Code telegram from Robert Brennan to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin)
(No. 9) (Personal)

Arthur Krock¹ had me to lunch. He said President's speech places America in war, but declaration may not come for some months unless Germany wishes it sooner. He says United States will draw out if England collapses within that period. President is considering sending food ships to Ireland but he will ask for quid pro quo.

He asked if Ireland would give use of ports to (a) Britain, (b) America under an American guarantee of Irish independence and unity (or federation) after war. He said it might be made to appear that, by refusing, Ireland was taking a stand against whole English-speaking world, North America, South America, Scandinavia, Belgium, Poland, etc.

I said I believed Ireland would stick to her neutrality whatever offers were made, and that an American guarantee would not save her from being bombed. I asked how guarantee would be implemented if, after war, America had again become isolationist, or a new administration refused to be bound by undertaking, and I recalled Wilson.

He said there seemed to be no reply. He had expected to have a more complete proposal in writing, but it had not arrived. He asked if Chief would invite Ambassador Kennedy to discuss food situation, realising, however, that other matters would also be discussed.

I said I was sure Chief would like to forestall any mistake United States Administration might make and so might like to see Kennedy. He asked what outstanding American had confidence of Irish Government, and I said Conboy.

He said that he had discussed this matter with President, Secretary of State, British Chargé d'Affaires and Kennedy, and that latter is quite ready to go to Ireland. He is to give me something more on the matter in a day or two.

I had almost similar representations made to me on Saturday from more obscure sources.