No. 409 NAI DFA Secretary's Files P22
Dublin, undated, but January 1941
Draft Note to Foreign Governments
1. Despite Ireland's loyal adherence to a policy of strict neutrality in the tragic conflict which has ravaged Europe for so long, and, notwithstanding the sincere desire of the Irish people all over the world to keep their country at peace with all men and nations, the Irish Government have to announce that (insert nationality) forces attacked Irish territory at (add available details of time and place).
2. The Irish Government and people are determined to resist the unwarrantable aggression which has been committed against them and to defend, with God's help, their ancient sovereignty and the measure of independence their fathers so hardly won.
3. (If the attacking country is Britain):-
With the sympathy and support of other freedom-loving nations, and of the millions of the Irish race abroad, Ireland faces this new threat to her existence with the determination not to rest until freedom and peace have been restored to the Motherland.
(If the attacking country is any country other than Britain):-
With the sympathy and support of other freedom-loving nations, and of the millions of the Irish race abroad, Ireland faces this threat to her national existence with the determination not to rest until freedom and peace have been restored to the Motherland.
The Royal Irish Academy's Documents on Irish Foreign Policy series has published an eBook of confidential correspondence on the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations.
The international network of Editors of Diplomatic Documents was founded in 1988. Delegations from different parts of the world met for the first time in London in 1989.
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