Extract from a handwritten letter from Hugh McCann to Frederick H. Boland (Dublin)
(Secret)

Dear Secretary,

[matter omitted]

Jack Conway had an interesting chat with James Cleary¹ at a recent dinner in Chicago. Cleary as you know is very close to Hoffman - their families have intermarried. Cleary says that he has been pushing our case for a grant and that Hoffman is now won over in our favour but that there are still objections on the 'neutrality' grounds from other quarters (unspecified). Cleary says it will take time but he seems hopeful for the future pointing out that there are three more years to go yet.

Garner Ranney² of the Irish desk in State Dept. showed me privately a draft political chapter on Ireland which had been prepared in State for the new Congress Study on Ireland. It is still only a draft but seemed quite fair. It consisted of two pages and began with the last election and the change of government. It was quite complimentary to the new government in regard to its sinking its differences and formulating constructive policies. It pointed out that we were democratic, had stable institutions and no communism. It referred to the repeal of the External Relations Act and adverted to the view expressed by Irish spokesman that the action was expected to improve relations with Britain.

With regard to Western Union and the Atlantic Pact it stated that Irish officials had indicated that Ireland might be prepared to co-operate but had advanced the abolition of partition as a necessary prerequisite. The draft was mainly factual with little independent comment. It remains to be seen whether it will emerge in its present form.

I sounded Ranney as to what solution he saw on the Atlantic Pact question in view of the stated policy of our Govt. on partition. Ranney appreciated our difficulty but gave it as his opinion that if we advanced the partition question the U.S. would not bother further about our participation. He thought that Britain should do something on the partition question but the U.S. would not move. He also expressed the hope that even some via media might be found which would enable us to participate without reversing our stand. I think that here he was thinking, largely of a face-saving formula. Ranney as you probably know is not high level - he does most of the Irish work for Fales. He does however seem more open-minded in relation to us than his superiors. The whole atmosphere in State and in the influential and society circles here seems to be becoming more pro-British daily. Britain is their only hope in Europe.

Life is still hectic here - I am still looking forward to my 1948 vacation. Joe Brennan is knuckling down to ECA work in fine style - I was pleasantly surprised. The Minister however has not been without his troubles - as I believe you know.

I think that the foregoing is all the gossip for the present.