Letter from Seán Murphy (for Joseph P. Walshe) to Count Gerald O'Kelly de Gallagh (Paris)
(L.N. 80/54)

I have the honour to refer to your letter 109/B/30 of the 10th February¹ on the question of the Saorstát's candidature for a non-permanent seat on the Council of the League of Nations. If the methods adopted by us in each capital are not contrary to the correct procedure there, objection can hardly be taken to our using more than one sphere of influence. With regard to your query as to the advisability of approaching France, Spain, Italy and Belgium, it might be better to postpone any approach for the moment more particularly as we are informed that there is a likelihood that the present Australian Government may not go forward for the seat on the Council. We are making inquiries as to the Australian attitude and when we have definite information we will let you know. Should the Australian Government decide not to go forward, we may count at least on Great Britain's neutrality, and this of course would considerably affect the attitude of the countries mentioned above towards our candidature.

In connection I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter 109B of the 12th February,² conveying the reply of the Austrian Government.