Letter from Joseph P. Walshe to Frederick H. Boland (Dublin)
(250/19)

Rejection of Ireland's request for Membership of UNO

The reaction here amongst the Irish and the Vatican officials is, on the whole, one of relief and satisfaction that (1) our application has been rejected, and (2) that it has been rejected by the Russian Veto.

Once the Government had decided to apply, the position was accepted and great hopes were entertained that the Taoiseach would have the opportunity to formulate, promote and defend his principles before the Organisation against the advocates of Communism and Materialism. But it was clear from the beginning that, they would have felt happier if we could have given events a little more time to mature before departing from our attitude of waiting and seeing. They have no belief in UNO. They think the Russians intended to abandon it in any case as soon as it had served their purpose. At best it would last for another year or so and would never get beyond the wrangles immediately related to the war.

I think, however, that their satisfaction comes chiefly from the fact that Russia has now placed us (however different the method used) in more or less the same kind of category as the Holy See. They feel their strength is morally increased by this clarification of Ireland's position vis á vis Russia, and as that country is now so openly the declared enemy of the Holy See we must not be surprised if the Vatican's judgment, in most international matters, is largely determined by that fact.

They understand the reasons for our application. They hope we are not too worried by our rejection.