A Uachtaráin, A Chara,

I have had for a considerable time a collection of papers in several files relating to the former unpleasantness that arose in relation to representatives in Germany.¹ You will remember that a lengthy correspondence took place during the regime of George Gavan Duffy, in which certain imputations were made on certain persons. Portion of the correspondence I think was before the Cabinet at one time and there was a good deal more of a most disagreeable character. Just before he resigned from office George Gavan Duffy brought me all the files containing what purported to be the entire original correspondence and copies. He stated that he felt that before going out of office he must leave them with someone who would understand the matter. He had previously spoken to me about it on several occasions and assumed that I understood the whole thing. He asked me to keep the documents in the strictest confidence and to hold them until such time - if ever - as they might be called for, if the trouble developed after his resignation.

I do not feel that I can take these documents away with me now² and guard them against the day when some question arises. Moreover, the trouble to which they referred has, I believe, entirely blown over and it would be very improper that such papers should be held by me and possibly fall into other hands. I am in great doubt what to do with them, because I feel a responsibility and I do not feel that they should be open to all and sundry to read and gratify curiosity. I have come to the conclusion accordingly, that the proper course for me is to deliver them into your hands as custodian of State papers, and to ask you to be good enough to have them filed away amongst secret papers under your own charge. I therefore send them, strapped together in a parcel with this note.