Letter from Seán Murphy to John W. Dulanty (London)

Dear Dulanty,
You will probably have seen in the press that Dr. Douglas Hyde and the Taoiseach have been invited by the Saul Memorial Diocesan Committee to attend the consecration of the National Memorial to St. Patrick at Saul, Co. Down, on the 12th June.

Several years ago when the Taoiseach proposed to attend some function in the Six County area we got in touch with the Northern Government by telephone to inquire if any objection would be raised. We were informed in reply that the expulsion order against Mr. de Valera of some years back was still in force. No further action was taken on that occasion.

The Taoiseach is very anxious to attend the ceremony on the 12th June and I should accordingly be glad if you would ascertain from the British Home Office what the present position is. It seems absurd that in present circumstances an order of that sort should be in force against the Head of the Government here. You should inform the Home Office that if any difficulty is raised on this occasion by the Six County Government the Taoiseach will feel bound to make public the reason why he is unable to attend the ceremony at Saul.

We should be glad to know the position as soon as possible as the Taoiseach wishes to reply to the invitation.