Morrison arrived in Dublin yesterday morning. He came to see the Taoiseach at 5.30 and was closeted with him until 7.15, when we had an official dinner for 18 people, including representatives of the Opposition Parties and the British, Canadian and Australian Representatives.

The Taoiseach and Morrison seem to have got on very well. Even after 1¾ hours' private conversation, they still seemed to have plenty to say to one another. Morrison gives the impression of being keenly interested in everything he sees and hears over here. His air of affability rings rather false, but everyone was struck by the sharpness of his mind.

Contrary to what Maffey had given us reason to expect, there was nothing doing on the big question. It was the old story - Britain would not stand in the way, but the solution must be left to time. The T. was always rather sceptical as to the chances of a Labour Government taking any positive action to right the wrong, but Maffey's line of talk when he was telling the Taoiseach and myself about Morrison's intentions as regards his Irish visit had raised some hopes, so the result of yesterday's conversation is a general feeling of disappointment.

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