I greatly regret the delay in replying to your proposal for an
exchange of representatives between Australia and Eire. [1] We are
glad, however, that now in accepting your proposal for an
appointment of a representative in Australia we are able to
nominate as High Commissioner [2] in Dublin Mr. William John
Dignam, Barrister of Sydney.
We are sure that Mr. Dignam's character and learning will make a
ready appeal to you and the other members of your Government.
Dr. Kiernan and his wife will be assured of a warm welcome here.
1 See Document 7. On 22 February de Valera had cabled requesting a
response. Beasley had reported an approach by the High
Commissioner for Eire in London on 28 February, and had cabled
again requesting a reply on 26 March.
2 Titles of British Commonwealth representatives to and from
Dublin varied. The Irish representative in London was called High
Commissioner; his counterpart in Dublin was U.K. Representative.
The Canadian representative there, and his counterpart in Ottawa
were both High Commissioners. Dignam arrived in Dublin on 1
September and assumed the title of High Commissioner; Kiernan, who
reached Australia in October, was known as Representative of Eire
in Australia.
