Extract from a letter from Charles Bewley to Ernest Blythe (Dublin)

A Chara,
[Matter omitted]
I would like to add the following to what I said in my former letter: People in Ireland do not perhaps realize the present feeling in Germany with regard to England. Whatever the sympathies of the individual, the German Government will not and could not afford to take even the slightest step which might risk offending English susceptibilities. This is not a matter of sentiment or sympathy, but is part of the deliberate policy of conciliation towards England in the hope that she will protect Germany against French aggression. Even the appointment of a German consul in Cork will therefore be in fact subject to an English veto, and I am satisfied from what the German officials told me that they will not make the appointment till they have obtained a 'nihil obstat' from the English authorities.

As regards the Irish Government, I am convinced the vast majority of Germans are personally sympathetic, but they are not going to take the slightest risk of offending England for our sake, nor is it to be expected that they should do so, when one remembers that England alone stands between Germany and the occupation of the Ruhr district by France.
[Matter omitted]