Letter from John A. Costello to Joseph P. Walshe (Holy See)
(Copy)

My dear Ambassador,

When the Government had before them the proposal for the appointment of your successor as Ambassador to the Holy See, it was decided that I should convey to you, on behalf of us all, an expression of our appreciation of your services and of our regret that the time of your retirement is now approaching.¹ I would not be giving effect to my own or my colleagues’ wishes if, in carrying out this decision, I confined myself to merely formal words.

We are deeply conscious of the value of your work over a long period of years. Even before recognition had been accorded, outside Ireland, to the establishment of an independent Irish State, you were already associated with diplomatic service on behalf of this country. In 1922 you were happily chosen to be the permanent head of the Department of External Affairs, and the task of building that Department from the foundations was thus entrusted to you. By your wise counsel, you gave invaluable assistance in the development of the State’s external policies through the changing circumstances of the following years. Your energy and ability fostered the growth of the Department’s useful activities and the extension of our diplomatic relations with other countries. In conferences and discussions abroad, you played a full and active part. Your judgement and diplomatic skill were a source of strength, during the years of world war, in countering the dangers through which our country passed.

It was fitting, indeed, that the honour of becoming Ireland’s first Ambassador should have been yours, and you were glad, I feel sure, that that appointment was to the Holy See. To us at home, it has been a constant pleasure to hear so many tributes to your success in your important mission, to which your personal qualities have been so eminently suitable.

My colleagues and I offer you thanks for your great services and our warm good wishes for many years of happiness and health in your retirement.