Dear Seán,

In connection with the forthcoming Assembly may I suggest that you should come armed with at least a tentative decision regarding the Government's intentions as to the next vacancy on the Council. I have in mind the danger of an effort being made to place Australia, for example, ahead of the Saorstát in the running for a seat. I do not know definitely that we are likely to be a candidate but if so preparations cannot be begun too early; and I would like to have considered the question of the clear establishment in the eyes of the other British Commonwealth of Nations delegations our claim to priority. Canada having been permitted to get in before us may encourage Australia to try for the next seat. I have not heard even a single rumour to this effect but it strikes me as a dangerous possibility.

Any decision would involve of course a substantial staff here etc.