Confidential Report from Michael MacWhite to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin)
(1009-1-31) (Private and Confidential)

My dear Joseph:¹

On receipt of information confirming the deposit in London by the Saorstát Representative of the instrument of ratification of the Treaty for the Limitation and Reduction of Naval Armaments, the State Department immediately prepared a proclamation which was made by President Hoover on New Year's Day, making the said Treaty operative in the United States. A brief statement on the subject of the proclamation, which was inspired by the State Department, appeared in the Press, emphasizing the fact that the Treaty could not come into full effect until after the Saorstát had completed the formalities of ratification. Mention of the date of the Saorstát ratification is made in the proclamation.

The Secretary of State told me they were very glad that our ratification fitted in so well with the New Year, and continued, saying 'you have driven home the last nail and I thank you for it'.

During the past month, I have had many occasions to talk with Mr. Castle, the Assistant Secretary of State, Mr. Cotton, the Undersecretary of State, Mr. Carr, Assistant Secretary of State, as well as Mr. Stimson, Secretary of State, and discussed various points affecting the status of the Saorstát, on which they seemed to have no very fixed ideas. I find Mr. Castle has the soundest views on the subject, and is always anxious to go to the bedrock for his information. Mr. Stimson and Mr. Carr are dependent altogether on him. Mr. Marriner, however, seems to have a pro-British outlook, and to be governed in many matters by what he thinks the British attitude ought to be. Formerly, when I visited the State Department, inquiries were made about how Mr. Sterling is getting on, and as to his popularity in Dublin. During recent visits, however, no reference has been made to him, and I am inclined to think that some discreet hints concerning his popularity in Dublin have been conveyed to the President and to the Secretary of State.

The Diplomatic Corps was received by The President and Mrs. Hoover on New Year's Day. It has been remarked by some of my Colleagues that they appear more cordial and expressive to us than to the Members of other Diplomatic Missions. After the White House Reception, a luncheon was given to the Diplomatic Corps by the Secretary of State. During the afternoon, it is the custom for the members of the different Missions to assist at receptions at the homes of the members of the Cabinet, and of the Chief Justice. That means eight or nine visits in the same afternoon. At these receptions, the Chief Justice was assisted by the Associate Justices, and the members of the Cabinet by the Assistant and Under Secretaries and by the Chiefs of Staff.