Confidential report from John W. Dulanty to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin) (No. 28)
(Secret)

In confirmation of my telephone conversations, I have made strong representations as to the extreme danger of any introduction of Conscription into the Six Counties to the undermentioned members of the British Cabinet:

• Mr. Malcolm MacDonald
• Sir Thomas Inskip
• Lord Halifax
• Mr. Walter Elliot
• Sir Kingsley Wood¹
• Mr. Hore-Belisha²
• Mr. Leslie Burgin³

the last three named being directly concerned with Defence and the provision of man-power.

I spoke to back-benchers on the Government side of the House including Mr. Harold Nicolson⁴.

On the Opposition side I saw Mr. Greenwood⁵ the Deputy leader of the Labour Party who has charge for them of the Conscription question and Sir Archibald Sinclair the Liberal Leader⁶.

I made personal contact with the Editors of the following newspapers

• The Manchester Guardian⁷
• The Times⁸
• The Daily Telegraph⁹
• The News Chronicle¹⁰

and I spoke to Lord Beaverbrook for the Daily Express series of newspapers, and to Lord Harmsworth for the same series of the Daily Mail.

Others approached were

• Cardinal Hinsley¹¹
• The American Ambassador¹²
• Sir Warren Fisher
• Sir Horace Wilson

To most of these people (Lord Halifax and Mr. MacDonald and Sir Thomas Inskip were exceptions) the problem at first mention seemed to be new or only dimly apprehended. Only a short exposition however was needed for most of them to admit the seriousness of the situation.

The Second Reading debate it is expected will take place on Tuesday next.

I am now waiting to hear from Sir Thomas Inskip who has promised to let me know this evening whether he has any statement to give me.