Statement by the Department of External Affairs on the Campile bombing
(Copy)

In connection with the aerial bombing in County Wexford on the 26th August the Chargé d'Affaires in Berlin has been informed by the German Foreign Office that although the inquiries made by the German authorities provided no ground for believing that the bombs were dropped by a German aircraft, the German Government – in view of the evidence furnished by the Irish Government with regard to the markings on the bombs and because of their desire to act in the spirit of their friendly relations with Ireland – are prepared to admit the possibility that the bombs were dropped by a German aircraft the pilot of which had lost his way owing to bad visibility.¹

On this basis, the German Foreign Office expressed to the Chargé d'Affaires the regret of the German Government at the occurrence and their sincere sympathy with those who had suffered. The Foreign Office also expressed the willingness of the German Government, subject to agreement as to method, to pay compensation for the loss and damage sustained.