Exchange of teleprinter messages between Timothy O'Driscoll (Dublin) and Frederick H. Boland (London)

[O'Driscoll] We are being pushed very hard regarding Gilbert's successor. You will remember the name which was mentioned at the coal lunch. You will have known him personally. Can you see any reason for our not accepting the proposal?
[Boland] The man is a nonentity. A small-time bureaucrat who looks like a tailor's dummy. I should expect him to be very much better than Gilbert however because he dealt with Irish affairs for many years here in the C.R.O. and - a very important point - served in Dublin under the sound guidance of Rugby. On the whole therefore I would say that while it is not a particularly flattering choice, I can see no positive reason for refusing to take him and I can think of many other people who would be considerably worse.
[O'Driscoll] The nonentity classification fits in entirely with the opinion of the people here who have known him. However, we must go ahead and I shall advise the Minister accordingly. I shall quote your opinion if I might in summarised terms.
[Boland] Yes do. Given that the government here is thinking in terms of a career man I cannot think of anybody eligible who would be very much better from our point of view.

[matter omitted]