Vaughan Dempsey to Desmond FitzGerald (Dublin)
(142/1923)

Publicity

I send enclosed two cuttings which I have taken from today's papers.

Once the letters of credit which it has been decided to send to this Office are presented, the French Government will act of its own volition to defend our interests, and if we consider it expedient, a word would suffice for the expulsion from France of the ex-Trade Agent.¹

In reference to the de Valera interview I would be glad if you would ask President Cosgrave to consent to send to this Office the substance of an interview which would tend to remove the impression created by this communication of de Valera. I could arrange to have this interview spread through the Press here.

It is my opinion that these words of de Valera fall at an unfortunate moment for us[,] seeing that the French mentality at the moment as regards Irish Affairs is confused and sceptical and inclined to give acceptance to the ideas expressed in this interview as the only explanation of the continued state of war in Ireland.

The mere fact of de Valera being still at liberty to give such an interview will incline the French to give substance to his assertions.

Hence I would earnestly request that a counter-communication be supplied this office as soon as possible.

De Valera's representatives are also trying to pass other interviews in French papers as I am informed by the 'Victoire'.