Dear O'Kelly,

I have your letter of the 17th October¹ about the change from 'Grande Bretagne et Irlande'. It would have been better to consult the Department before making representations on this matter. Apart from the fact that the change to 'Irlande du Nord' is not desirable by the Government as it emphasizes a situation which we want people to forget, the change from the old description is a matter for consultation between the two Governments. It would not be well that your career in Paris should begin with a row with the British on the question which has been irregularly dealt with. In the circumstances it is better to go back to the Quai d'Orsay and tell them not to make the change.

I hope you will be extremely careful not to touch any question affecting our relations with Great Britain without asking for instructions beforehand. This note is written on the assumption that you and not the British made the representation. It would have formed the subject of a despatch if they contemplated the change and your letter implies that you had acted.

I hope your presentation of credentials went off all right.