Ireland, 1940

PSF Ireland U 1940 THE COUNSELOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON full February 2, 1940. Dear Mr. President: The enclosed communication was a few minutes ago handed to Mr. Moffat, Chief of the European Division, and myself by the Irish Minister with the request that it be brought to your attention. Yours very sincerely, The President Hyde Park, New York. IRISH LEGATION Washington, D. C. Eire 2 February 1940 Dear Judge Moore: With reference to our discussion on the 31st ultimo and yesterday, I wish to set out the circumstances, and I would be glad if they were brought to the notice of the President. On August 25th, 1939, a bomb exploded in 8 street in Coventry, England, killing five passersby and wounding many others. Investigations showed that the bomb had been conveyed to the place in A cerrier- bicycle which had been left leaning against e wall in the street. It was discovered that this carrier-bicycle had been purchased quite openly a few days before by a man named Peter Barnes. This man was arrested as were also four other persons, namely, Joseph Hewitt and his wife Mary Hewitt, Brigid O'Hara, mother of Mrs. Hewitt and a man named Janes Richards. They were all five charged with the murder of Miss Elsie Ansell, one of the victims of the explosion. It was proved that the bomb had been manufactured in the house occupied by the Hewitte and Mrs. O'Hara, and that Richards had helped to make it. On behalf of Richards it was stated that it was never intended that the bomb should explode in the street, but that while it was being conveyed somewhere something had gone wrong and upset the plan. Barnes - 2 - Barnes stated his only part in the business was the purchase and delivery of the bicycle on the orders of the I.R.A. Both Barnes and Richards were members of the I.R.A. The Hewitts and Mrs. O'Hara contended they did not know what was going on and they were found not guilty. Richards and Barnes were found guilty and sen- tenced to death on December 14th, 1939. Barnes when sentenced stated calmly that he was innocent and his in- nocence would one day be proved. Richards said he was not afraid to die for Ireland and that he was proud to give his life in a just cause. An Appeal from the death sentence was thrown out on January 23rd. I think the executions are fixed for Monday next, the 5th of Febru- ary. In an endeavour to curb the activities of the I.R.A., drastic laws have been passed by the Irish Government, and in this matter the Government has the support of the vast majority of the people. The immediate objec- tive of the I.R.A. is, however, identical with that of the Government, namely the re-unification of Ireland. The I.R.A. believe that this aim can be effected by force and terrorism. The Government, on the other hand, believe that such methods only retard the cause and that the objective can be attained by methods of peace end negotiation. I believe that in this respect the sympathy of America would be with the Government. Until recently the relations between Ireland and England so long embittered had shown a marked change for the better in 8. growth of understanding and friendly feeling - 3 - feeling and this feeling was reflected amongst the friends of both countries in America. It 1s feared now that if these two men are executed, the difficulties of the Governments concerned already great will be vastly increased inasmuch 8.8 it will arouse sympathy both in Ireland and America for the men and their associates with 8 consequent weaken- 1ng of the influence of those who believe in and adhere to peaceful methods. It 16 possible that the President may think well of making some representations to the British Gov- ernment in the matter. Yours very sincerely, Robt. Rennan Hon. R. Walton Moore, Counselor of the Department of State, Washington, D. C. fill mul gulane Dear Mr. President : I wish to congratulate you upon your excellent appointment to Ireland Aff The Appointee. Will see you soon and thank you. David Gray. (over) THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON Dear Bons Hesis your half of on first dindend out of Eire. Bless Some DS. (David gray Puth Present 122, East 78 street fill 1 New York City March 5, 1940. My dear Franklin : When in Florida A week ago Karl Bickel asked me what you meant to do when you went back to Hyde Park. I sald I didn't know but presumed that you would take on some kind of job. He said that you ought to make seventy five thousand a year with one article a week. This was about what the U.P. syndicate service paid Lloyd Weorge. I think Mussolini got slightly less. The enclosed from Bickel indicates that If and when you take anything of this kind on he would like to bid on 1t. This can do no harm, whatever you may have in mind. T must tell you again how terribly kind you have been and how much "e appreciate it. The State D ept. fellows were wonderfully kind n° helpful. Ite a great organization. The Secretary WSB very kind too. Everybody has been 80 charming that I 0 m a little frightened that it go to my head. The Mayor has given me 8 special letter to DeValera and your friend Archbishop Spellman a personal note to the *apal Nuncio in Dublin. I think they are lucky to have Spellman in this job. He's a roughneck but I believe a fine character and 100 per cent American. We may run into rough sledding before we get back but don't be sorry for us. If I hadn't this job I should have been working to make the country realize where we will be If G ermany wins. I wes surprised to find some of the leading people in Parasote asking themselves this question. They are only beginning to sense that you have had this on your chest for two years and more. God Bless you and don't let them kill you. If they force you into =lavery don't work after dinner no matter if the heavons fall. J believe J have the new 45 write sm ATT Danit, direct & adroadle, BOCA RATONCIVB Booz Aston, Torita 3 I did not mulin n My dear David my other letter The - matter of the prible the whichs by th Trindurt= & syndication to beham the friging which I which was discuss mentingh 7 $5000 His for your Lan Mr handled The andrews would be langest in histing of 7\ commerhom The freign syndralion t the mn international distribution mult be out Grough for the first as will sie or years standing the handle Hoyd- Primerr in I told + you the Duer and The details could be unked ant. of me emcoming This NN enum you cannot units I know due to prible Think term implications talk mith Gro Carlin but 1 am of & am Not going to discuns our always at your service matter in enmedion with you n San any Thing, ahe you want. But Thips K. your Bird 3/25/. 40 127 EAST SEVENTY-THIRD STREET this Hat I Haid I we 103/5 mear 0 alse mee leev percent hee E & feed The other) In t Take a little of me mth In I Thank I This inform #Phas mel Past write you Franklen- - Irene that Fibson / Meer the Ceusus Mall cowes areread- Have I fox to Tell been how much I like been I hear me must tell been all you monthe here presed 7 Eleaner- - the is a Paud woman- & lee One Coned better represent "he Fewale " after Jruy fee golard C 0 P. Y A Paris, March 27, 1940. I too, dear Franklin, am laid up with a beastly cold but we are so anxious about you & the Paris Herald says you may go to Warm Springs the end of this week. We are praying that you do - I am writing Eleanor a long gossipy letter but I will spare you. Everyone here is cheerful & they say the hotel is quite full - Take precious care of yourself. David sends love. Devotedly, (Signed) MAUDE 111. 1940 EPART CAROL 2.50 POSTES 2:50 , The President The ntite House Washington H.S.a. -W.C- - - March 27:1940 Tru dear dear Frankin am laid up with 400 do An H one at out you beastly colk, beckJes are q the Paris Heralt Juy3 you may so to Warm muk Ws springs the snd of dus that pudo smint grasery atter overharly but Twice mg Elecenor r long hotel Lik Suitr they Hell SAY Take they pane gone svery of from - + 30 March, 1940. the the and it Dear Dr. President put you Before the Jailia mande Gray tola me that the Lao I poken to you her about my This I am most ampout to and to going to Irelana as Decretaring and as my for has Come a do. but annicable end I am free to a Indden, month Jooner than I expected to Please forgive my troubling you in the matter but as this faith the Funch main, Cook dressmaker. lipholatere and friend like to of many years, whom I Thonle 132 take with the observes: Il vant ment oxpi lead I'addresser 08 an bon Dien qu a Jes I air - the latter represented by the Davier as my only acquaintance mD in quart the State Department. no now I enjoyia dining with you and Mrs. Roosevelt a few heaker ago more ert than I can possibly tell you and and with thanks for your Kindueds are interest and newered good apologied for as bothering of you I walt am third masel why that Hincerely yours, him pulder Kacharine 8mg Cocker well comeit amount least of this for ko had atton Ct. This Russill is a hibbs, the 135 new last Ink. 36. Street wruss mates may press 80 Calidonia 5. 6272. and law what March 29, 1940 Dear Mrs. Gray: I have Just talked to Mrs. Shipley, Chief of the Passport Division in the State Department about Mrs. Crocker. She says the rule 1s that as few people as possible are permitted now to go into the sogoalled dangerous area. However, she suggests that you write to Mrs. Crooker, outlining the necessity for her being with you and ask Mrs. Crooker to send the letter with an application to Mrs. Shipley at the State Department. She hopes that it will be possible for her to get her passport. I do hope all goes well with you both. My affectionate greetings. As ever, [mAcehand] Mrs. David Gray, American Legation, Dublin, Ireland. mal/tmb THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON 3/27/40 MEMO FOR MISSY To call Miss Shipley in the Passport Division of the State Department and ask her if it is possible for Katherine Crocker to get a passport to go over as secretary to Mrs. Gray in Ireland, in May. If the answer 18 yes, get hold of Mrs. Crocker and tell her. F. D. R. 2330. Saturday 122, EAST 78TH STREET, negdear :- thair just talked to She is to fr at mrs Inchemisht Friendolip from march 23ʳᵈ to ther 25 Io Y you could 2cc heda of advise her hero тазяте mer TEAE.SS To 10nce it would mean a Pot- Her address is male W. Crocker - Cealge Hotel 35.76. In was Janna to hear Your voice In don 14 leh mathing puoh spould another Term tr 2830. 