No. 120 NAI DFA Secretary's Files S113
Letter from Eamon de Valera to Neville Chamberlain (London)
(Copy)
Dublin, 2 February 1940
Dear Prime Minister,
I have written Mr. Eden1 urging that the prerogative of mercy should be exercised in the case of the condemned men, Barnes and Richards. I am writing this to ask you to apply your mind personally to the matter. I believe that you will be able to appreciate the full significance of what I have urged and that you will make your decision in the light of long-time policy to secure better relations between the people of Ireland and the people of Britain.
Very sincerely yours,
(Signed)
Eamon de Valera