Code telegram from John J. Hearne to the Department of External Affairs (Dublin)
(Copy)

Meeting held this morning¹ definite decision arrived at that no agreement to exclude Dominion disputes from the Court possible Minister announced at meeting his intention to sign on sole condition of reciprocity and without reservations. Henderson said we should all go our own way but subsequently adopted Australian proposal that a formula should be prepared by Hurst adhering to court in terms of article thirty-six but with an express reservation as to inter-Dominion disputes and other reservations the latter to meet views of Australia. This formula now no concern of ours. South African and Canadian attitude and action uncertain. Minister for External Affairs proposes to sign Optional Clause on terms of reciprocity for period of twenty years with no reservations Saturday at latest unless instructions to the contrary received from you. Ends. Hearne.