You may not have heard that the Prime Minister of Eire, Mr.

Costello, prefaced his second reading speech by paying high
tribute to Dr. Evatt's work in endeavouring to find a maximum
basis of agreement between the British Commonwealth on the one
hand and Eire on the other in the following terms.

'I want to put on record here tonight our gratitude and thanks to
Dr. Evatt for his sympathy, understanding and help particularly
during the past few weeks'.

At the same time I understand Noel-Baker is also concluding a
tribute to Dr. Evatt and other Commonwealth ministers.

I have been in close touch with all developments and it may be
important for you to point out to prevent any misunderstanding
being created by Opposition interests in the House or through the
press that the Minister's effort from the outset has been directed
to the maintenance of closest relationship of Eire with the
Commonwealth which allows the possibility of improvement of
relations and the final strengthening of the Commonwealth by re-
inclusion of Eire.

The fact is that the Minister has always insisted on the name
British in British Commonwealth, direct personal link with the
King and at the same time a practical working of the group which
could and should be strengthened not only in common interest but
in the interests of world peace. [1]