Letter from Clement Attlee to John W. Dulanty (London)
(Copy)

My dear High Commissioner,
As you are no doubt aware, the Minister of Labour possesses powers to issue 'directions' under Defence Regulation 58A to direct workers to particular employment.

Hitherto such directions have not been issued to citizens of Éire resident in this country, but it has now been found that, on general grounds, it will be necessary to change this policy in view of the needs of labour supply for the building and civil engineering and other industries. It is however proposed that in any case where a citizen of Éire receives such a direction he shall be given, if he so wishes, an opportunity of returning to Éire within a reasonable period. In other words, the general principle already applied in the case of calling up for military service will be applied also to this form of direction for employment.