Volume 7 1941~1945


Doc No.
Date
Subject

No. 413  NAI DFA Washington Embassy File 73

Dearg code telegram from Robert Brennan to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin)
(No. 144)

WASHINGTON, 8 April 1944

From a confidential source I learn news my telegram 1421 is correct. They are building up a case on long series of events amongst every report to British and themselves which will justify claim that, in spite of your assurance(s), they have every reason for great uneasiness. They will stress danger from secret radio station.

I could not get date when Note will be delivered.

Informant told me an important document which military man had told him he had seen detailed report of American military movements in Northern Ireland which had been drawn up by German Minister, Dublin, for transmission to Berlin. But he did not know if it had been transmitted.

I suggest you consider taking offensive on following lines:-

America wanted us in war from the start, Gray wanted us to take steps towards war a year before America entered, etc., and bring out his blocking more adequate security measures.

Further information as to different accounts from confidential sources is mostly that Gray reported that, in spite of everything to the contrary, Irish people were against Government and in favour of yielding to American demand, and that further diplomatic pressure would yield results. He advised making gifts to Ireland of wheat and having this well publicised as it would have a profound effect.

1 Not printed.