Letter from Joseph P. Walshe to Count Gerald O'Kelly de Gallagh (Paris)
(L.N. 80/139)

I am directed by the Minister to refer to your note 109B/30 of the 25th instant,¹ and to inform you that you are at liberty to impart, in an unofficial way, to any person whose attitude towards our candidature for the League Council is likely to be influenced favourably thereby, the information that Australia has withdrawn her candidature.

The information that the Governments of Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand will support our candidature must be used with some discretion. So far, these are the only definite promises of support which have been received, and accordingly, whereas there is no objection to your using this information in quarters in which the knowledge of it may tend to banish scruples and facilitate the determination of attitudes in our favour (e.g. that of Japan), it is desirable to avoid creating the impression, to which the statement that these States (without mention of others) would definitely support us is likely to give rise, that the Irish Free State is in some way the official Commonwealth candidate for the seat about to be vacated by Canada.

It is apprehended too that, in the minds of some, the propriety of canvassing in connection with League elections and of giving definite promises of support in connection with such elections prior to the actual voting, may be open to question. If this apprehension is well-founded, it may be well to bear it in mind in choosing the persons to whom, and the terms in which, communication of the information referred to in this minute should be made. Thus, in general, a form of words intimating that you understand that Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand will support us, would appear to be more politic and not less efficacious than one suggesting that they had definitely promised to do so. It must be borne in mind that we have no authority from the States in question to use the information that they have promised us their support.

Information as regards the attitude of the Dominions is likely to stimulate enquiries as to the attitude of Great Britain. No reply has yet been received to representations made in that quarter. In response to any enquiries on this point, you might state that you have no indication as yet as to the attitude of the British Government.

I am to acknowledge receipt of a copy of M. Guani's letter to you of the 22nd April.²

F.T.C.³