Letter from Seán MacBride to John J. Hearne (Ottawa)

Dear John,
I enclose herewith a letter¹ for personal delivery by you to Mr. Pearson, together with a copy of the letter for your own information. You need not disclose to Mr. Pearson that you have seen a copy of the letter. However, you can use your own discretion on this point.

The letter, together with our Aide Mémoire in reply to the United States Government, sets out fully the policy to be pursued. I feel that this is the first real opportunity which offers of bringing Partition to a stage where it can be at least discussed, if not solved. Canada is the one country in the Atlantic Pact area that can have the question raised. The British will no doubt do their best to avoid this question from being raised or discussed, but, as I indicated in the letter to Pearson, I feel that, in the long run, they will appreciate any step that will bring about an end to the present deadlock.

When discussing the position with Pearson, you could point out to him the dangers in the present situation. There have been many signs recently of a worsening of the situation. Indeed, it is one of the matters that is causing me some considerable anxiety. It would be well, also, to explain to him the significance of the recent all-party conference in the Mansion House. This is the first time since the war that such a step has been taken and shows the unanimity of views that exists between all parties. The result of the Six-Counties' elections will, of course, in no way affect the situation.

The aim should be to have the Partition question raised on an international plane in such a manner as to enable the British Government to approach the problem without fear of internal criticism. It is likely that the British Government will resist any such attempt, but I feel that if Canada would take the initiative, support would be forthcoming from the United States and possibly from France and Belgium. It probably would not be very active support, but I think that generally there would be a sympathetic attitude towards us.

This matter is of the utmost importance and I rely on you to use your judgment and skill to the best advantage. Keep me informed of conversations you have with Pearson and of any information that may come your way that might be useful.