Letter from Seán MacBride to Joseph P. Walshe (Holy See)

My dear Joe,
Following upon the speech I made in the Dáil on my Estimate, relating to Palestine and the Holy Places, I have been approached by a number of prominent Jewish people here who are anxious to know if they could assist in any way. I have also recently been approached with a view to granting De Jure recognition to Israel.

In the course of various discussions particularly with Mr. Sayers I urged the advisability of reaching a settlement with the Holy See in regard to the Holy Places and indicated that I would gladly do anything I could to bring about a settlement. To-day Mr. Sayers came to see me and informed me that he had been in direct contact with the Israeli Government and was authorized to say that the Israeli Government would welcome direct negotiations with the Holy See concerning the Holy Places, and would be glad if I could ascertain what the Holy See's reactions would be in the matter.

All this was verbal and Mr. Sayers had no written authorization. He offered, without any request from me, to obtain a written Communication from the Israeli Government. I did not encourage this suggestion as I felt that it would be wiser first to find out the reactions of the Holy See to such a suggestion. In the meanwhile I thought it better to leave matters completely informal. I feel, however, that Mr. Sayers was in a position to speak with a degree of authority on behalf of the Israeli Government.

Could you ascertain from the Secretariat what the reactions would be to the opening of direct negotiations concerning the Holy Places between the Holy See and the Israeli Government. Or, alternatively, to the carrying on of negotiations through the Irish Government.

It may well be that I am walking where angels fear to tread and that all this ground has been gone over before and been rejected by the Holy See for some good reason. However you will be the best judge of this and I should like to have your views. It would be, of course, of tremendous importance if we were in a position directly or indirectly to bring about negotiations and an ultimate solution of this question. In addition to our direct interest in the Holy Places from a prestige point of view it would be of great importance.

From another angle we have also a considerable interest in bringing about a settlement of this question between the Holy See and the Israeli Government. With the development of the Anti-Partition campaign in the United States it would be a help if we were in a position to accord De Jure recognition to the Israeli State. I feel that pending the settlement of the issue concerning the Holy Places that I would be faced with some difficulty in granting De Jure recognition. The settlement of this question and the granting of De Jure recognition would be very important factors aligning the Jewish population and influence in the United States with the Irish American Movement. Were it not for the difficulty concerning the Holy Places they would be our natural allies in the United States as they are violently opposed to Britain and are a powerful influence in the Democratic Party.

Accordingly, if after making careful enquiries you feel that the Holy See would be interested in opening direct negotiations with the Israeli Government let me know and I shall take steps to obtain a firm offer in writing from the Israeli Government which could be transmitted through your good Offices to the Holy See.

If on enquiry you think that this matter presents any real possibilities please give it priority.