No. 236 NAI DFA ES Box 29 File 191
Extract from a letter from Timothy A. Smiddy to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin)
(No: 34/24)
Washington, 1 July 1924
A Chara:
PASSPORT VISAS
[Matter omitted]
The granting of visas in America by a Free State officer will remove a good deal of hostile criticism to the sovereignty of the Irish Free State. It will further emphasise with the rank and file the independent international status of the Irish Free State. It is the necessary corollary of the appointment of a Minister at Washington; both will have the effect of winning over to the Irish Free State the face sympathisers with the Irregulars.
[Matter omitted]