Extract from a letter from Sheila G. Murphy to all heads of mission

With reference to the second paragraph of the Department's circular minute of the 4th November¹ concerning the use of the word 'Éire' in certain official publications, it has now been decided that in all official publications in the English language the name of the State will be shown as 'Ireland'. Where the word 'Ireland' might give rise to ambiguity as, for instance, in statistical returns, the expression 'Ireland (exclusive of the Six North-Eastern Counties)' will be used. The decision has already been acted upon by the Department of Industry and Commerce in the Preliminary Report of the 1946 Census of Population.

A circular setting out a uniform practice in regard to the use of the words 'Éire' and 'Ireland' is being prepared by the Department of Finance for the guidance of other Departments. Copies will be forwarded to the Missions when available.

It has also been decided to remove the word 'Éire' from the notepaper used by the Missions. A separate minute is being circulated on this point.