122, EAST 78TH STREET. To much love of To much marcole AH april ), RITZ HOTEL, LONDON, W.1. REGENT 8181 Franklin dear Inn 8 sure where y Deparate Cooler a Dong I am seeding 4 one under it might amare you Me Britteah at times setson g John hl, mixs of shout John W ADDRESS TO - POST CARD Wavid to working like a course is allo feelly interned dos of doing of Wr so of to Ws 00 In ope you y or afain. sprilly ou or Ivon. rond Votz. mands F.D.R.JONES (YES SIREE! YES SIREE! ) WORDS & MUSIC BY HAROLD J. ROME Sung by FLANAGAN AND ALLEN LONDON PALLADIUM THE MOON The Little Dog Laughed George Black's Show Shop of 1939. 1040 CHAPPELL Price I/Net PRINTED IN ENGLAND 2 F. D. R. JONES from "THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED-" Words and Music by Tune Uke HAROLD J. ROME A D R B Allegretto PIANO an : Doh.G la :- di :- s, :8, di :d Id :d - :7 di 1. di Y Is :s 1 :- In :m 8 Y d :d E :r di brightly I hear tell theres a stranger in the Jones house-hold, Yes-sir-ee, yes-sir- 60, that's what Im told. ^ * 8 8 8 8 G6 Ce D7 G6 Ce D7 G Emi Bmi Emi Ami D 7 D7 sust.4 sust,4 5% di :- Id T d :- = :8, d :d Id :d E :F d :- d :- S :s 1 :- In :m 8 T di :d E :r d I hear tell there's a new ar-riv-al six_ days old, Yes-sir-ee, yes-sir- ee, worth his weight in gold, V V V V 8 8 G6 Ce D7 G6 Ce D7 G Emi sust.4 Bmi Emi Ami Cadim? :- It, :n - :- :m 8 :- :m - :- f :- :r E :- r :- di r :- Come right in and meet the son, Christ-nings done Time to have some V Bini Bmi Bmi Bmi with C# Gdim7 E7 Cmi6 Ami Bmi C a D7 - D7 di :- 9 :S 1 :- In 5: S Y d :d :r d :s 1 :- d :d E :s : fun, Yes-sir ee, yes-sir ee, yes-sir ee, Yes-sir- ee, yes-sir 66. A G Emi Emi D7 D7 G Emi G6 D7 Bmi Ami *)Symbois for Ukulele, Banjo and Guitar sust.4 Copyright, MCMXXXVIII,by Chappell & Co, Inc., N.Y.C. All Rights Reserved Chappell & C? Ltd., 50, New Bond Street, London. W.1. & Sydney Tous droits réservés Chappell S.A. Paris The performance any paradied certion this competition is strictly probilities 33930 3 REFRAIN (gaily) :le,.t, :- 11, :se,1, - :- Is, - :- |- :- : It, :le,.t, :- 11, :sq,1, I :- :fe, It's a big hol-i-day- ev-ry-where, For the Jones_ fam-i-ly has a ^ 1 NO 3 3 p-mf 2 Guitar facet D7 P# G Gmaj.7 G6 G D7 G :- 1a, :s, T :de r T Id :t, ta, :- Ise, :l, d T la :d r :- Id :T M& :- la :f brand-new heir;_ Hes the joy heav-en sent And they proud - ly pre-sent Mis-ter Frank - lin D. ^ ^ V ^ V ^ 10 & to $ A G G7 Emi G+ Emi C Cmi G6 G G7 Eb? Guitar G+ facet Id :d d :- I- :- : It, :le,.t, : 11, :se,1, - Y Is, :fe, "s" - :- :- It, :le,.t, na :- - Roo . se-velt Jones. When he grows up he nev er will stray- With a name 1 V ^ ^ V 8 8 my P G6 G G G G6 D7 C D7 G Gmaj.7 D7 .. |1, :se,.1, s, :fe,.1, :- 11a,:5, - r :de r :- Id :t, ta, :- Ise, :1, di :- Id :d :- :- - - like the one that he's got- to-day.- As he walks down the street, Folks will say Pleased to A ^ ^ ^ V D of V F# G6 G G G7 Emi G+ G7 Emi C G G+ : r :- Id :r MS :- Id :r MA :- Id :d d :- 1 :- I :- 11, :1, I :d In 5: meet," Mis-ter Frank - lin D. Roo > - se-velt Jones, What a smile!_ And how he A V 10 22 o 7 - V mf D7 G G B7 Emi G+ Cmi Eb? C Emi Emi B7 Chappell 33930 :- :m :- :F :r cresc. DIN shows it!_ He'll keep hap-py- all day long. What a name_ Ill bet he V V cresc. piu o G6 G6 Emi Emi G6 Emi 6 G+ Ami C+ Emi6 E G6 E7 Γ :- r :- r r :- - :le,.t, - :- 11, :se,.1, knows it._ With that han dle how can he go wrong!_ And the folks in the town_ V 1 V P C6 Ami6 Ami C6 q Ami Cmaj.7 D7 D7 Bmi .. " :fe,.s, :- : t, :le,.t, - :- |1, :se,.l, T s, :fe,.1, - :- la,:s, I r :de all gree_ He'll be fa mous as fa mous as he can be How can V mf P G G6 F# G6 G G G? G Gmaj.7 D7 G G+ : F :-Id :t, ta,:-|se,:1, di |d :d r :- Id :r M& :- Id :7 ma :- |d :d di T 8 :8 1 8 Id :d he be a dud Or a stick in the mud When he's Frank - lin D. Roo se-velt Jones. Yes-sir-ee, yes-sir-ee, yes-sir- M Emi G+ G7 Emi C Cmi Eba be Guitar D7 G G Emi facet C Emi Bmi Emi 1 : E : T di :1, : Is :§ 1 Y :le,.t, E d di dim. ril ee Yes-sir-ee, ee, yes-sir-ee. It's a big -ee. piu dim.e ril. a D7 D7 G & E# Guitar tacet 7 Emi D D7 G Ami G6 sust. dim? Ami D7 GG C6 33930 sust, 4 Lows & Brydone Printers,Lid. Lendon.N.W.10 1239 April 5, 1940 Dear David: It is grand to get yours from Rome and your information is most interesting. Having heard nothing of late, I take it that you and Maude have safely crossed the "danger- ous areas" and are installed in that very delightful city of Dublin. I have been slowly but surely killing off an intestinal flu bug and Am going to Hyde Park tomorrow for two or three days. I hope to get to Warm Springs on the twentieth for a week. We are very happy because the Trade Agreement Extension Bill went through the Senate today without amendment. Tell Maude we are taking care of Mrs. Crocker's matter. Much love to you both. As ever yours, F. D. R. Honorable David Gray, United States Minister to Ireland, American Legation, Dublin, Ireland. Dictated but not signed. fdr/imb Rome , March 21, 1940. My dear Boss : I have just come back from an audience with the Holy Father and want to get you off a report while 1t is fresh in my mind. " I gave him your mssege, towit that in Joke you called me your favorite nephew and ain all seriousness hoped that if he had any guidence or 1, suggestions as to Ireland he would give then to me. He inquired very earnestly about you, about your health and asked net, about your plans for a third term. I said you had told no one what you intended to do personally but that the people ^ close to you hoped that you would be allowed to retire and rest for e time, , but that there was grave danger that you might be drafted. The Pope said, he has more insight into Europen affairs than any American I met. He spoke very highly of Myron Taylor, said 1t was the greatest benefit to him to have him 80 that he could get direct information any time and said that he hope he might have him "always" always. " I said that in the nature of things that was hardly possible, and he said that he looked with regret to the time when the associaion must end. He spoke repestedly of Taylor, always in the most affectionate terms. Evidently it has been very successful. He spoke highly too of Summer Wells, said he impressed him as very intelligent and quick and straight. He had entire confidence Mence in him 88 a man of " bon vol- onte If The conversation was mostly in my terrible french. I was told by Bishop Hays that the Pope would" lead the conversation il are not to force him into enterrassing situations so I waited an opening and then said that XM if he had any solution for the irish question that you would be grateful because: 1. The irish question maintained an abnormal and almost continuous pressure on American foreign relations which the greats majority of Americans resented, without being able to do anything about it. 2. Beacuse until it ras solved and the pressure removed there WES like to continue that predjudice in politcs against Catholics in viol- ation of the spirit and letter of the Constitution, E situation DMV 11. - May I come in she asked. 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He oboxa AUD DE 10.00 for used: per vaviros. 1119 Soba RET9' po you 2019 THER granber 192724 200 LOS 1. 1709 206 - ADT 3 0.07 and are Leobye vojuće 10 for pobay 300 month per no -02 U COLD I says Non peg FOIG DO 020 asms 200 superied 20 10 sports :0 2020 partip way DOD lepons 100L hyres 08 so you 0/49 20 20' H pudhing ARMA ushpea DIN YOU ATT woboq cpoΓ it yes page DUA OR I EXAS FLR 2011 POOTE 13000 IN 70gs 300 no 2076 mous DO 80. 10 þir 10 To 7° TO on your your COWA poox LARE WEST WISH 60mg 20600 SI! Tavo cy. 2. which made it practically impossible to elect a Catholic to the Pres 1den- oy. He cald, you mean Alfred E. Smith. 7" I maid yes that I had voted for him and was humiliated that he should have been besten on religious grounds, although I was a strong protestant. He gave the impression of not having much detailed knowledge of Ireland. I asked him if there were L, any special Bishops in Ireland that I could look to for guidance as to facts and conditions, not apparent to the eye. He said the Nuncio to whom Archbisop Spellman gave me & letter, was very astute and sound. I then went at the question for the answer to which, I principlally wanted this Interview, which 1s " how far could the Church approve a disestablishment in Ireland, if that were a prime factor in & compromise solution of the Ulster question. In the key of studied generalities in which he pitched the interview I could not ask this directly BO I said. The Catholic Bishops I know in America tell me that they do not regret their entire separation from the 1 state, that on the contrary they feel the church to be stronger and more spiritua as a consequence. He picked this up with Absoloument. and went on to describe his conception of the church as being spiritual in nature and among men to offer men refuge and sources of inward strength. Hewas very emphatic about this 80 that I feel that if the JKV question were ever} to be referred to Rome there would be no objection there. I made it clear that you had authorized me only to explore the facts which had made settlement thus far impossible, to explore without making committments & possible formula of solution on the mean H special ground of laying the question in the U.S. and on the general ground of furthering the good neighbor policy of peace and unhampered trade. I have talked less frankly but in the same sense to McCauley, the irish Expai minister to the Vatican, and to Max White the Irish Minister to the Qurinal. They ha ve both been very helpful and