Letter from John A. Belton to Seán Nunan (Dublin)¹
(Secret)

Dear Seán,
I have been informed confidentially by the German Foreign Office that they propose to appoint Josef Hoven² as Counsellor of the German Legation in Dublin on account of his knowledge of Ireland. The Foreign Office are, of course, well aware that it is not necessary to seek agrément for a Counsellor, but, nevertheless and in view of the fact that Mr. Hoven spent some years in Ireland before the war, they would not make the appointment without prior approval of the Department of External Affairs. They, accordingly, asked if they could be furnished with the Department's views as soon as possible.

Mr. Hoven's record in Ireland is, of course, well known to the Department and in the event that any objection to his appointment in Dublin were taken by the Department, the German Foreign Office are anxious that this should be regarded as a strictly 'off the record' enquiry. An urgent reply would be greatly appreciated.

30/6/51. Minister³ does not want Hoven here. Was engaged in activities inimical to our Govt. Mr. Belton informed personally by me at Dept. today. 2/7/51.