Extract from a teleprinter message from Frederick H. Boland
to Seán Murphy (Dublin)
(No. 985)

[matter omitted]

1. I think we would do well to avoid drawing or implying any analogy whatever between the Cyprus case and that of the Six Counties. In fact, there is no analogy, and any attempt to establish one may involve us in difficulties.
2. Both for this reason and others, I think that our attitude on the matter would be best grounded not on the principle of self-determination but on the futility of superior force as a means of solving political problems.
3. I think we might do well to keep fairly close to Canada and the Scandinavian countries in connection with this matter. They are the countries most likely to be influenced by the same sort of considerations as ourselves.

   Incidentally, I happen to know that the Commonwealth governments were not consulted or informed in advance about the arrest of the Archbishop.¹

4. If the fear mór² has to say anything in public, I would suggest that it should be something on the following lines:-

   ‘Generally speaking, I don't believe in superior force as a means of solving political problems. In the modern world, the methods of imperialism and conquest can get us nowhere. What we want is co-operation based on mutual respect for national rights and on the principles of equality and freedom – always bearing in mind the supreme interest we all have in the unity and cohesion of the free world. While that is my general attitude I am not prepared to express an anticipatory opinion on any question that may come before the United Nations before it actually arises.’