Extract from a memorandum by the Department of External Affairs
'US Mutual Defence Assistance Act
(commonly known as the Military Aid Act)'

[matter omitted]

6. Mr. Garrett’s appeal for arms for Ireland

On returning to Ireland last March after a period of leave in the USA, Mr. George A. Garrett told the press that, during his stay, he had been trying to get US military aid for Ireland. He said that high military authorities felt that Ireland should be given aid sufficient to enable her to repel an airborne invasion. It had been indicated to him, however, that the Atlantic Pact countries received priority, and that there would be little hope of aid for Ireland unless she joined the Pact.