Letter from James McNeill to Eamon de Valera (Dublin)

Dear Mr. President,

In accordance with your desire conveyed to me by Mr. Walshe some weeks ago I deferred the issue of invitations to a number of European Catholics to be my guests during the Eucharistic Congress. As the time had drawn near I asked Mr. Walshe a few days ago to come to see me on the matter, and I received from him with much surprise your message that the issue of the invitations would cause embarrassment to Government.

I have great difficulty in understanding how embarrassment to Government could arise from the presence as my guests in the Vice Regal Lodge of these distinguished Catholics.

I feel that the embarrassment, if it should arise, would not be sufficient to justify me in failing to make the contribution to the Congress which I had already arranged. I have already sent invitations to English Catholics which have been accepted. I regret that your Government is unable to assist me in inviting other visitors.