No. 136 NAI DFA/6/408/191
Memorandum from Seán MacBride to John W. Dulanty (London) 'Memorandum of instructions to High Commissioner in London'
Dublin, 16 September 1948
- Explain to representatives of Commonwealth countries position in relation to Commonwealth meeting, i.e., that we have not been invited, but that we were asked on the 7th September, 1948, what our reply would be if invited, and gave draft reply on the 10th September, 1948, as per attached.1
Ensure that the matter is not conveyed in a way that would convey that we are aggrieved at not having been invited, or that we want the matter raised at the meeting.
The purpose of conveying this information to the Commonwealth representatives is:
- To negative the impression created by the C.R.O. telegram that we had been invited and had not replied. At the time this telegram was sent out we had not even been asked as to what our attitude would be if invited; when that enquiry was made it was replied to at once.
- To ensure that should there be any misrepresentation at the meeting as to what in fact happened, some, at least, of the Commonwealth countries will be fully acquainted with the facts.
- Ascertain from Commonwealth representatives if possible anything that is conveyed, either at or before the meeting, as to our non-attendance and position generally.
- Should the opportunity offer quite informally to influence any of the Commonwealth Representatives at the meeting, it is desired that there should be no discussion as to Ireland's position and statement of any kind issued about our position.
- Should the proposed repeal of the External Relations Act be mentioned in course of informal discussions with Commonwealth Representatives take the attitude 'It is the best thing that has ever happened in Anglo-Irish relationship as it removes one of the points of friction. There are two stumbling blocks to a better understanding: the External Relations Act and Partition. This removes one of the two stumbling blocks'. Generally follow the line of the Minister's speech on the Estimates.
- In anticipation of press comments on repeal of External Relations Act, seek to influence papers such as TIMES, MANCHESTER GUARDIAN and DAILY HERALD into an understanding of our viewpoint as in 4 above.
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