resonsive. They urge me in London to get into touch not only with Dulanty, but 3. heine with the Tory elements that advise Ulster. This I can do without being official or alarming your ambassador to St James. ( I BD out of paper and your embassy boys seem to seesta till 4.p.m his now that Sumner and his whirlan has passed out to sea. ) You were very wise to send me this way for thee contacts are very helpful, I propose to f1x this up for the Department but will send it to you welln complete to be sent over at your discretion. My feeling is that ofency none of this should leak out, that as long as I stand on the thesis hat your government in its good neighbor policy welcomes and standS ready to passist, if requestied, every ad justment making for peace and harmony between nations friendsly to us I can't get into trouble Myron Taylor undoubtedly got this audience for me. It was said to be absolutely impossib for today and tomorrow and I must leave Saturday a.m. I was deeply moved - at the end when the Pope said after 2hargingme to. express the most ordial and friendly sentiments to you," I golsyou a special blessing, a very special blessing." He's & good man Boss. Take Care of Yourself. Aff Dani everyeo N° Lt AND filmel U.S. Legatioon Dublin. quequing April 8, 1940. Dear Bose : I left you in Rome just after seeing the Pone There were several 11-tle things that I observed in Italy that were interesting and which may have escaped your regular informants. First, The wheat planting along the coastal plane between Naples and Rome apparently has made no provision for rotation. Practically ALL the land except garden plots and vineyarde 1s in wheat. You knowb that this cannot go on. Some of the winter wheat looked pretty yellow though on the whole it seemed to promise & crop if they got rain. This held true all the way north to the border 88 far as one could tell from the railway train. Second. In Milan we had three hours and I took Maude to see the Cathe- dral. Te came upon a Facist 21st Birthday celebration in the square. It was about two thrids full say ten thousand people. A feller built 11ke' the Duce TEE orating with big gestures, Every time he stopped for applause a cheering section connected with the loud speaker began Duce Duce a Duce, Duce. Duce. Duce 58 If it "&" the college yell of old Siwash. Then they would clan and go A1 a1 a1 like our boys but listen to this. NOT ONCE did 8. singleindividual hand clap or cheer in the crowd respond. / Not a damn hand did the feller get except the claque. There was no resentment against him. He was there doing his bit but was nobody A interested. It was like a terrible sermon in church when every one looks sround st people's hats and back hair. Very extraordinary, and the main life of the principal streets going on 88 if there were no show. It looks 88 if over advertisement had induced sales resistence. Third. I found out in Paris from the owner of the one Italian factory Italian that makes ALL the machine guns for the 1 army that there were no extra orders and that the army 2. was very short in its quotas of that arm The D. can have no serious intention of marching. In Paris Pat Murphy was chafming and put me in touch at once with Sean Murphy, Irish Minister to France. He's delightful fellow and like Macwhite in Rome urged me to explore the British Governmet position on partition. Maude had flu and I spent most of my time with Sean Murphy and our Embassy people who were very nice and on their toes. Bill Bullet has a good shop there . Pat Murphy very able. Saw Dulanty immediately on arriving in London. He asked Maude and me to lunch and we talked very frankly, I taking the position that I had taken since landing towit. My Government 1s interested in the Trish question and its settlement both because 1t. 1s interested in the peaceful settlement of all political questions and because it exerts an abnormal unAmer ican pressure upon American politics and policy. I am exploring the facts of the situation in order to report them / to my government. I am not conducting a negotiation or proposing a mediation Dulanty was very doubtful of any success with Ulster. H1 idea 1s that it will take years, that the most that can behoped for given in a reasonable future is a joint commission on roads, or a% art exhib- " ition or even an all rish football team. But he said , for heavens sake explore away and if you tourn up any chance tell us. He advised seeing all the English I could without embarrassing Joe. To got to Lodon on 8 ExturdayFriday afternoon , lunched with Dulanty S sturday and on Sunday went to the country and dined and spent the night with Joe. I told him what I WSS trying to do and he said go ahead and as far as you like on your own. Well I got busy and saw Evan Wallace, David Margusson chief Tory whip and supposed to be the most powerful man in England. He arranged my meeting Sir Horace Wilson, Chamberlains secretary. I also talked Ireland with Oliver Stanley 3. Anthony Eden, Harold Nicholson and the Duke of Devonshire who is a great admirer of Devs. Also with T. Churchill. I lunched with him at the Admiralty April 3. Sir Kellogg Wood was present for a time. It wasthe day he was shuffled out of the air ministry. Churchill roared for a time, said he was sick of them ( TheI rish ) that the English had given them a generous settlement and that immodiately they began to break their engagemente and were now stabbing England in the back.. I t ld him that might all be true but that apparently no Englishman had grasped what Ireland really wanted, that was a generous recognition of the Irish contention that rish sovereignty derived from the rish people and not from the British crown . Then I told him the story of David Robinson now a DeValera senator. Robinson was the son of a protestant Episcopal dean of a county not far from Dublin. "e went to what corresponds in Ireland to Faton, then Trinity College and when war broke out in 1914 volunteered got a commission and fought all four years in the infantry. He lostwan eye and I believe was other wise wounded. Upon being demobilized he went out with the sign Feiners. I asked him why he did that, after fighting four years for England. If Because," he said, England is trying to suppress my country's nationality. After the treaty he went out on Dev's sideagainst it. I said, " why did you do that. Because. he said, that treaty was imposed under duress. " I said do you hate England? He said, I love England. I would die for her tomorrow. " Then I said I can't follow this. If you were God Almighty what would you do. ? He said A Today I would set up the Republic and tomorrow I would make a treaty with England having everything just 88 1t 18 now. When they capturechim he went on a hunger strike and was carried out after fortv davs on 8 mattrass. He went to England to recuperate and stopped at Cliveden. can you me After two hours talk with Churchill it came down to the following alde memoire which I an dispatching him tomorrow by the courtesy of 4. as DeValera ( to whom I showed it ) via the British High Commissioner The British pouch was his suggestion. I told him I didn't want Heither his censors or the English opending these bread and butter letters to British Ministers. To go back to Churchill. After lunch he took me down to his secret khart room and showed me the fleet and convoy positions. I said Iwish the President could see this, he said he wished he could, that you would understand it which I couldn't. He said he had the right to write to you direct and that was one of his best priveleges. I had asked him what he thought Craigavon would do if Develera were ready to throw out the Hitler Legation and throw in Bere Haven. That was something else he said but it was all up to Ulster. I asked him whether in the case that Mr. DeValera was willing that I should see Craigavon in order to get first hand the third side to this tragic triangle he would arrange it. He said yes and it should be in London because then no one would hear of it. Thislast of course W&S all off the record. All the other ministers that I have spoken of expressed great hope that something could be arranged to improve relations, spoke with respecteand liking of Mr. DeValera, wanted not to embarass him in his present troubles but like Churchill, though not su emphatically, said that Ulster could not be coerced. It 1s clearly up to Mr. DeValera and Craigavon. This is the aide memoire to Churchill and the other notes are similar If I want to thank you for giving me 80 much of your time and confidence" My understanding of your personal positiones set forth in our talk on April 3rd is an for this 1 Under no circumstances would you tolerate any coercion of Ulster direct or indirect by your government or any other. 2. You would not stand in the may of any settlement inimical to the vital interests of vour government, arrived at by the two parties by mutual 5 agreement. 3. If by mutual consent the parties in question could anbroach some had Gratanding for the purpose of considering measures for their mutual wel- fare and safety, during the duration of the war you would not disapprove in principle. 4.On my part 1t was expressly understood that I was exploring phis sit- XXX uation to the end of informing myse If and my governmentof the facts and not assuming to propose a mediation or to conduct a negotistion. 5. Within the limits of this understanding I feel myself free to discuss your position with Mr. DeV alera from whom I hope to gather information as to his position. 