Memorandum on a Cabinet discussion by Maurice Moynihan (Dublin)

Note: There was a general preliminary discussion at today's Govt. meeting of the question of trade discussions (to be conducted by Ministers) being opened with the British Government with a view to a comprehensive agreement. I was instructed that no note of the discussions was to be recorded in the minutes. No recommendation was before the Govt. and I was unaware of the existence of the attached memo now received from Mr Twomey.¹ The discussion was initiated by the Taoiseach.

I am informed by the Taoiseach that he has since decided that a despatch should be sent to the British Government suggesting the opening of negotiations.² Messrs. Walshe (External Affairs), Leydon (Supplies) and Twomey (Agriculture) are aware of this decision and Mr. Walshe, in consultation with Messrs. Leydon and Twomey, has the draft text of the despatch in London.