Draft despatch from Eamon de Valera to Anthony Eden (London)

Sir,

1. In the course of recent discussions between officials of the two Governments, concerning our mutual trade position, it became apparent that something more than day to day arrangements of an administrative character might be required to meet the situation which has arisen out of the war. It appears to the Irish Government that the time has come for the Ministers concerned of both Governments to meet and review the situation as a whole, so that the Irish Government may be in a position to determine its policy as to the extent and nature of the productive activities in this country which might most usefully be continued or expanded to our mutual advantage. In this connection, the supply of raw materials, prices, and the shipping available for the transport of the former, would naturally arise for discussion.

2. I should be very glad to learn whether you share the opinion that such a review would serve a useful purpose.