Dearg code telegram from the Department of External Affairs
to John J. Hearne (Washington DC)
(No. 254)

My 253.¹ We suggest that Garrett should argue on following lines:

Ireland is military vacuum and is therefore serious gap in the North Atlantic defences. It is surely in the interest of the USA close this gap. To fill vacuum, Ireland badly in need arms. She has made every effort to obtain them through ordinary commercial channels but without success. The Military Aid Act allows of assistance to European countries outside the Atlantic Pact.

The Irish Government is anxious to strengthen and expand its Army and modernise its defence equipment. Taoiseach advocated this while in opposition and still advocates it as head of Government.

The arms would be used solely for purpose of defence. In 1935, Taoiseach gave a guarantee that Ireland would not allow herself to be used as base of attack on Britain. That pledge was fully honoured during the last war and still holds good.

As counter to any suggestion that we should join Pact, the reply should be: Our attitude towards membership of the Pact will already be known to the Committee. So long as Partition lasts, no Irish Government could take any other decision. Elaborate on harmful effect of Partition on our relations with Britain, particularly at this time of world crisis.

Ireland is the most anti-Communist country in Europe and the freest from an internal Communist problem. She can be counted upon to resist Communist aggression to the last breath.

Reference might also be made to our good Marshall Aid record.