Dearg code telegram from Joseph P. Walshe to Robert Brennan (Washington)
(No. 109)

Your telegram 117 (should be 119).¹ You should tell Stewart Colonel Bruce head of American security in London accompanied by assistant came over here for discussions with military and police security services in March 1943. American security had already been represented here unofficially by X.² We knew X's position from the beginning and I suggested to him that security relations should be put on a more official and comprehensive basis hence conference with Bruce who recognised fully our frankness and real desire to avoid [blank in original] All this was done against the wishes of David who did his best to prevent it because, as he foolishly acknowledged to me after a luncheon given by him for Bruce, he wanted to be the exclusive channel for reporting to headquarters. X withdrew a little later to London headquarters as he felt situation here completely satisfactory and fully acknowledged effectiveness of work being done. X comes over about every 6 weeks and maintains constant correspondence with our security. He was here a week ago and I asked him could he (it) be possible no liaison maintained between State Dept and American security on Irish matters. I pointed out danger to all future cooperation if material given him used by State Dept for bogus plot against us. Repercussions of such want of good faith would be endless and would be considered important to America's good name all over the world. He was very perturbed at such a possibility and said he would report instantly to Bruce who would see State Dept kept informed. I also strongly urged X bring about new conference between his security chief and our own to discuss whether further measures could not be taken in interest Allied security now that crisis of war is approaching. I also urged at least one American first class security man should reside here until crisis ended. This expressed dissatisfaction given as I told him with full authority of my Minister.

I do not think publication suggested by Senator would effect anything. If State Dept play the game important people will be told by President Roosevelt, Hull and some Senators that there was full cooperation in all essentials. As you are aware there is broad hint of cooperation in security in our reply to American Note. If big dog drawn off by master the pups will leave us alone.