited him to do so as my guest. Would you find out whether he is able to come, and if so, when?
5. We would also be very glad if Nehru were able to come and you can extend an invitation to him on our behalf. Be careful, however, that Louw and Nehru do not arrive at the same time.