Speech by Daniel A. Binchy to President Paul von Hindenberg
(Copy)

Mr. President,

His Majesty the King having been pleased, on the advice of His Government in the Irish Free State, to accredit me as Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary to Your Excellency, I have the honour to deliver to Your Excellency His Majesty's letter of Credence.

The establishment of full diplomatic relations between Germany and Ireland affords deep satisfaction to the Irish Government and people. In the past there has been close association between our countries in many spheres. To mention but one of them, Ireland owes a deep debt of gratitude to a long and brilliant line of German Celtic scholars (under some of whom I myself have had the privilege of studying) whose researches have thrown much light upon our ancient language and literature.

In the new Irish State, German science and German industry have played a considerable part. I need only refer to the great national scheme for the electrification of the River Shannon, now nearing completion, the construction of which has been entrusted to a leading German firm.

It is for me an honour and a privilege, as first Minister of the Irish Free State, to convey to Your Excellency the most cordial wishes of my Government for the progress and prosperity of this great country. Bound already to Germany by many happy associations and friendships, I shall regard it as a pleasure as well as a duty to endeavour to cement still closer the excellent relations existing between our two peoples. In this endeavour I feel sure that I can rely on the sympathy and support of Your Excellency and of the Government of the Reich.

It is further the hope of my Government that the establishment of an Irish Legation here may also help to secure the continuance and development of friendly relations between Germany and all the nations of the Commonwealth.