Extract from a teleprinter message from Joe Horan to S.J. Breen¹ (London)
(Serial No. 3189)

We have no legal adoption act in this country and, for your own information, I might say that it is extremely unlikely that we will have one in the near future.

Thanks for the information given in paragraphs 2 and 3 of your message.

Since we have no legal adoption act, applications for the issue of passports to children being brought outside the country for adoption are dealt with 'on their merits'. This question of the bringing of children outside the state for adoption is becoming somewhat 'thorny'. You might therefore refer to me all such future applications that you may receive.