Code telegram from Joseph P. Walshe to Robert Brennan (Washington)
(No. 85) (Personal) (Most Secret) (Copy)

Your telegrams 107 and 108.¹ This démarche certain to be most helpful in keeping out neighbour though in light of past history danger of sinister action direct or following air attack faked to appear as if coming from other belligerent by no means out of question. Could you get secret approach made to other Ambassador by influential Senators urging the unwisdom especially from point of view of Irish American public opinion of using Ireland as base against England. German Minister here has urged this point with his Government but not doubt strong argument from Ambassador would have great weight. The lull in fight is giving opportunity to anti-Irish Press in Britain and America to try to weaken the morale of our people. It is unfortunately true that each side has an interest in inducing the other to invade first. The situation at the moment therefore requires the greatest care and watchfulness. So long as both sides keep out the Taoiseach is determined to maintain our neutrality at all costs.