Telegram from Seán Murphy to Frederick H. Boland (Dublin)
(No. 87)

Have¹ seen Pearson who informed me that military situation in Korea was bad. Americans are faced with withdrawal or trying to maintain bridgehead at Pusan. They are however determined to continue the fight and large scale aerial warfare will be undertaken in August when weather improves. Canadian public opinion need to be assured that their intervention was limited to UN objective. He intended to repeat this assurance in speech tomorrow. The French-Canadian press confirms Pearson's viewpoint. He felt there was danger that Communist China would take a hand but not Russia openly. It was going to be a long and costly affair. He asked whether Irish govt had considered making a statement at a suitable opportunity condemning aggression and applauding UN solidarity in face of aggression.² He felt that such statement would have great effect in United States where Irish influence so strong. I said I thought such a statement might present difficulties but I would pass on his enquiry.