Letter from Michael MacWhite to Desmond FitzGerald (Dublin)
(M.L. 03/0226)

A Chara,

The International Economic Conference which opened on Wednesday was from the point of view of delegates more largely attended than any of the League Assemblies. Forty-seven countries are represented, most of them by five delegates each and the bigger States also have numerous experts.

For the first time since the war, all the most powerful interests in the world, including those of the United States of America and of Soviet Russia, are represented at an International Conference. So far, the discussions are more of a theoretical nature, but from Monday, 9th, three different Commissions - on Industry, Commerce and Agriculture - will settle down to work.

It is expected that the Conference will finish about the 25th instant. Mr. Dinan thinks that he can remain here until then.

As some of the leading men in Industry and Commerce throughout the universe are assisting at this Conference, it affords us an excellent opportunity for putting before them the favourable economic position of the Saorstát and pointing out the advantages and facilities for the investment of capital there, as well as the introduction of new industries, but the Delegation is severely handicapped owing to the fact that we have no money for entertaining. In order to permit us to take advantage of the present circumstances, it is necessary that we have the sum of at least £75 for this purpose, as otherwise we will be placed in a very exceptional position as regards other delegations. The Canadian Delegation has already invited ours to a Dinner, at which over 60 other delegates are expected to attend.

In order to save time, I shall be obliged if you wire me immediately your decision.