841D.01/179: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Ireland ( Gray )
18. Your 16, May 18, 11 a.m. Please inform the Prime Minister that while we should be glad to be of assistance to Ireland, we regret [Page 161] that it is impossible for this Government to take the action which he suggests. Any such declaration would imply that we are departing from our traditional policies in regard to European affairs, and would inevitably lead to misunderstanding and confusion in the United States and abroad. The extent to which such a declaration would contribute to the safety of Ireland is, in our opinion, open to question.
In explaining the foregoing confidentially to the Prime Minister, please tell him that his country enjoys a very special position in the hearts of our people and that we hope and pray that Ireland will be spared from the conflagration now raging.