Letter from Desmond FitzGerald to Sir Austen Chamberlain (Geneva)
(Copy)

Dear Sir Austen,

My delegation has very carefully considered the position reviewed at the Meeting this afternoon, and on the grounds that I did my best to set out at the meeting they have decided that we should let Ireland's name go forward as a candidate in the Council election.

We regret accordingly that in this decision we differ from the opinion of the British and other Dominion delegates, even though it is only on a question of the opportuneness of candidature this year rather than next.

I think I need hardly tell you, Sir Austen, that we would not take this step if we thought that it would in any way jeopardise the splendid work which you have undertaken, and have now brought to completion.

We are moved entirely by what we conceive to be the best interests of the Dominions.

We hope that appreciating our reasons as we appreciate your difficulties, you will at least extend to us your good will, if you cannot do more.