Letter from Count Gerald O'Kelly de Gallagh to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin)
(109/B/30)

I have the honour to inform you that I was accorded an audience this morning by M. Briand whom I approached in connexion with our candidature for the League of Nations. M. Briand received me with what I would call extreme cordiality and underlined the ancient ties of friendship existing between Ireland and France. The interview lasted between ten minutes and a quarter of an hour. I announced our candidature and asked for the support of the French Government. I stressed the point that there were two available seats and that we were Candidates for one of them. M. Briand asked what was the attitude of the Dominions. When I replied that they were supporting us, he said 'Alors, je crois que cela ira tout seul'.

In the course of the conversation neither China nor Norway was mentioned, but if France's support of China is a reality then it must be taken that her support of us - if we get her support - will be at the expense of Norway.

As you will observe, M. Briand did not commit himself to a definite promise of support. That was hardly to be expected at this stage, and I took care not to press for any promise, but M. Briand's whole attitude suggested that he would support us.