[matter omitted]
As to the omission of Ireland from the recent list, there is neither disappointment nor surprise amongst the Irish priests in Rome. It is pointed out that the preparation of names was almost certainly completed some couple of months before Christmas, perhaps even before October 13th when Cardinal MacRory died; that there is nothing unusual - rather the contrary - in Ireland's having been omitted considering the short time since the Cardinal's death; that there is no lack of precedents; that, knowing Curial procedure, what has happened is what one would normally have expected to happen.

The Franciscans, while generally concurring in the calm line taken generally by our priests here, are naturally very disappointed that the diplomatic corps did not get its share especially as St. Isidore's was being repainted for the arrival of Monsignor Robinson and they had given it out that he was expected to arrive early in the New Year.

The unanimous view - I have spoken to all our senior priests - is that the Holy Father did a good job in including so many countries and did it impartially, fairly and objectively; and that Ireland was a special case where postponement, in the circumstances, was only to be expected.

[matter omitted]