Extract from a confidential report from Seán Murphy to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin)
(Copy)

1. Belgium and Luxemburg both called on French aid yesterday. The general feeling is that the war proper has now begun. The press seems to be unanimous on that point and most of the papers have printed editorials to that effect. In so far as the military consequences of this latest development is concerned French opinion is very confident of the final result. A number of writers (de Kerillis, military correspondents of Le Jour, Petit Parisien, etc.) lay stress on the value of the Dutch and in particular the Belgian forces. The military correspondent of the Temps states that the Franco-British High Command has had prepared for a long time the system of defence of the area now invaded …

[matter omitted]

On the whole it seems to be expected that the French front proper will, one way or another, become the field of big activities in the very near future.

[matter omitted]

4. There is little comment on the new Cabinet in London, opinion had, however, been somewhat prepared for Mr. Churchill's appointment as Prime Minister through Havas-Reuter dispatches yesterday as to the unwillingness of Labour to serve under Mr. Chamberlain and the possibility of either Lord Halifax or Mr. Churchill taking over. It is probable that Mr. Churchill's appointment will be favourably received by public opinion as he has acquired a reputation here for energy and wholeheartedness in the war against Germany.