6. If Mr. DeValera and the American Ambassador in London should raise no objection to my seeking an interview with Lord Craigavon for the purpose of obtaining direct from him his position in the present situation I shall write you again asking for suggestions as to the best way of meeting him. Please accept my grateful appreciation of your courtesy and believe me Yours Sincerely Wegarrived Saturday morning in Dublin April 6. DeValsera asked that I be brought to his office at 12, 30 and we talked with him and the permanent under secretary and our Moveagh till half past one. I gave him your personal message 88 follows The President hopes that you will be able to come and visit him this spring. He tells no to tell you that his foreign policy is substantially the same as yours.' He was very cordial and talked frankly of the difficulties of the situation which I will summarize for you in an other paragraph. As we left he spoke with a good deal of feeling of the situation he was in with the hunger strikers one of whom 1e a son of Count Plunktt. 6. Whether to let them die or release them and admit defeat. He was obve viously much troubled. I have a feeling that unforeseen events may be- gin to move rapidly before long and that it is my job to get in close X touch with these people as quickly as possible. During the night I be- gan to think about the hunger strikers and in the morning I wrote him a note in this sense. ff If in your view it might be helpful for me to see these menand tell them that the President of U.S. was endeavoring to promote the solution of all political differences by peaceful political means, and that the Pope recently had spoken to me in the same vein I would gladly do 80, if the thing could be kept of strictly private as at all costs I must avoid any action capable ** XX being interpreted as meddling with their you internal politics. The next morning his secretary telephoned, asking me to come to his office at five. He seemed grateful for my offer but said he thought it would be interpreted as weakness on his part. They would not hear believe that he had not instigated the visit. That if they in came to call on me (as as they doubtless would, then I could take this line. He was much tougher about them II this time, said he was not sure they were not bluffing. Bolan/his Justice Minister on Sunday had spoken publicly to the effect that the law could not be changed because violators of it appealed to public sympathy. I think he has decided to take a firm line. He asked me to stay on and we discussed the Anglo Irish situation. I told him that there was no use my pretending to be personally neutral. I was prepared to be absolutely correct E as representing a nutral power but that personally I was BO opposed to Hitlerism, the persecution of Jews, the rape of &x of the small countries in violation of express and newly made pledges that I considers) the success of the allies desireable I said that in my 7. opinion if Jermany were at Gibraltar, Suez, Singapore, Hogg Kong she would also be at Bermuda, "assau, Jamaica and the Windward and Leeward Slands; that she would take our South American trade see from us over night, that Australia would probably be taken by the apanese and South Africa by the Termans,'t 'that we would be condemned to armed self defense for generations ; that much as we might resent certain practices of Britain she had policed the seas at hh own expense and had given us on the whole a square deal, that I would rather gox on with her than with Hitler, that if he thought this dis- qualified me as an American Representative I would ask to be relieved and go home. He said he felt much the same way, but that his people could not see that they were in danger until it was upon them, that the I.R.A. had stirred up the anti-Pritish feeling again. I asked him how important numerically he thought the movement was. He said probably not very large numerically, perhaps a couple of thousands of individuals but that they appealed to something very deep in the Irish heart heart". We talked intimately about Ulster and ht, gave me a map showing the majority sentiment in each of the six counties. He claims at least two of these counties are overwhelmingly for union and are in effect being COERCED. That is his line. The Kritish refuse to coerce Belfast but connive at the coercion of these two counties and elements in the others. I xxtx asked him about seeing Craigavon. He said by all means if you can arrange it correctly that is with the consent of the British and Kennedy. I would see him myself he said " but he will not see me. Then I led the conversation to the pount I was appraching. I said, suppose I saw Craigavon and said to him is there any price you notalyo 8. would be willing to pay as a friend of Britain for something useful to Britain in the present crisis that Mr. DeValera might grant you : DeValera said 7 what do you mean. I said let us think aloud and see what would be useful to England. How about Berehaven and possibly the recall of thi German Legation. 7,No,he said "We could never bargain with our neutrality. There you have it as the impasse stands at the moment. Mr. DeValera speaking as a great gentleman on one side and Mr. Churchill as a great gentleman on the other, saying we will do without beforex what we need ( Berehaven and American money ) sooner than put pressure on our Ulster friends. Of course I have been trying to find a formula in which some even slight measure of conciliation between South and North could be generously and conspicuously bless by the British Government putting them on record with us in the U.S. as favoring some sort of solution to the end of easing pressure upon you from the professional anti-Lion boys in case events should make you want to act. And that is of course the real reason why I want to see Craigavon. It is evidently a hundred to one chance but it ought to be taken. Its too important all round not to be explored. Itbax I've been very lucky 80 far but don't think that I shall not probably end up in the ash can because this thing is like walking on the sulphur crust over a inxaxxorater full of melted lava. When I think your day is walking over a hundred such floors I begin om scholding understand a bit. John Moveigh is end a great help. I present my letters next Monday. My best to Missy. I think her Church friends are have done us a good turn along the line. 341 MONT 9. In Paris I had an interesting talk with Tony Biddle who was very friendly I told him I had heard you praise his work in Poland and that pleased him All these people have asked me about the third term and I have given all the same answer 'that you have confided your decision to no one, that your close personal friends want you to rest for a bit believing that you do not want to run again but that they are doubtful whther you could refuse a nomination spontaneously made with foreign affairs every day getting more menacing. The Wisconsin primary seems illuminating over here. Best love to Eleanor and the family. Aff onio Sorry to have been 80 long winded. Will out it down next time. So far only three citizens have written offering to sell me dogs and only one opportunity to buy a horse has appeared. I am not the success the papers here make out. Don't be misled by any reports that you might get from London about Joe losing the confidence of the English. There probably is some oriticism on the part of the nobs he has been feeding now he has stoppe much going about but every single one of the important people I talked to paid him very high marks. They trust him and know he is doing his job in the best way for you. Meetiing the Nuncio at family (one) lunch with Moveagh tomorrow although I can't call on him till after has I present my letters next Monday. They are not very strong on protocol. The news from Norway has just been phoned in. This will give them something to think about. mande is oning fine. She has then in Pain and and mg shop me 23, serry h 5 For : s hear you home had flu. The some by his durie aced fn a Cruper of been, Saw a Cr of Kermis a Been, Itc an racey time my am hey 8thm for you they hnd me 5 Date meet alvel at Three Dr: Stanly at luch. NOV breed bon I min bios I vibustal bulds 0150 spods oup boxer sven of ILL mid tada the TUOY Debinnoo avan 201 sand, zawaha titus one IIn mayts eved I have m10J of 110% Jam about 00016 THEY Jads ,620 on of notaloan tests two, alega non 02 them for 05 you toda Survolled sld B 202 $000 - capier binoo you Tenshe 075 Year enT.ynloanes STON vas visve malesoî Holw ebout TBVO ameen, 9213 Date of ovol 0804 222 .omit JXSU AND st two LIIW .Dobniu anot oa mood oved of VITOS EBOD our Ifes OJ antzerzo notther eved unexitle sends Vino 182 08 orig Jon DE I and ended = vard OZ voluntrooco 8110 Vide Date vXrm ored stagne 6213 180000B экося stores any Idula une rest TOTAL X of d'med - at ment adit 20 MLT Natual not And us and 16 adoa and to drawn one no 00 Action adison instruct - 21 DATO algate vieve the Coode antos withs at and word has ats the 1 Askit VERY nic Diss vitner # clopin wild nativest was 202 XMM food was 612 601 ale TOTAL CARD and 200 I'm www.omed durvey ASIA no group your POR ene CAST than V I must 4723 1120 aid? vitt twad sent and mous BROM sett KATHU 0.0 :- Cames Ls Cas IRELAND MAP BASED ON POPULATION SHOWING NORTH-EAST AREA OF ULSTER STATISTICS OF RURAL AND i.e., "NORTHERN IRELAND" URBAN DISTRICTS (CENSUS. 1926). U S T Belfast Lough Lough Donegar Bay CONNAUGHT Dundalk Bay Clow Bay Dublin Bay Calway Bay EINSTER MUNSTER Dingle Bay AREA SHOWN IN BLACK 29,121 MILES so. MILES. 