Letter from Joseph P. Walshe to William J.B. Macaulay (Rome)
(Most Secret)

I am directed to inform you that it has been suggested to the Taoiseach by a responsible and well-informed quarter that the Irish Government might take the initiative in endeavouring to bring about a cessation of hostilities in Spain. The proposal was discussed by the Taoiseach with the Nuncio¹ who, it is understood, has sent a telegram to the Cardinal Secretary of State in the following sense:

The Barcelona Government were apparently still holding out because of their fear of executions and general reprisals after a capitulation. Could the Secretariat² Department of State discover whether General Franco would make a statement foregoing reprisals of every kind and formulating reasonable conditions of surrender.

There is not much hope that this démarche will produce the desired result, but the Minister could not let the opportunity pass without making soundings through what seems to be the best channel of approach to General Franco. We shall keep you informed of any further developments.