740.00116 EW/10–1044: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Arnbassador in Ireland (Gray)
204. The British Embassy in Washington had already brought to the attention of the Department the views of the British Government prior to the despatch of our 199, October 14.
Despite the British view that no further approach should be made, we felt that the Irish Government should be made aware of our reaction [Page 1443] to its reply and accordingly sent you our 199. Since, however, you have taken no action upon it, and since meanwhile the British have repeated their suggestion that the approach should not be made in written form we have agreed that the substance of our 199 should be presented by you orally and informally rather than by Aide-Mémoire. Accordingly, instead of making any further formal approach, you should from time to time as occasion may arise express orally to members of the Irish Government the views outlined in our 199. In view of British position we prefer this course to that suggested in your 177, October 18, 4 p.m. You may use your discretion as to emphasis and presentation. We want no publicity here or in London at this time. We do not care what Irish say.