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 AREAS SHOWN HATCHED 2,716 so. MILES. It will be noted that the " Northern Ireland area is considerably smaller than the Province of Ulster. Three of Areas with a majority against Partition, black, thus the Ulster counties (Donegal- Areas in which 25%-50% of the people are against Partition, the most northerly county in heavily hatched, thus Ireland-Cavan and Monaghan) Areas in which less than 25% of the people are against are included in the Twenty-six Partition, lightly hatched, thus Counties under the jurisdiction Six County Boundary, broad white line, thus of the Irish Parliament. Boundaries of Provinces, broken white line, thus file quality April 14th, 1940. Personal confidential My dear Boss : I got presented this morning, big show with the army out and all that. Mr. D. kept me after the act and plunged in after a mom- ent or two. He said he was terribly worried about the Norwegian situation. I said what did you think of the President's announcement condemning the rape of these countries? ." That was very good ," he said but do you know anything definite as to the military situation in Norway. I am afraid they are going to take Sweden too. IT I said I only knew what I read in the papers.' He said , 11 We don't want to know any of the English secrets and make a point of not knowing them. Can you find out for me about this Norwegian situation. They will know more in Washington than here. I said it is announced that wemmunication has been cut between Norway and Washing - ton but I will try London. " I am calling Joe up in an hour or two. I will tell you about it later." Personally of course I think your condemnation of this latest outrage was the top. It has gone well here. The Irish Press which while not official tries to follow or frame the Government policy printed it this Monday morning as enclosed although it was last weeks news. The Dublin Independent and Times both Opposition papers with ritish orientation gave it today only inside paragraphs. It was an evening paper story when it came out. I have talked rather frankly todate with five or six government people and ALL give me the impression 2. if being definitely anti-German and pro-ally. I have the feeling that if they dared they would go a long way toward supproting Britain as they have no illusions as to where they would be in case Britain goes down When I say ^dare"I have reference to internal politics. Rightly or wrongly they believe the country would not be with them at present with the I.R.A. extremists stirring up trouble. In a day or two one or more of the hunger strikers will give up or die and the government will have a showdown. My guess is tha a death will not stir up any serious trouble but of course I have only just got here Your consul in Cork made a graphic report of of the Saturday night raid on the Cork radio station and the following public demonstrations in favor of the hunger strikers. ae says that his impression was that the crowd was apathetic and merely curious; not stirred. The claims of the soi-disant government are too fantastic. I feel that you have be en handling this world situation for the past two years with uncanny skill ,first getting the Americas lined up and then proceeding with a realistic view of the probable course of events to prepare politically to meet them The day before we left the Florida I was closeted with the Pr sident of the Bank of Sarasota, isolationist a typical thin lipped middle western Republican immigrant with a cold ha bankers eye. He said" What do you think about this war2 If I said what do you mean? He said , Well isn't it about time to find out whethą it is our war or not ? If they take th British fleet they will be not only at Gibraltar ,Suez, Hongkong and Singapore but at Bermuda, Nassau : , Jamaica, the Leeward and Wind ard Isles. They will control the buying If and selling of Europe and they will take away our South American trade in two weeks. When a guy is willing to do your x fighting for you are ^ you silly not to give him a gurand money?" 3. The room has grown dark. We are having a bright young snow storm. over here suspect these people are beginning to think on lines similar to my banker friend but it is going to be slow going before they will come to the point of offering Bere aven for the dur ation of the war. They gave us a big and very well done dinner last night in the Cstle last night. Most of the Cabinet were there and we taleked till eleveh thirty when Maude rose and went home. Mr. DeValera keeps coming back to the Ulster question insisting that the British are making a terrible mistake in not settling it Last night I told him that he might be making a bad mistake not to take advantage of the international situation to do someing bold and Original such as he loves to do with his own people; that this was obviously the time to convince Ulster of the Souths friendliness and that he could obviously do it by taking some steps to aid Ulster in the war in return, The he could get his concessions, He knows this is true but it is a hard pill to swallow in his present state of mind. I am making a tudy of his speech on Partition delivered a few months ago,a copy of which he recently gave me, together with the debates on Partition 1921 in twenty one. I shall either write him a letter or make a report to the Department in which I shall try to portray the situation as I know you would see 1t1 but of course without making any suggestions As a group of us sat around last night, Devalera, Sean T. O'Kelly, Aiken, McEntee and one or two others they began to tell about their being in jail together, the night before Dev was to be tried. Everybody so far who had been tried had been shot. They told Dev that he was a goner and out buttons off his coat as souvenirs. O'Kelly got his fountain pen. Well then to brighten the evening they held a mock trial of him charging him with being a pretender to the 4. Islands of Something or Ather. ( some rocks down the bay) and finally condemned him to be shot You can't beat people like that. This companionship explains why there have been no cabinet changes. It also explains why the hunger strikers hurt so deeply. Young blunket will them is the son of one of the men in jail ^ at that time. It is as if Livy Davis's boy was hunger striking against you and you had to let Ist him die. Your Pan American announcement came out this morning and was the big headline. You have I believe the support of at least eighty percent of the people here just as you must have about that percentage of approaval at home Maude sends her love. She is doing grand Aff David has U.S. Minister At The Races Mr. David Gray, the new American Minister, with Lieut.-Col. S. S. Hill- Dillon at Navan Races on Saturday. "AMERICA'S VIEWPOINT REITERATED -President Roosevelt WASHINGTON, Sunday. "IF civilisation is to survive, the rights of smaller nations to their Independence and territorial In- tegrity must not be impeded, and the opportunity for self-govern- ment must be respected by their more powerful neighbours," de- clared President Roosevelt, yester- day. Force and military aggression are once more marching against the small nations, in this instance through the invasion of Denmark and Norway," he said. "These nations have won and maintained through many genera- tions the respect and regard, not only of Americans, but all peoples, due to their observance of the highest standards of International conduct. The United States, on the occasion of recent invasions, strongly expressed Its disapprobation of such an unlawful exercise of force. It here reiterates, with undiminished emphasis, its point of view as expressed on those OCCA- sions."-United Press. file greling Tuesday , May 7. 1940. My dear Boss : Our Vice Consul from Cork was up here the other day with an earload of "inside stuff"from a Deputy Commissioner of the National Police and another high officer It was to the effect that the German Em Legation was getting messages from germany every night by radion and acknowledging them by jamming the two twenty volt current in some way, also that a landing of troops by Submarine and insurrection in junction with the I.R.A. was planned It was also reported that the Irish government was acutely alarmed over the possibility of the seizure of the ports by Britiain. This last did not come from the Police. Thursday when DeValera lunched with us I had a chance to speak with him and asked him if there was any truth i in the report that his government was anxious. He said no nothing imme specific or immediate I said if you have any reason to be anxious let me know at once for transmission to my government. He said he would. I wrote Joe at once the whole story. I have run across the trail of the failure of the Irish Government to buy arms in America. According to the story some one in the Depart- mdnt told "eneral Brennan chief of staff that it would fac ilitate his mission if the British Embassy O.K.ed it. Can you beat that? I asked Mr. De. V. about getting arms from uw. he said the price had gone up so that he feared it was prohibitive. I'll have more on this next week. 2. Belle Roosevelt and her sister flew over yesterday to spend & week with us. K. had gone to Norway. We don't know yet whether he came back or is at Narvik. Poor Belle has been having a hard time. She sends you and Eleanor her love. Maude is stove up with too much tea parties and is in bed. Haven't been fishing yet. I accomplish nothing and am busy all day Take care of yourself. Saturday am having Sean T. O'Kelly and wife, The Maffys and the Nuncio to lunch. When I have got through the cabinet I hope to have some dope for you. Bless you. Aff I/ Letters from Mr. and Mrs. Gray sent to Mrs. Roosevelt to read and return for our files. G May 8, 1940. Dear David:- It is grand to have yours of April nineteenth and I think your story of your talk with Count Plunkett and his wife is a joy -- and, at the same time, rather pathetic. I an sorry about President Hyde. He must be a fine and scholarly old gentleman. If you get a chance tell him how deeply I regret his indisposition and express the hope that some day he and I will have a chance to meet each other. Thank the Lord the hunger strike seems to be over. One thing can, I think, be emphasized by you with your usual tact: that in many places in the world the old gag about the Irishman being "agin" the govern- ment" 1s 80 well known that in thinking of Ireland itself there is a definite tendency - even on the part of second and third gener- ation Irishmen in other nations -- to feel that Ireland will always be rowing within itself. The continuation of hunger strikes and outrages of all kinds, I.R.A. or other- wise, only hurts the cause of complete Irish independence in other nations. All things considered, the Irish Free State since it was set up has done an amazingly good job, and it is only in the past year that people are beginning to talk about disunity and internal TOWS once more. After all, ultimate unity and peaceful government will be helped by a favorable world opinion. I hope Katherine Crocker will be with you soon. I wish I could go fishing with you on the Blackwater -- and I with too that I could 800 you and Maude to get a lot more stories first-hand. AB ever, Dearest Maude:- The above 10 for you just as much as for David. From outside sources I hear you are vamping the whole Irish Government, the opposition, and even the British. Stay olear of the latter (in Ireland). Affectionately, Honorable David Gray, American Legation, Dublin, Ireland. