Sir:

I have the honour to inform you that my Government is seriously concerned over the proposal that sailings of United States ships to Irish ports should be suspended.

As I had the honour to inform you in my Note of the nineteenth of September, 1939, Ireland has declared her neutrality in the present conflict in Europe.¹ I should like to emphasize moreover that apart from Ireland's neutral status, most of Ireland's seaboard is removed from the center of European hostilities. This fact has been fully demonstrated since hostilities commenced. American ships have made frequent sailings from Irish ports to home ports during recent weeks for the purpose of carrying passengers and goods.

I am to assure you that the Irish Government sees no reason to anticipate any circumstances which would render perilous or impossible the continuance of such sailings. My Government trusts that the Government of the United States will take a similar view in this regard.