I discussed this matter with Ferguson of Industry and Commerce¹ and he told me that they brought up the question to the Minister last year. In view of the fact that there appears to be no chance of our getting any concession for Irish goods the Minister decided to let the matter rest. The best we can hope for from the U.S.A. is most-favoured nation treatment. The Minister is apparently of opinion that our failure to get some definite concession would have a bad effect. Ferguson said he would bring up the question again. In the meanwhile it might be well to forget Denby's query.

Seen by Secretary. He agrees that no reply should be sent to Mr Denby for the present.