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON full May 8, 1940. MEMORANDUM FOR MRS. ROOSEVELT Will you read and return for my files? F. D. R. mess this f has mat card Friday April 19, 1940. My dear Boss : I am in it up to the neck. For an hour this after- noon Count Plunkett and his wife and dau hter-in-law besieged me in behalf of their son who is on the 55th day of his hunger strike. My line was who doesn't your son live for his country? Why doesn't he take legal and constitutional means to win a majority to his viewpoint. They kept insisting that the Irish "epúblic was the only legal govern- the I.R.A. was legal and Ament and that consequently they must be treated as prisoners of war or political prisoners I said tho them what if we four were the governm is and another body procaliming to be the true government hunger struck against us £ Should we give in to it? If we did ,what would become of the authority of our government? If They said this DeValera Government is not a true government. It does not represent & majority of the people. Who does it represent? said. The English, they answered. I said I had just been in England and there was nothing the English wanted except that the Irish settle their differences and get on with their government and make Ireland peaceful and prosperous "They They have deceived you, they dsaid . I said, "would would you rather have the Germans over-running you as they have Denmark, Norway Poland and Bogemia or would you rather go on as you are? The old man said I would take & chance on the Germans " I said "Do you mean that?" that? Well he wasn't Bo sure. I said If I were Irish I'd fight for England till the World was safe again, and then if I wanted to fight t England I'à get on 2. with that. All this time I was holding Countess Plunketts hand with one hand and with the other the old man's ear trumpet and bawaling into it. Everey now and again we would all have a good laugh and then speculate on how long the If byes could last." Finally I said if you will get your son to call off this strike I'll throw up my job if. necessary and stand on the same platform with him while AS AN IRISH CITIZEN A( not as an I. RPA ) he speaks for his cause in a consitutional manner ." His mother said If That would give the whole cause away. 11 Well I said that is the most I can do. Then with profuse gratitude for what I can't imagine, as I roared consitiutional platitudes at them they parted as Flynn the man servant thinking I had had enough announced that M aude wanted me. John Cud- ahy had him trained. In confidence we have been told that the President Douglas Hyde has had a stroke. He will parkix probably make a partial recovery but it is feared he is through. For reasons of their own the Government stannounced it only as a slight indisposition. I at once wrote him a not4 and sent flowers and in a few days will write him that you have heard of his slight indospation with *egret and wish to convey your best wishes for for his quick and complete receovery. We had tea yesterday with his sister and his sicter and his secretavy who insists that he is secretary to the Presidency and not to Douglas Hyde. A little friction between the Government and the Vice Regal Lodge. This latter is a lovely old house with the handsomejist doors and Georgian mantels I have ever seen. Maude made a mash both upon and Mrs. Kane , the sister but also on the Secteetary McDumphy. She is doing simply grand, , Boss. 3. 7 P.m. ^ Word has just come that the hunger strike has been called off on what terms it is not disclosed. another April 20, , Saturday. One of the hunger strikers died last night after having gone off strike. The morning papers give no explanation of the settlement of the strike. If the government stood firm it is a great victory as I think there will be no more of it. I watched the procession two days ago, demonstrating for the first lad to diew mill It was led by a detachment of ladies looking like twenty Daisy HarrimanS in Sam rown Belts. ( You remember her in the last war) Then came a sqand of boy scouts in green shorts, very cold looking in the raw Union of morning 1 then about a thousand down and outs presumably the A unemployed dockworkers union who turn out for these things as a matter of course. No one seemed to be paying any attention to them. Our consul in Cork has reported privately on several rcent I.R.A ourtages down there to the effect that there are a few determined lads in it but that they are not getting public support as far as he can observe. Your letter of April 5 has just come I hope you shake off that intestinal bug. A little dilute hydrochloric acid, ten to fifteen drops with meals in a glass of water I found very helpful in toning up the digestion. The Italian minister returned my call this morning. C'est un type $ tres civilized He can think rings abound me but I plunged in and he went over the events since 1919 from the Italian angle. in the present circumstances) Finally I said If I were the Duce and did not want to fight my newspapers would be doing just what his are. He smiled and said " 11 Naturallement, mais les Aglais ne comprehendent pas We shall see but as I wrote you last week the signs are against the Duce going German with active military support. However this morning (Sundy abril, i Corks like a S queese play an 4. If Eddie" Devonshire offered me some salmon fishing in London and I am going down to the Blackwater for 8 couple of days on Monday I want & bit of time to myself. I just can't keep this damn basket of letters down and nine tenths of it is unimportant. As I wrote you I begin to understand what you have to cope with. However when all the calls are paid and repaid it will quiet down. I shall probably write you a bit every week but please don't have it one your mind to answer even with a lone. Maude and I are both grateful for fixing up Katherine Corcker. She cables she is flying over. Aff onl P.S. We went in to the Movie last night and were stopped by a long I.R.A. procession escorting the body of the man who died after the hunger strike was broken. This was far more impressive and sinister than the one in the morning of the day before. There were at least was three companies of fifty or sixty men, each, of I.R.A. who marched as soldiers very smartly though not in uniform and unarmed, and were determined looking lads, not the bums of the other procession. There was a long halt and they all stood impassively in the rain. It was very grim, a dedication not to love of country, but to hate of the establish order, whatever that might be. I believe there is something like a college secret society psychology in this problem. The young join it largely because it is banned. 0. La P.S. 2 April 23. We went down to the Blackwater Sunday, a lobely country but found the river definitely If out of order" because of the rain and came back the next day without wetting a line. Hope to go again when the water drops and clears. I called yesterday XR very informally again on the Nuncio and talked with him for an hour. He is being very kind and is giving me his advice. As long as I follow it I don't think I shall get into any serious trouble. He tells me is in confidence that the censorship are drying up the sinews of war timusa or the I.R.A. ( It pinches the cash and checks ) In his view without funds they will rapidly lose effectiveness Can you beat this one: He has found out that a number of the toughest I.R.A. lads have recently joined the British army. He thinks the whole movement is very largely a matter of unemployment. If they could get jobs that suited them the movement would fade out The Government did not weaken on the hunger strike. It was called off by the C.O. of the I.R.A. I think the Nuncio himself probably had a good deal to do *** with it . We are asking him and the DeValeras and Granard to lunch next Thursday. The Nuncio says Granard is the most popular man in his county with all three parties that is including the I.R.A. Can you beat that one? Just had a charming letter from Bill Bullitt who says that what you chiefly need is two weeks with the hot sun on your back and no work. Try to get it. You'll be no use dead. D. May 12, 1940. here My Dear Boss : The reaction ^ to your statements and policy in regard to the invasion of Belgium and Holland in Ireland seems to be very favorable I think it has had a good deal todo with Mr. DeValera's first condemnation of ermany made yesterday in a speech to a Galway Party meeting The Government has been afraid to take this stand also up till now. Of course the Pope S attidue must have been a factor. You probably know but I only got it from the Nucio the other day that the Vatican had forbidden its Nuncios for the past two years to accept the hospitality of erman Diplomats I have to go to lunch with the eman Minister in the near future and the job of getting Maude there is one I despair of. She will probably be taken with lockjaw on the fateful day . rec Yestrenday we had the OcKelleys ( Sean T. the vice president and an adml of yours ) to lunch, the Nuncio and the Sir John Maffys as well as belle Roosevelt and her sister. It went off very well. I am pretty sure that the British Government appreciates the folly of attempting any kind of a coup against the Irish ports whether executed by the