Annual report on the work of the Irish Legation in Paris for 1938-39 from
Seán Murphy to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin)
(P. 19/33)

Following on the changes in the political situation in Central Europe, the number of visa applications increased very considerably over previous years when the main bulk of such applications came from holders of American passports. This increase was accompanied by a greater complication in examining each application owing to uncertainty as to the validity of the passports submitted. The unsettled political situation also entrained more numerous requests for information and advice on the part of Irish persons residing in France and more frequent enquiries on the part of foreigners as to the conditions governing the acquisition of Irish nationality, settlement for permanent residence in Ireland and the establishment of industries and businesses of various kinds. Enquiries of a purely tourist nature continued to be frequent and there was distributed a large amount of literature published by the Irish Tourist Association. A certain amount of literature relating to the Abbey Theatre Festival, held in August 1938, was also distributed.

The position of Irish nationals in France, particularly in respect of the regulations governing the employment of foreigners was treated by the Legation at various times during the year. Decree-laws made by the Government since April last have considerably stiffened the relevant regulations and for that reason the number of cases in which the advice and intervention of the Legation was requested became relatively much greater. In a few cases, the Legation intervened successfully with the French authorities in favour of nationals whose position was not quite regular but who seemed to have acted in good faith. A certain amount of assistance was also given to students and teachers wishing to obtain tutorial positions in France. The Legation also gave assistance in connection with some estates in which Irish nationals were interested and in one case transmitted an estate of a national dying in France to the relatives in Ireland. The drowning off the coast of Brittany of an Irishman involved certain action on the part of the Legation, both in regard to his death and the salvage of his yacht. There was a number of repatriations, the examination of some cases involving a considerable amount of correspondence and investigation.

The Legation ensured representation at three international conferences: the annual meeting of the International Commission for Air Navigation, the Fédération Equestre Internationale and the Conference held for drawing up an International Act on Intellectual Cooperation.

Apart from general political reports which are being furnished regularly a number of reports on particular matters were also furnished including the ceremony of inauguration of the President of the Republic, the French decree-laws on financial and other matters, the status of foreigners employed in France, the admission to hospitals of insane persons, French marriage regulations, the measures taken by the French Government to develop tourist industry, French efforts in regard to North Atlantic flights, the treatment of the problem of rail and road transport, succession duties in France, the regulations governing the grant of patents and registration of trademarks, the display of foreign national flags in French territory, the Collége de France. Reports were also furnished from time to time in regard to the major events in Belgium.

A particular attention was devoted to the treatment of Irish problems in the French press and especially the problem of Partition. The desirability of informing French public opinion of the facts of this problem was continuously kept in mind although at no time during the year under review were the general circumstances of such a nature as to permit of much progress in this direction being made. On the whole the events in Europe throughout the past year concentrated French opinion on the continent where her interests seemed more directly involved to the exclusion of what was happening elsewhere including Ireland. On one occasion, a long summary of an important statement by the Government on the question of Partition was distributed to the majority of the Paris newspapers.

The Legation collaborated actively with the Irish Colony of Paris in their endeavours to found an Irish Club and it is satisfactory to relate that a club which has some prospects of endurance has now been established. On St. Patrick's Day a reception to which all members of the colony were invited was held at the Legation (Legation minute P.35/1 of 23rd March)¹.

On the trade side the activities of the Legation were not extensive during the past year owing partially to the unsettled conditions which prevailed over most of the period and, in respect of France, to the considerable devaluation of the franc which made competition on the French market difficult for our goods. On the other hand, the more favourable conditions secured under the April agreements for the entry of Irish goods to Great Britain diverted to that market products which might otherwise have sought a market in France or Belgium. The inherent difficulties, however, of both the French and the Belgian markets for the type of products, largely agricultural, which we could hope to sell there continued to prevail and, in normal circumstances, are likely to persist because it is necessary for the Governments of both countries to pay attention to the needs and wishes of their large agricultural populations. A number of particular enquiries on behalf of Irish firms were dealt with and the Legation also at length succeeded in getting a more satisfactory regime instituted for the sale of woollen goods in France which represent one of our most staple exports here. Efforts were also made, in one case with some success, to recover debts owed by French firms to Irish houses.

A tabular statement relating to the passport and general consular service side of the activities of the Legation is attached².