Extract from a handwritten letter from Joseph P. Walshe to
Frank Aiken (Dublin)
(Secret)

Congratulations on your speech on the Estimates. Its greatest immediate practical value, to my mind, is that it makes clear beyond doubt to the Americans, two things: 1) that we are their friends, and 2) that we shall be ready to resist an enemy who wishes to use our territory for an attack against them.

I am hoping very much that Taft¹ will see Weekly Bulletin No. 185,² in which publication alone the full text of your speech is given.

I emphasize the most important external aspect of your speech, because it can be the beginning of new pressure on the Americans to secure arms, and thereby to take Ireland out of Britain’s political and defence scheme. The ideals and claims you outlined on the great national issue can never be achieved until we get out of England’s sphere of influence – nowadays, we must be in some real and effective relationship with the only power that is going to count in the world. England remains sinister in her purposes towards us and she has not given up the hope of getting us back, either by reconquest or denationalisation. Everytime I talk to certain types of the ruling English I am more convinced that they intend to come back, if they can.

I am personally very grateful to you for such an inspiring statement.

[matter omitted]