Letter from Eamon de Valera to Neville Chamberlain (London)
(Copy)

My dear Prime Minister,

I received your letter of September 19th, and have had another talk with Sir John Maffey.¹

My colleagues and I, in the circumstances, are prepared to accept the 'Representative' you propose. For a long time we have felt that it would greatly make for speed and efficiency if we had here an Ambassador or Minister from Britain to be a counterpart of our High Commissioner in London. We were aware that there would be certain difficulties on your side in the making of such an appointment, and did not consequently press the matter, although we were convinced that that was the wise policy to follow.

I have explained to Sir John Maffey the difficulties which the acceptance of your proposal will involve for us. He will I am sure make clear to you how much, in my opinion, will depend on the character of the person chosen to inaugurate the service. I have already informed my colleagues that I believed that Sir John Maffey has the experience and understanding necessary to make it a success.

I would like you to know how much I sympathise with you in your present anxieties.
E. de V.²