Extract from a confidential report from Michael MacWhite to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin)
(Confidential)

The political situation in Europe has eased considerably during the past week. Even the fear of a German Polish clash over Danzig and the corridor has almost vanished. It is believed in Diplomatic circles here that Italy declined assistance to Germany in case of an attack on Poland and Count Ciano, who is to meet Ribbentrop in Milan today, is said to carry a message from the Duce to the effect that the settlement of the German Polish differences should be deferred to the arbitration of some neutral country.

Anti German sentiment in Italy is said to be growing. The principal Roman morning paper stated yesterday that rumours circulated abroad to the effect that anti German demonstrations took place in Milan a few days ago were absolutely unfounded. Here it would seem that the more truth there is in a story, the more vehement is the denial.

The Italian papers are giving more space to Irish news than heretofore. The pronouncements of the Taoiseach in regard to the proposal to apply conscription to Northern Ireland were well featured. The explosions in England, which have been attributed to the I.R.A. are always published in a prominent place but without comment.

[matter omitted]