811.248/803a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Ireland (Gray)
154. We have read your 239, December 1, and wish to express our appreciation for the splendid manner in which you have handled this matter. We do not wish to insist on a written agreement so long as a clear understanding exists between us. We are entirely willing to accept as adequate oral assurance from Mr. de Valera and the Department of External Affairs. Should something be reduced to writing, however, it would be preferable from our point of view to omit, or to minimize in so far as possible, any reference to American planes on operational flights, since it is hoped that this question would not arise.