Letter from Joseph P. Walshe to John W. Dulanty (London)
(Confidential) (Copy)

Dear High Commissioner,

Following our telephone conversation yesterday when you told me the result of your conversation with Sir C. Wigram and the contents of the note given to you by him in relation to the powers and authorities of the Governor General, I am directed by the Minister to instruct you to see Sir. C. Wigram tomorrow, Monday, and to inform him viva voce as follows:-

'Since the King does not find it possible to allow the powers and authorities to vest in the Chief Justice unless the latter takes the Oath of Allegiance and as the C. Justice will not take that Oath the President (Minister for External Affairs) wishes His Majesty to be informed that the Executive Council sees no other way out of the difficulty than to advise His Majesty to vest the powers and authorities in a Commission. The Commission which the Executive Council have in mind would consist of the President of the Executive Council, the Speaker of the Dáil and the Chairman of the Seanad. As the matter is becoming somewhat urgent the President would like to advise His Majesty formally at a very early date and he will accordingly in the course of this informal consultation be glad to hear His Majesty's views as soon as possible.'

I shall be glad to hear by phone tomorrow what Sir C. Wigram thinks His Majesty's reactions to this proposal will be.