Handwritten letter from Seán Murphy to Patrick McGilligan (Dublin)

My dear Minister,

I suppose Seán has kept you posted regarding the events here. I think on the whole this Assembly has been satisfactory from our point of view. I will give you a memo when I return on my impressions generally and particularly on the steps which should be taken in order that we may come here in a position to take an active part in the various discussions. In order to get any advantage internationally from the League it is necessary to take a definite stand on the questions under discussion. This brings you into the market, so to speak, and you are regarded as worth cultivation for one reason or another. We have seen the French regarding the Treaty and I enclose a short note of the conversation¹ which though not detailed will give you an idea of the line adopted. Massigli² did not give any indication of what the attitude of his Government is or is likely to be, but I personally think that the exposé of our difficulties from the budget and revenue point of view impressed him. I hardly think they will require a further conversation in Paris. However Massigli is to let us know.

It is generally thought that the League will end next Tuesday the 25th. If you have no objection I propose to take some leave after the Assembly. I wrote to Seán Lester³ to find out if there was anything urgent in the office for which I should return, and understand from him there is nothing very pressing. If you agree to my taking leave don't bother to reply to this note, if you tell Seán Lester he will let me know.

With regard to the revised estimate for the establishments abroad I have the revision almost complete but I am afraid if the proposed reductions are made it will greatly hamper the work of these offices.

I am inclined to think that the Vice President will take a more liberal view when he returns to Dublin, and I think it would be advisable not to put forward the revised scheme until you have had an opportunity of meeting him. No cabinet decision can be taken until the return of the Delegation so that no time will be lost so far as the consideration of this question is concerned.

Everyone here is in good form. All are anxious to get back. Things have been tame all round. There was a little excitement over Briand's speech but it died down very quickly.