Personal code telegram from Joseph P. Walshe to Robert Brennan (Washington)
(No. 287)

'Daily Mail' yesterday reports that thousands of American technicians and workmen building Lease and Lend Base in Northern Ireland and that American official at Base said representations had been made to Washington to send body of marines as protecting force as a large area was virtually under American control.

This refers to works being carried out in Foyle district near Derry. You should see Secretary of State and say that 'Daily Mail' message, following frequent rumours about activities on a large scale in this area, impels the Irish Government to request the American Government to be good enough to inform them of their intentions. The American Government are aware of the existence of vital interests of the whole Irish people in the territory of the Six Counties which they regard as forming an integral part of the national territory. The Irish Government consider that, altogether apart from the very friendly relations existing between our two countries, they have the right to expect the consideration and respect of the Government of the United States for the very special position, universally acknowledged, which they occupy in regard to the territory in question.