From the Prime Minister to the Prime Minister.

My D.No. 1478. [2]

1. I feel very strongly that we ought not to invite Eire into the
bosom of the British Commonwealth on a side issue like this where
our hand has been forced by the casual action of medium officials
in the State Department. The President was shocked when he heard
what had been done. It would be a great pity to cancel the Ottawa
conference, but I would rather face this than smirch the
opportunity which the future may hold in store for us for an Irish
settlement. I hope you will understand.