Mairéad Gavan Duffy to Eamon de Valera (Dublin)

A Chara,
I enclose copy of a letter I have sent to Mr. Griffith and I would like to urge the necessity of supporting the Rector of the Irish College. One would not exaggerate the importance of the work he has done here - it would have been too apparent if he had not done it, for nothing could have saved us from a condemnation except his unceasing efforts - Now I happen to know privately that an envoy of his called at the Mansion House to ask for guidance on matters of policy - I am quite aware that everyone there was working at fever heat, but that does not excuse the fact that the Rector's envoy was treated very coolly. It may not have been intentional, but it is a fact that the Rector has never been recognised in any way by any one in authority at home, and coming on top of this, I tell you quite frankly it has made a bad impression. I myself foresee that he will drop out of things altogether here if some deference is not paid to his position and his great personality. I very much regret that you have never met him personally, for then no need for one to say anything further - But before it is too late I hope some one will find time to put him au courant of home policy so that he may act accordingly. I myself should be greatly pleased if you would send him a few lines personally, to tell him you are aware of all that he has done. Nobody realises more than I how rushed and driven you are, but even so - this is a very important man, - without him we had been lost in Rome.