Desmond FitzGerald to Timothy A. Smiddy (Washington)
(Confidential)

Dear Professor,

I have to-day sent the following wire-

'SAORSTÁT, WASHINGTON: WRITING SUGGESTING YOU MAKE SHORT VISIT IRELAND WITH LEAST POSSIBLE DELAY. THIS WIRE CONFIDENTIAL YOU ALONE. IF FEASIBLE RETURN SAY YOU HAVE ASKED PERMISSION RETURN TO ATTEND PRIVATE AFFAIRS. LEAST POSSIBLE PUBLICITY. ESTERO.'

There was some thought of my going to America on a short visit, but as in view of the approaching Presidential elections my presence there might be represented as having a political significance it seems more feasible at the moment for you to make a short visit to Ireland, especially as possibly during the next month everybody there is pre-occupied with the Presidential election there may be less to demand your immediate attention there than after the election.

On your visit here we can go into the whole matter of the personnel of your new office and a dozen other matters that arise with the change created by your new status.

In my wire I suggest that the least possible publicity be given to your return and that by implying that the suggestion of the visit comes from you and not from here, and that you return for your personal business you prevent any significance being given to this visit. I do this because I have reason to believe that there are certain people over there working against you personally, and they might be glad to give the suggestion about that your being called back implies reprimand.

I may say that the reason I want you to come back is to put you au fait and on your guard. Regard this letter as personal from me to you.

Of course if it is not feasible for you to return[,] wire me to that effect and I will come out to see you as soon as it seems possible to do so without my visit being misconstrued.

You may look on this letter as from your friend D.F. and not from the minister.