Sir,

I have the honour to refer to your Confidential Despatch of the 24th April¹ regarding the representation of the Irish Free State at Washington, and to state that it has received the careful consideration of my Ministers.

2. My Ministers are pleased to learn that His Majesty's Government will approach the Government of the United States with a view to the appointment at Washington of an Irish Minister Plenipotentiary with credentials from His Majesty and a letter of appointment from the Government of the Irish Free State.

3. My Ministers do not apprehend that the principle of Diplomatic Unity in the Commonwealth will be affected inasmuch as the proposed Irish Minister will represent the Irish Free State for the purposes of its particular interests only.

4. Questions which may arise regarding negotiation and signature of Treaties with the United States will be dealt with in accordance with the Resolutions of the Imperial Conference.

5. As the matter is extremely urgent and as presumably the Dominions have made no comments on your telegram of the 22nd April,² my Ministers will be very glad if action can be taken immediately at Washington for the purpose of having Professor Smiddy accepted in the capacity named.