French "avy or their own . I get nothing from Vatican sources which makes me suspect that the Duce is going to war The Italian minister an wide here are very anti - Geman but they get no news from Italy The Nuncio has the only news whatever that may be. Belle went off yestereay afternoon withher with sister Elizabeth. She is a darling and all K's sins have been blotted out She got a letter from himday before yesterday from Norway but of ourse it said 2. nothing. Last night I was a guest at a big dinner given by the P.E.N. /lub Poets Editors Novelists to Mr. Smiley edutor of the Irish Times They were bitter against the rish censorship but no one dared openly to condemn Germany, although they featured the CzechOslovak envoy and his wife who are still here. Smiley had the last decoration conferred by Dr. Benes. I am going to call on the vairous editors as an old newpaper man. I think it may give me a better slant than most others They gave me a big hand be fore I made my speech and dead silence afterwards. Draw your own conclusions I didn't say anything except that the [rish werrnice people and had good newspapers. They probably resented it. One speaker quoted Doctor Johnson's remark, ff The Irish are a just people. They never speak good of one another. I have written a personal letter to Archbishop Spellman thanking him for introducing me to the Nuncio and tlling him the situation here. I am not sending it through the pouch. I hope to get off on my two days fishing trip this afternoon down on the Blackwater after which I go on to Cork to the Consul's wedding. I am always on the telephone with the officee My love to everybody. Gee Don't Pm Im Cudday is having a ho time, full UNITED LEGATION funday STATES OF OF THE AMERICA the German Cation Inlieor Irount Remchar I my Dear - may Jeona Waterdist Fift I nm too hearther front line not to have Dome occuse forms both of sign cum Jalse for smiling security Times a pieture mat Daw today in the Sundy Warms s springs thin 0 fir 4 Tronsirpp adoutit raffw prag Department of State Eu BUREAU DIVISION ENCLOSURE TO Letter drafted 5/17 ADDRESSED TO The President is " . reserve - 1 1083 personal DEPARTMENT OF STATE quart WASHINGTON May 20. 1940 My dear Mr. President: I attach a draft letter to Mr. David Gray, American Minister at Dublin, which you may wish to send in response to his letter dated April 30, 1940 in regard to the Legation residence at Dublin. An official instruction 1s going forward to Mr. Gray at an early date. The instruction will be in greater detail than the proposed letter to Mr. Gray. Faithfully yours, Under Secretary Alls Enclosures: 1. Draft letter to Minister Gray. 2. Copy of despatch returned. The President, The White House. Dear Sevid: It was good to have your letter of April 30 and to leage that both of you are confortable and realy interested in the job end all that it carries with st. I learn that your exceedingly Interset- is despated regarding the Legation restionce has already been examined by the State Depart- sent which, In view of the considerations with you have set forth, is informing you that 11 las abendoped for the present its plan to give up the residence. is ever, sincerely yours, The Nonorable Revis Gray, American Minister, Dublin. 5-17 April 30, Tuesday. 1940. My Dear Boss : The enclosed editorial from the Irish Press of yesterday voices I think the growing anxiety of the government in regard to the situation in Norway. The German news is displayed very prominently in this Government owned paper but I suspect the motive is rather to bring home to the man in the street a sense of his danger rather than to celebrate *erman successes I think the Government is trying to find a way to lead public sentiment to preparedness and the prapx possibility of military cocoperation with the Allies without giving the I.R.A. a handlex weapon. There have been no visible repercussions #fxthxx from the explosion in the castle last week, nor thus far any arrests. The enclosed dispatch to the Department explains itself. It would be very bad just at present to cancel the lease of this house in the interest of bureau reorganization I have understated rather than over stated the facts. I checked it over yesterday afternoon with an the Nuncio and he said the Government looked upon us as insurance policy and an abandonment of this Government owned building would be as looked upon A meaning something in the nature of cancellation by the mass of people He said the Irish are like that. What I have not yet told the "epartment and what I am only telling you is that I I have been exploring the possibility of buying this place. There is an Frish law forbidding the alienation of government property but there is a likelihood that they will repeal that for us. If you approved this and it could be brought about I would suggest that whoever is the Democratic candidate this summer might get the benefit of the trasnaction in New York and Massachussetts. A good deal could be be made out of it I think with dedication ceremonies and that kind of x thing. The Nuncio suggested that if the place is surrendered against the wishes of the Irish Government it might have repercussions among 7 the Irish with us but I should doubt that. Those that tour over here and are entertained are impressed and gratified that we are in the former seat of ritish tyrrany but not the masses. Don't get the idea that this is a sybaritic abode Very little has been done to it tx since 1765 except some aditions. The floors are common stained pine floors, the baths are primitive, it is shabby, and "lived 1n" in but it is a gentleman's house and marvellpusly adapted either for intimate home life or for throwing open for entertainment. I the think it could serve for a long time without any expensive repairs. What endears it to maxisxim Maude and me is its home like atmosphere like that at Hyde Park; the view of thí mountains across the Park meadow and the memories and ghosts that are here. Arthur Balfour was here eight years nearly, James Bryce, Augustine Birrell, George Wyndham, the long succession of English liberals who ruled Ireland on its way to Home Rule. There is a plate in the " Ballroom" (1t it looks like a nursery playroom saying that Lord Frederick Cavendish died on this spot. His great nephew Lord Charlie told me this the other day at the races. He's a sweet pathetic drunkard. Your various recent proclations and announcements have had a big reception here The DeValeras (both), the Nucio and Granard are lunching with us Thursday. I wish you were going to be here .Mrs. DeValera is making a great exception to come. Take carzof yourself Aff omi. Editorial from the Irish Press of April 29, 1940. tially lost their independence are Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Fin: land, Estonia, Denmark, Norway. None felt so secure when the war broke out as Finland. The Finns took no precautions. Yet within a few months this gallant people was fighting desperately for its life against one of the greatest Powers in the world which shamelessly set upon it. Because the people of Finland were united they were able to save most of their territory from conquest. Denmark and Norway preserved their independence during the last war and have known peace for nearly a hundred years. In a single night Den- mark had lost everything, her independence overthrown par- tially from inside. Norway, also betrayed from within, was half overrun before a blow could be struck. Yet this war is only beginning. It is now clear that it will be a war without scruple, without mercy. Other nations under- stand that 80 well that to-day all Holland is standing to arms. The cost of her defence is in the neighbourhood of £40,000,000. In Belgium 650,000 troops are mobilised at enormous cost. In Switzerland there are half-a- million men permanently under arms and the women are prepar- ing to aid them in defence of independence. In Sweden the whole male population between the ages of 16 and 70 have been put under a compulsory labour decree for national defence. THE DEFENCE OF Yet here in the liberated part of Ireland there are public men who, LIBERTY in the Dáil and in the country, IN Traynor, last week, Mr. Oscar cavil at the comparatively tiny Minister for Defence, yearly sum spent on our defence, recalled a recent statement by a sum which in the nations we Mr. Cosgrave. Deputy Cosgrave, have named would hardly last a he said, had stated: month. As well, these public men If the Minister wants to know do not hesitate in this time of what my view on the Army universal danger to attempt to situation is, If we are Invaded, it is this: the Invasion should be re- injure the "prestige of the Army sisted and there should be along and make it the shuttlecock of with the Army the support of mean partisan politics. They every citizen to resist that In- make A.R.P. a cause for jibing vasion. We should not follow the example of Denmark.' Deputy and, in every way they can, try to Cosgrave's view is my view," went spread distrust among our people. on Mr. Traynor, and It is the We trust that the spirit in which view of every member of the Mr. Cosgrave spoke and the Government and of every person who loyes liberty and who wants tragedies unfolding themselves 80 to retain that liberty." near us, when one after another That that has always been the the lights of freedom are being national attitude was not in quenched, will soon end this sorry doubt, but it is valuable that it be game. stated now in positive terms and All parties in the State are that the Opposition leader and determined that this shall not be the Minister for Defence should another Denmark. But the make plain to all the mind of the corollary of that is that all Irish people. should work to put the national We believe that at last our defence above and outside people are realising what perilous political controversy and concen- times we live in. Since the war trate on teaching our people that began eight months ago, free these are hours