1. Following my telegram 17, a lengthy meeting on Eire's
relationship with the British Commonwealth took place to-day at
Chequers. Attlee presided and Saint Laurent, Fraser and I were
present. Dominion representation was confined to Canada, Australia
and New Zealand, because of the substantial population of Irish
descent in each case. Discussions were preliminary only but our
presence was justified and helpful in preventing breakdown of
talks. While no commitment was made, Eire representatives seemed
favourable to making a declaration that, despite the repeal of the
Act, Britain and all the Dominions would not be regarded as
foreign countries. This might be the basis of a broader
declaration which would, at any rate, ease the position and
prevent a political breakdown which might be embarrassing. Talks
will be resumed later, but some progress has certainly been made.

2. Official communique is being issued by the Prime Minister and
is, of course, carefully non-committal.

3. After talks with Nehru and others, I am confident that India
will remain within the British Commonwealth, for which I have
worked hard during the past two years.

4. So far I have been able to take fullest part in the London
Conference [1] and, at the same time, perform Presidential duties
at Paris. [2] I am also, of course, working hard on the Bank case.

[3] The hearing of the application will take place on Monday,
October 25th.