Letter from Seán Lester¹ to Sir Harry Batterbee (London)
(EA 3/1928) (Confidential) (Copy)

Dear Sir Harry Batterbee,

In Mr. Murphy's absence on leave I have to thank you for your letter of the 29th September regarding the proposed appointment of Irish Ministers at Paris and Berlin.

We fully understood what had occurred in connection with the appointment of the Canadian Minister at Paris. The Government here certainly wish to open the new Irish Legations in the near future, but so much importance is attached to the proposed change in the wording of the note that we could not allow our desire to expedite the appointments to stand in the way of a redefinition of the status of the new Ministers.

We find it difficult to see what objection could be made to a proposal that the Irish minister should deal with all matters of Irish interest and that, where such matters are of common interest to one or more of the other States of the Commonwealth, consultation with British and other Dominion representatives should take place prior to any action.

Under the Washington formula the Irish Minister may be prevented from dealing with the Government to which he is accredited on matters of the highest importance to this Government. This position we regard as untenable and we feel sure that you will, upon giving the matter consideration, agree with us. I enclose a copy of the note² which we will request you to have presented, on our behalf, by His Majesty's Ambassadors to the Governments in Paris and Berlin and we would like to have your observations at an early date.

We agree with your suggestion that the Dominions should also be informed of our intention and have sent a telegram to Canada, Australia and South Africa. As His Majesty's Government in New Zealand retains the old system of communication we are asking you to forward a copy to them.

In the meantime we would be glad if you would cause His Majesty's Ambassadors at Paris and Berlin to approach the French and German Governments in the terms suggested in your final paragraph, omitting any reference, in the first case, to Mr. MacWhite.