of danger and nations have fallen literally like that to protect the liberty which nine-pins. Not including Austria this community has so dearly or Czechoslovakia, the States purchased, all dissension must be which have either wholly or par- put sternly aside. LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CAM Dublin, April 29, 1940. No. 4. Subject: Legation Residence. The Honorable The Secretary of State, Washington. Sir: I have the honor to state that during my period of instructions in Washington in February 1940, Mr. N. P. Davis, Chief, Division of Foreign Service Administration, informed me that it was intended to combine the chancery of this Legation with the Consulate General offices in Merrion -2- Merrion Square, Dublin, in the interest of efficiency and economy. He stated that instructions would probably be sent to the Legation to give notice to our landlord, the Irish Government, of intention to terminate the lease on the next rent day, which we supposed was May 1, 1940, but which in reality proved to be April 1. Six months after such notice the lease may be surrendered. He also suggested that if I could find a suitable house for a Legation the Department would consider taking it on a ten year lease and furnish it. These suggestions seemed to me wise and ones with which I was personally in sympathy. I told Mr. Davis that though I had not been in Dublin for five years I thought that a suitable Legation residence could be found either in Merrion Square or in St. Stephen's Green or some similar location. During the first week of the following April I was in London pursuant to the Department's orders and was interviewed by the correspondents of several newspapers. One of these asked me if I knew the Legation in Dublin and stated that my country was fortunate to have so suitable a house. I replied that I knew it slightly but that it was probable that we would combine the offices with the Consulate General in town and give up the residence, in the interest of efficiency and economy. I was under the impression that we were talking off the record but it was undoubtedly my error, as all these news reporters have been extremely scrupulous in their reports. Upon -3- Upon my arrival in Dublin on the morning of April 6, I found that the report had been published in Dublin and, as I wrote Mr. N. P. Davis shortly afterwards, something of a teapot tempest had ap- parently been stirred up. Mr. John MacVeagh, the Charge, informed me as I got off the ship, that in the absence of specific instructions from the Depart- ment, when called upon by local newspapers for com- ment upon the interview with me in London, he had stated that I must have been misquoted, that it was true that it was the intention of the Department ultimately to consolidate the chancery offices with those of the Consulate General but that he knew nothing of any plan to surrender the lease of the Legation. Later in the day Mr. de Valera received me and both he and the Permanent Secretary for External Affairs, Mr. Walshe, asked me if I had instructions to surrender the lease. To both I replied that I had received no instructions but that Mr. MacVeagh had correctly stated the policy of the Department as to consolidation. I then wrote Mr. N. P. Davis sub- stantially the above statement and informed him that as soon as I could find out the views of the Irish Government I would report. The following seems to be the situation: It appears that the British High Commissioner, Sir John Maffey, had been trying to find a satisfactory house since his appointment and without success. Upon reading the announcement credited to me in London he at once addressed himself to the Irish Government asking permission permission to take the lease over. Now it appears that the last thing the present Government of Ireland or any future Government conceivable for the next decade wants is to have the British High Commissioner installed in the house formerly the seat of the Chief Secretary for Ireland under the old regime. They feel it would give color to the charge already made by the I. R. A. that Ireland is governed from Westminster. Furthermore, they would greatly prefer not to have to tell this to Sir John Maffey. Consequently they feel that our vacating the premises at this critical time would embarrass them. I find also that the suggestion of surrendering the lease on the grounds of economy excited surprise and something akin to resentment, - surprise because when the renewal of the lease was effected by my predecessor two years ago he was (so I am informed) told to fix the amount of the rent himself, and resent- ment because the Irish Government had very recently reconsidered its decision to close its pavilion at the World's Fair at the express request of Mayor la Guardia and Alfred E. Smith and at a cost of fifty thousand pounds which they can ill afford to appropriate. It was on grounds of economy that they had previously decided not to re-open the building. What I failed to understand when in conference with Mr. N. P. Davis in Washington and what must be difficult for administrative officials in the Departmen t to -5- to appreciate, is the very unusual position ac- corded to the American Legation by the Irish Govern- ment and the Irish people. Both Government and people profess to believe that their independence would not have been achieved except for our influence exerted in their behalf during the World War. The life of the present head of the Government was un- doubtedly saved by American intervention. I find that my predecessor, the Honorable John Cudahy, on these premises established a peculiar relation with the Government and was received almost as an official adviser, that he was invited to express his views with great frankness and was undoubtedly helpful to the Government in an entirely proper manner. Naturally the fact that some twenty millions of American citizens are of Irish blood, that Boston and New York have larger Irish populations than Dublin, that politically these Americans are an important factor in the national life, has much to do with investing the American rep- resentative with a special importance which the repre- sentatives of other nations are the first to recognize. With these circumstances in mind it is not difficult to understand why the Irish Government should wish to house us in one of their national monuments situated in their great park in juxta-position to the Vice Regal Lodge in which their President is installed and to the house also nationally owned which is leased to the Papal Nuncio, the permanent dean of the Diplomatic -6- Diplomatic Corps. It is the Government's idea of doing us great honor, not merely letting housing to a United States Minister. What these considerations may be worth as opposed to the advantages of combining the chancery offices with those of the Consulate General if such combina- tion must result in the surrender of the Legation lease, is for the Secretary to decide, but I should be derelict in my duty if I failed strongly to recommend reconsideration of the Department's decision and restudy of this local problem. During the present crisis at least, it would be, in my view and in the view of the Legation and Consulate officers, most unfortunate. Under the terms of the lease, surrender of the premises could not be made before January 1, 1941, by which time my resignation will be in the hands of the next President. I have, therefore, no selfish personal interest in keeping this house on. But as a citizen and tax payer I should feel a serious error of policy had been com- mitted in giving the house up. I should also feel that my successor would be at great disadvantage particularly as war conditions make shipment of household goods so difficult and uncertain and are producing an acute housing shortage in Dublin and vicinity owing to Anglo- Irish people long resident in England returning to neutral Ireland. He would probably be obliged to stay at a hotel, as the Canadian High Commissioner has had to do. The British High Commissioner has only just succeeded in -7- in finding a house for temporary occupation, but he has had to go seven miles out of town. Until I have made a personal canvass of this situation I am not prepared to say that no house suitable for a Legation could not be found within five or six miles of the City, but I am told that it is unlikely. My first idea of finding a suitable Georgian house in one of the squares, I find impos- sible. They have practically all been turned into professional offices or "walk up" apartments. The squares have lost their residential character. The residential quarters have moved out practically as far as this house is from town. While the combination of the offices and the surrender of the Legation house would effect a small economy, I am very positive that it would effect no increase in efficiency. There is practically no diplomatic business conducted through this office. Not one person a month comes to it on such business. There is considerable mail, most of which concerns matters in the province of the Consulate General and is referred thither. As my predecessor has pointed out to the Depart- ment in his report, the business of this Legation is representation of the United States, the cultivation of confidence and friendly relations with the Govern- ment of Ireland, and the careful watching of Anglo- Irish relations and their relation to Anglo-American relations -8- relations. This requires the full time of any Minister in establishing personal relations with the various key men in the Government. I have hopes of being able to inaugurate some new lines of trade, but it is too soon to discuss this. Please understand this recommendation as ap- plying temporarily to emergency conditions brought about by the war. Later on I hope to report certain facts and views relative to a permanent policy for the housing of this Legat ion. Respectfully yours, David Gray, American Minister. In triplicate. File No. 124.1 DG/meb