Memorandum by Robert Brennan on diplomatic dress

The attention of the Ministry is called to the fact that Representatives or Envoys of the Republic going abroad are put to great expense in buying clothes that might be deemed unnecessary at home.

It is essential that our Representatives be as well dressed as the people (Official or Social) amongst whom they are expected to move. I suggest, therefore, that Representatives or others going abroad be supplied in advance with sufficient funds to enable them to purchase an outfit in accordance with the dignity of the office they are about to fill. I also suggest that this sum take the form of a grant.

In my opinion the absolute minimum amount of clothes required is:- 1-Dress Suit 1-Morning Suit 2-Lounge Suits 1-Dress Hat, other Hats, Footwear, Underclothes, etc. 1-Good Suit Case 1-[Good] Dressing Case. The cost of an outfit such as outlined above would be about £100.