Dearg code telegram from the Department of External Affairs to Robert
Brennan (Washington)
(No. 76)

We know definitely that British travel ban was decided on as security measure some weeks ago. Decision to present it as measure of reprisal was a last minute afterthought. Ban applies to traffic between Britain and thirty-two countries as a whole but not to traffic over Border, so that as a reprisal the ban penalises the Six Counties just as much as the twenty-six. Non-application to Border traffic leaves ban open to American criticism that it protects Britain but not six county area which Gray's Note seemed to regard as greater danger.

As regards suggestions in London despatches that Irish workers in Britain constitute espionage danger, note that new restrictions do not apply to workers going to Britain, who represent 80% of outgoing travellers. Presence of Irish workers in Britain is entirely due to active recruitment by agents of British Government Departments here. For particulars of British labour recruitment here see International Labour Review of September, 1943. Actually British rely on our co-operation for 'vetting' outgoing workers from security point of view and have always expressed themselves completely satisfied with cooperation given. Remembering substantial contribution of Irish workers to war effort and helpful co-operation authorities here have always given, endeavour to represent presence of Irish workers in Britain as danger to British security is resented here as particularly shabby example of British penchant for trading on American ignorance of situation.

You may use foregoing information at your discretion but better not be quoted on any of it.