Telegram from Frank Aiken to Thomas J. Kiernan (Canberra)
(No. 60)

The Australian Chargé d’Affaires¹ called to see the Taoiseach with a personal letter from Mr. Menzies, urging that every effort should be made to prevent a breakdown and suggesting as a solution that the letter should be addressed simply President Sean T. O’Ceallaigh.

The Taoiseach pointed out that it was essential that the President should be given his constitutional title, either in Irish or in English.

After a chat about the whole situation we suggested that the most satisfactory solution, one that would be permanent and could be used by all the States of the Commonwealth, was a Lettre de Cabinet altogether in Irish.

Finally, we would accept, but with reluctance if they suggested it, a Lettre de Cabinet in English, but addressed to the President in Irish. The Taoiseach asked the Chargé d’Affaires to ask the Prime Minister to please accept his report instead of a full personal letter in reply.

Please hand following message from Taoiseach to Mr. Menzies.

Begins. Your letter of the 19th received. I have seen your Chargé d’Affaires. Share your anxiety to preserve Ambassadorial relationship. Unfortunately your suggestion impossible to accept. I have explained situation to Mr. Doig and made suggestions which I trust you may find satisfactory. With every regard and good wishes. Ends.