On the day of his arrival in London I left a card on Mr. Kennedy¹, the recently appointed American Ambassador, informing his Secretary that I would make a call later when he had settled in to his new duties. Accordingly an appointment was arranged for today when I called at the American Embassy.

Mr. Kennedy began by speaking of his close and sustained interest in Ireland and the Irish. He did not wish to ask questions about the progress of the negotiations between the Irish and the British Governments but he would like to be allowed to say how much he hoped that they might reach fruition.

Speaking in the strictest confidence he said that President Roosevelt's opinion was that a settlement between the Irish and British Governments was a matter of importance in regard to the question of Anglo-American relations. Whilst that was the President's opinion it could not be regarded as the opinion of the American Government since the subject had not been through or fully considered by the State Department. Nevertheless he had himself spoken to Mr. Chamberlain - a good friend of Éire, the Ambassador thought - acquainting him with President Roosevelt's opinion. He emphasised the very secret character of what he was saying and entreated me to communicate his remarks to no one but An Taoiseach himself.