Letter from Seán Murphy (for Joseph P. Walshe) to Charles Bewley (Berlin)
(A. 41) (Copy)

I am directed by the Minister to refer to your minute of the 22^nd No. 25/33 relative to accounting matters¹ and to state the suggestion of justification for this Department's minute of the 1st July last is not understood². The direction contained in that minute was based on the principle that, except in very exceptional circumstances, the Legation should not for any period be in charge of a non-national.

The Minister directs me to request you to furnish the accounts asked for in the Department's minute of the 15^th3 instant together with an explanation regarding the irregular encashment of the Imprests issued to you in respect of rent.

The Minister further directs me to inform you that minutes in reference to accounts should be acknowledged as soon as possible after receipt as the Accounting Officer must be in a position to explain to the Comptroller and Auditor General the cause of any delays in the furnishing of his monthly account of expenditure.

I am further to point out the tone of your minute under reply and your general attitude in relation to accounts show a complete lack of responsibility as Sub-Accounting Officer and I am accordingly directed to inform you that the monthly account of the Legation must in future be furnished to the Department within 14 days of the end of the month to which the account relates.