Volume 7 1941~1945


Doc No.
Date
Subject

No. 594  NAI DFA Secretary's Files A2

Memorandum by Joseph P. Walshe
'Visit of American Soldiers in Uniform to Relatives in Ireland'

DUBLIN, 26 May 1945

Following negotiations between the High Commissioner and the American Embassy in London, the Taoiseach and the Department of Justice approved of the issue of the following notice to the Press to appear on Monday the 28th May:-

'The Irish Government have been informed by the American Government that a number of American soldiers desired to visit relatives in Ireland before returning finally to the United States, but that they would experience great difficulty in providing themselves with civilian clothes. The Irish Government have, accordingly, decided to suspend, in respect of such American soldiers, the regulations concerning the wearing of foreign uniforms in Irish territory with effect as from Wednesday the 30th May.'

I have made all the necessary arrangements in conjunction with the Department of Justice and Mr. Roche assured me that instructions have been issued to the Guards all over the country. I have also informed the Military Authorities.

[initialled] J. P. W.