800.515/1–2146: Telegram
The Minister in Ireland (Gray) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:42 p.m.]
5. Under Secretary’s recent statement that no reply had been received to our request to Irish Govt for cooperation regarding Safehaven and repatriation German officials etc., definitely helpful to us here. On other hand, published reports on plans for putting economic pressure on recalcitrant neutrals fail of purpose as regards Eire. In first place, in view of our much advertised allocation of surplus aircraft to Irish Govt without political quid pro quo, suggestion of economic pressure is not taken seriously. In second place, if such suggestions should be made officially they would unquestionably rally Irish electorate in support of de Valera’s43 policy of noncooperation. We believe that publication of the diplomatic correspondence at proper time is the most effective defense we have as Irish Govt dreads unfavorable publicity in America. Believe British colleague44 takes same view of undesirability of threat of pressure. In the event of unfavorable reply which we anticipate strongly recommend joint publicity, followed if considered desirable by economic discrimination not previously threatened.
Sent Dept, repeated London as 2.