Extract from a letter from Seán Murphy to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin)
(Copy)

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With regard to the Taoiseach's speech, I have sent it to all the newspapers and to all the members of the Diplomatic Corps.¹ Some members of the Corps whom I met today were high in its praises. I shall certainly circulate it as widely as possible, but I have not much hope of getting it published in the newspapers because, as it is no longer 'hot news', its publication two or three days after its delivery would seem to be a deliberate tilt against Churchill, and, as France at the moment is courting England, I think they won't do that. The newspapers have so much news nowadays that anything that is not fresh is pushed aside. Notwithstanding that situation, I will circulate some hundreds of copies amongst members of the Government Departments and politicians. I myself consider the speech one of the best the Taoiseach has made.

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The more conservative members of the Government, de Gaulle, Pleven,² Bidault and others, are, I understand, uneasy regarding France's position in European affairs. They are not satisfied with the part of Germany which the British and Americans have allotted to them for occupation. The situation in Syria and Lebanon is far from satisfactory, and their position vis-à-vis Russia is becoming uncomfortable. They are very anxious to keep on good terms with Britain, and, if possible, to come to a security arrangement with her. They are hoping that she may help them to solve the difficulties in Syria and the Lebanon and, if she is so prepared, they will take the initiative for a treaty. They feel that, if they cannot have a treaty with Britain, they are isolated in Europe and completely at the mercy of Russia. Furthermore, they feel that in a relatively short time America will lose interest in the occupation of Germany and, when that time comes, they want the support of Britain to maintain their claims. As General de Gaulle said to me in my interview with him, they are beginning to see that the Russian appetite for territory or territorial influence seems to be insatiable.³ It would appear to be true that the Russians in Germany, and especially in Berlin, are going out of their way to ingratiate themselves with the Germans and that they are having considerable success.

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