Handwritten letter from Eamon de Valera to Neville Chamberlain (London)
(Personal and Confidential)

Dear Prime Minister,
I cannot refrain from writing to you. You and I have worked to bring about conditions which would make it possible to lay the foundations of good neighbourly relations between the British and Irish peoples. The agreement, a year ago was a notable advance in that direction; but the failure to deal with Partition has largely offset what was then accomplished. A free United Ireland would have every interest in wishing Britain to be strong, but when Britain's strength appears to be used to maintain the division of our island no such consideration can have any force. A large section of our people, particularly the young are led to see hope only in Britain's weakness. Can something not be done and without delay?

The consequences of failure in the past to act in time are clear to see and should be a warning. Will the generation that succeeds us have again to deplore the unwisdom of those who did not act when action would have meant success. I know your difficulties and your present pre-occupations with events farther afield and deeply sympathise with you. But the intensification of feeling here and amongst our people in the United States makes it imperative to act quickly lest it be too late to save the situation.

May I express the hope that you will remain firm in your efforts for Peace notwithstanding the pressure that will be placed brought upon you. Once this war is begun no man can see the end.