No. 238
740A.5–MSP/12–2551: Telegram
The Ambassador in Ireland (Matthews) to the Secretary of State
confidential priority
Dublin, December 25, 1951—4 p.m.
96. Re Deptel 63, December 21;1 Embtel 95, December 25.2 Emb comment on Irish Govt’s reply3 to Emb note of December 7 follows:
- 1.
- Although language of reply does not correspond very closely to that contained in Emb note, it is believed to meet substantially principal points made except those contained in numbered paras three and four of Dept’s airgram 53 of November 22.4 Emb believes if Dept requires specific acceptance these points Irish Govt wld not object to altering or supplementing reply accordingly.
- 2.
- Emb considers introduction partition issue and request for arms assistance extraneous to purpose of proposed exchange of notes. Since, as reply states, partition “dominates” Irish approach to all questions of external policy Irish Govt may insist on including some mention this subject, although Emb could if Dept desires seek Irish agreement to eliminate partition and arms questions and hold text of reply more closely to subject in hand. If Irish Govt wishes discuss these matters with United States it could do so in separate communication.
- 3.
- Circumlocution of reply probably at least partly due to Irish sensitivity to passage reading “firmly committed to join in promoting”, etc. as result of Irish refusal to “join” NATO or any other collective defense effort while partition remains.
- 4.
- Dept will note Irish Govt’s avowed determination to prevent any attempt use its territory as “base for attack” not only against Brit, as stated on previous occasions, but also against United States.
Emb was awaiting opportunity to discuss proposed exchange of notes with Irish when Aiken brought me his govt’s completed reply. In circumstances Emb wld appreciate immediate instructions regarding acceptability Irish reply and lines along which Dept desires Emb pursue any further negotiations.
Matthews