Letter from Eamon de Valera to John W. Dulanty (London)

The following points should be taken by you as a general instruction for the purpose of renewing the Coal-Cattle Pact and taking any further action referred to therein:-

1. As a minimum, existing arrangements should be continued for another year.
2. An effort should be made to secure increased quota facilities for, and a further reduction of duties on, Saorstát agricultural products exported to Great Britain; detailed proposals under these Heads to be settled by the Minister for Agriculture.
3. An effort should be made to secure the abolition of the Ottawa duties.
4. Advantage should be taken of the opportunity afforded by the negotiations to make enquiries regarding British plans for food supplies. (NOTE: Such an enquiry is reasonable because British plans may affect our production, price level, agricultural policy, etc. A new Department known as the Food (Defence Plans) Department was set up within the Board of Trade at the beginning of this month).
5. If the occasion arises and the suggestion comes from the British side, the question of a general trade agreement and financial settlement will be examined by the Government here.
6. The memorandum attached¹ sets forth the concessions which the Minister for Agriculture² desires to obtain. The concessions in regard to quotas might take precedence, and thereafter the concessions in regard to duties in the order indicated. The Minister for Agriculture wishes that some concession should be obtained in regard to duties on shellfish, and if possible that the 30% ad valorem duty at present imposed should be reduced to 10% in the event of the removal of the Ottawa duties not being secured. This point, specially mentioned as 'Fish', appears last on the list given in the accompanying memorandum.