In confirmation of telephonic discussion with Mr. Murphy of your Department this morning, I am directed by the Minister for Defence to state that during the recent discussions held in the office of the High Commissioner in London with regard to the impending transfer of the harbour defences at Berehaven, Cobh and Lough Swilly, the United Kingdom representatives were requested to arrange for twelve officers of the Defence Forces, whom it is proposed to appoint to the Coastal Defence Army, to undergo a course in England in Coastal Defence duties.

The British War Office has agreed to reserve (a) twelve vacancies for Artillery Officers on the first part of Course No. 338 (Coast Artillery - regular) which will commence at Shoeburyness, Essex, on the 19th June, 1938, and terminate on the 9th July, 1938, and (b) three vacancies on the second part of this course (Counter Bombardment and Fortress System of Range Finding) which will last for a period of two weeks. The War Office further agreed that the officers who attend the second part of the course should remain on until the completion of a Gunnery Staff course which is at present in progress at the Military College of Science, Woolwich, and which will terminate on the 30th September, 1938. Verbal sanction has been received from the Department of Finance.

The following Officers have been detailed to attend the first part of Course No. 338:

Captain		D.J. Collins
"		C. Trodden
"		M.P. MacCarthy
"		D.J. Farrell
2/Lieut		A. Dalton
"		W. Donagh
"		P.J. Hally
"		J. Murray
"		J.H. Byrne
"		W. Rea
"		P.J. O'Callaghan

Of these, Captains Trodden, Farrell and MacCarthy will undergo the second part of the Course and Captains Trodden and Farrell will remain on for the Gunnery Staff Course terminating on the 30th September next.

I am, accordingly, to request that you will be good enough to inform the British War Office without delay of the acceptance of the vacancies and to intimate that it would be appreciated if an early indication could be given of the fees chargeable; the time and date on which the Officers should report and whether public quarters will be available on a repayment basis.