Memorandum by the Department of External Affairs on Irish Free State representation abroad
(Copy)

The Minister for External Affairs has had under consideration the question of the Saorstát representation abroad and has come to the conclusion that the present system is inadequate and needs to be fundamentally altered. The ambiguous position of our Representatives abroad has made for misunderstanding and inefficiency, and in some cases has provided a source of irritation in our relations with British Representatives.

It will be remembered that Canada since the Imperial Conference has made a very definite advance in international status by the appointment of Ministers at Paris and Tokyo.

There can be no doubt that the appointment of Ministers to one or more of the Great European Powers would very clearly establish the fact, which is not at the moment appreciated, that the Saorstát must be regarded as a unit in international affairs in no way subservient to Great Britain. The Minister suggests that, in order to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the Imperial Conference report to develop our International status, the representation of the Saorstát abroad should be re-organised on the following lines:

These proposals would at the beginning involve a fairly considerable expenditure, but in the course of a few years when the Saorstát Consuls take over the functions now exercised by the British on our behalf, the fees collectable would greatly reduce the cost.

The basic salary of a Minister in each case would be the same as the Minister at Washington (£1,500). The representation allowance would vary according to the demands of the post. The Minister would in each case except Geneva also hold an exequatur as a Consul General. The first secretary of each Legation would also hold an exequatur as a Consul. It is proposed that the Minister accredited to France should also be accredited to Belgium. Similarly the Minister at Berlin could be accredited to Holland if that were considered necessary.

The establishment of a Consulate at New York would combine the Passport and Trade Offices, and would give the trade side of the work considerably more scope. It will be necessary also to open a passport control office at Boston to cope with the increased traffic from that port to the Saorstát. It is estimated that the Visa fees from Boston would more than cover the expenses of that office.

The elevation of our office at Geneva to the status of a Legation would not only increase the prestige of the Saorstát at the League but would also greatly facilitate the work of our Representative there. The Minister is anxious that this change should be made before the meeting of the Assembly in September next.

The Imperial Conference of 1926 showed clearly that when the Canadians take a stand on any question the British invariably agree. There seems to be no other way of getting the effective support of Canada in rounding off our international position than by appointing a Representative in Ottawa. With the support of Canada, it should be possible to make considerable advances at the next Imperial Conference.

Before submitting a more detailed memorandum dealing inter alia with the financial side of the question, the Minister would be glad to have a general discussion on the foregoing proposals at an early meeting of the Executive Council.