Letter from Count Gerald O'Kelly de Gallagh to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin)
(144/29)

I presented my letters of credence to the President of the French Republic at 3.30 on Saturday, the 19th inst.¹

M. de Fouquières, introducteur des Ambassadeurs, called for me at the hotel with two Presidential cars. He and I took our seats in the first car, and Mr. Cawley in the second. We were received in the courtyard of the Elysée by a platoon of the Guards Republicaine who rendered honours. The President was supported by his civil and military Household. Immediately on entering the room I read the speech you sent me. The President read a very cordial reply of which I will try to obtain a copy. I introduced Mr. Cawley to him. Then the civil and military households were introduced to us, each in turn, and after that the President chatted with me for a moment ending up by sending messages of goodwill to President Cosgrave. This is interesting as denoting the position which the Head of a foreign State accords the President of our Executive Council.

On leaving the Elysée we were photographed on the steps by the press photographers, and again saluted by the guard. The whole proceedings, from the time we left the hotel till we returned, did not occupy 20 minutes.

In the afternoon the cards of all the dignitaries of the President's households whom I had met were left at the hotel for me.

This morning at 11 o'clock, accompanied again by Mr. Cawley, I left a large wreathe on the unknown warrior's grave. The wreathe was bound in the Irish colours with the word 'Irlande' graven thereon.

Within the next couple of days, I begin my round of official visits, beginning with the Presidents of the Sénat and of the Chambre and continuing with the Diplomatic corps.