The British Embassy has enquired whether we would be willing, in principle, to agree to arrangements for the evacuation to Ireland of women and children from Britain in the event of war; and, in the same circumstances, whether we would agree, again in principle, to the posting of naval personnel in Ireland as Shipping Advisers.

Arrangements covering both of these matters were in operation during World War II, as you probably recollect. Shipping Advisers were then stationed in Dublin and Cork.

My Minister agrees in principle to the suggested arrangements, but, before informing the British Embassy, we would like to have your observations. If you see no objection to the suggested arrangements, I shall arrange for a discussion on the matter in more detail with the Embassy.