Exchange of minutes between Sheila Murphy, Frederick H. Bolandand Seán MacBride(316/1/38) (P96)

Secretary
In connection with the revision of the sheet across from an English publication entitled 'Geography and Man',¹ I should be glad to know if we may continue to describe the State as 'an independent Republic associated with the States of the British Commonwealth'.

Minister
The questions of definition and nomenclature raised here are constantly cropping up in daily practice, and we shall, therefore, be glad to have your ruling with regard to them.

The changes suggested by Miss Murphy on the printed sheet opposite² are those indicated by existing practice. We always object to being described as part of the British Empire. We always endeavour to have the country described as 'Ireland', rather than 'éire', in the English language, and we do not accept the statement that we are 'a member of' or 'in' the British Commonwealth as a correct description of our relationship with Britain and the other Commonwealth countries. Our attitude on these points is well known to, and accepted by, the British Government and the other Governments of the British Commonwealth.

We should be glad to have your direction whether we may continue existing practice in this regard.

I am in complete agreement with policy followed in this matter. Please continue.