Your despatch 14/56 of 27th June.¹ Continue to emphasise strongly our determination to remain neutral, taking line that we regard our neutrality not as a bargaining factor, or as a cloak to be taken off if there is some advantage to be gained by so doing, but as an essential expression of our national independence.

For your information, we have sound evidence for regarding German invasion as very improbable. Report referred to in your 39² is part of campaign mentioned in my 41³ which still continues and is doing considerable harm to relations between the two countries.

Many American syndicated Press reports with Dublin date lines are not sent from Dublin and are grossly misleading. Recent reinforcement of British troops in Six Counties probably due to British fear of German invasion of Ireland. British attack on us is considered unlikely here, but will be strenuously resisted if made.

You should see and be guided by Taoiseach's interview published in 'New York Times' of 6th July.⁴ Speeches of Opposition leaders not reliable guide.

Public opinion here accepts probability of British defeat.