Minute from Frederick H. Boland to Seán Nunan (Dublin)

This Pro-Memoria was handed to the Minister earlier this month by the Netherlands Chargé d'Affaires.¹ Prior to that, the French Minister² and the American Chargé d'Affaires³ had spoken to me informally on the same lines.

The point involved is fairly clear. The United States, Britain, France, Belgium, etc., have agreed on a common line about the recognition of the Democratic Republic of Eastern Germany and they are anxious that, so far as possible, we should conform our action to theirs.

Without suggesting that we should bind ourselves to follow an exactly similar policy, it is desirable, I think, that we should keep a sharp eye out for any transaction arising between ourselves and Eastern Germany which might seem to raise the question of de jure or de facto recognition. In view of the representations made, any such matter should be submitted for consideration and decision by the Minister before any definite action is taken. It might be well if the Political Section would send a Note to this effect to the other Sections, so as to ensure due co-ordination of policy in relation to the matter.