A Chara,

I am directed to acknowledge your letters Nos: 71, 72, 73, enclosing communication from Mr. SIMPSON, which has been transmitted to the Trade Department, Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

With regard to the matter of the British Legation, the Minister is of opinion that this also is a question for local decision.

In the present anomalous position, while on the one hand every thing that can be done should be done to emphasize Ireland's distinct Nationality and Statehood, at the same time there is no reason why Irish Citizens, since the Treaty with England, should put themselves to any inconvenience or at any disadvantage, through not making use of the British Consular machinery etc. Until Irish Representatives are officially accredited to foreign countries it is the only legal machinery available.