For your information, the Canadian Ambassador,¹ the British Ambassador² and the Australian Chargé d’Affaires³ jointly issued invitations for a Garden Party on June 2nd on the occasion of the Coronation to Members of the Government, the Judiciary, leading members of Opposition parties, Lord Mayor, Secretaries of all Departments and a number of officials of this Department. The invitations are being declined – at any rate by the Government, Judiciary, Lord Mayor and officials and, to judge from reports in ‘Daily Express’ yesterday and ‘Irish Press’ today, also by Opposition.

The Canadian Ambassador, acting on behalf of himself and his two colleagues, had previously enquired whether the President would accept an invitation and, following upon this enquiry, in the absence of the Minister, the Taoiseach saw Turgeon and explained that President could not accept invitation. It was also indicated that Government would not accept invitations.

The Minister subsequently saw Turgeon and confirmed what Taoiseach had told him. We are not accepting any other invitations that may be issued for receptions, etc., celebrating Coronation.