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

I had hoped to send you a detailed report on, not only the recent Treaty signed in Bonn, but also the agreement regarding the European Army as signed in Paris. In my opinion, however, things are happening so fast not only in this country but elsewhere that I would prefer to delay my considered report for a few days.

The important thing is the question of ratification of the Treaty just recently signed in Bonn. There will, undoubtedly, be a great deal of Parliamentary opposition to this Treaty led by Schumacher¹ the Leader of the Socialist Party. To what extent Schumacher will receive support from the splinter elements of the other Parties remains to be seen but it could happen that Schumacher might defeat Adenauer on this issue in the Parliament. There is also the very great difficulty concerning the ratification of this Agreement by the French Parliament. You will, of course, have seen the Russian reaction to the German Treaty and I hope to be able to send you a detailed report on this entire matter within the next few days.²