Dearg code telegram from John J. Hearne to Seán Murphy (Dublin)
(No. 62)

Israeli Ambassador¹ called on me formally yesterday to submit, through me, request from Government of Israel exchange diplomatic representatives. He urged me following reasons exchange now: deep closeness sentiments our two peoples, who fought for their independence and culture against formidable foes, both of them have deep devotion to democracy and allegiance to an ancient faith, both of them share sense of what menace of Communism is to free world, both of them are now members of UN.

Ambassador emphasised that his Government now favours international supervision Holy Places.²

Referring to Middle East situation, Ambassador said it was no longer question of struggle between Israel and Arabs but now between Israel and exploitation of Arabs by Soviet Union. That was real issue now.