Handwritten letter from Seán Murphy to Patrick McGilligan (on holiday in Castlerock, Co. Derry)

Dear Minister

I had a conversation this morning with Mr Blythe and Mr FitzGerald regarding the proposed visit of Mr Kellogg to Dublin after the signing of the Pact in Paris on the 27th August.¹

I understand that before you left town there was some discussion as to whether owing to the proposed visit it would be advisable for the President to go to Paris to sign the pact, and that you expressed no decided views for or against this suggestion.

Today both Ministers were agreed that the idea of the President going was wrong in principle as the matter was purely one for the Minister for External Affairs. They felt however that on account of the President's visit to the States there would be considerable publicity value in his signing the pact with Kellogg and then returning with him on a U.S. Cruiser to Dublin. They thought that such publicity would help Séamus W's mission.

Mr. Sterling is also very keen on this arrangement, indeed the suggestion first came from him. I fancy he is hoping for favourable reactions in connection with the Presidential elections.

In all the circumstances Mr Blythe and Mr FitzGerald agree to the idea of the President going unless you have any definite views against.

I personally think that it is most unfortunate that our first international treaty should not be signed by the Minister for External Affairs, but I quite see that the other considerations are of importance. It is admitted anyway that it is only the peculiar circumstances of this case that justify the departure from the ordinary procedure.

I would be very glad if you would let me know your views as if it is decided that the President is going we will have to get in touch with the British immediately to have a new full power issued, and the French notified of the change.

Hoping you are enjoying a well earned rest and that you are keeping the old Colonel in his place.