Extracts from a letter from M.H. Eliassoff to Joseph P. Walshe
(V. 177/504)

I am to suggest that the question of taking part in the British Empire Exhibition may now be reconsidered in the light of the following facts.

When originally participation was decided on[,] the proposal was to erect, in a prominent site, a pavilion of from 15,000 to 20,000 sq.ft. in area, and to incur an expenditure of about £30,000. The financial and political outlook in March rendered it improbable that this outlay would be profitably incurred.

[Matter omitted]

All the countries, dominions and colonies of the British Commonwealth of Nations, except the Irish Free State, Gambia and North Borneo, are exhibiting. The absence of two small colonies with a total population less than that of Dublin and suburbs will not be noticed. The absence of the Irish Free State is noticeable, especially as the total value of our trade with Great Britain is so great, and as many of our products are saleable in the markets of the Dominions and Colonies, as well as in other countries, from which potential purchasing agents will attend the exhibition. Non-participation may, in the near future, affect the attitude of the administration and of British traders and consumers.

[Matter omitted]

The High Commissioner was informed, and believes it to be a fact, that the offered site can be sold to a private firm for £1,000. It will be assigned free to the Irish Free State, all Dominions being allowed free sites. He believes that the outlay of about £7,000 would be well repaid by the stimulus given to Irish trade, and asks that the question of participation be again considered as early as possible. There would still be time to construct a pavilion, arrange for the allocation of space, and transport the exhibits to be displayed. It may be thought desirable that the Department of Industry and Commerce should consult industrial and commercial associations immediately as a preliminary to a decision.

The Managing Director is most anxious, for many intelligible reasons, that the Irish Free State should be represented, and his anxiety on this point will ensure that difficulties with the administration of the exhibition regarding details will be minimised. He asked that a decision be reached within a week