Telegram from John J. Hearne to Frederick H. Boland (Dublin)
(No. 401)

Called upon Labouisse¹ State Department yesterday Wednesday by appointment to hear latest official news Korean and to ascertain present trend official thinking. Labouisse confirmed Press report that Military situation Korea definitely very bad. He said that they simply did not know what was going to happen but that they were determined to hold on in Korea and ultimately drive back Northern Korean armies beyond thirty-eighth parallel. It would be a costly business. They now know how long and how thoroughly the invasion had been planned. The American forces so far engaged had been outnumbered by as many as ten and sometimes even twenty to one. Labouisse asked me what feeling in Ireland was on stand of United States in Korea. I said I thought there were no two views on the question of wisdom [and] courage of Mr. Truman's stand. I referred to warmth of Minister's message of congratulations to Mr. Acheson on July 4th. Labouisse said that Secretary of State had greatly appreciated Minister's message.