I was very interested in Mr. Skentelbery's report of the conversation he had had with two officials of the State Department.¹ It seems to be unfortunately true that there has been no change in the situation with regard to the American Legation in Dublin. All our representations through political channels have yielded nothing absolutely positive. On the other hand we undoubtedly have succeeded in letting the authorities know that in our opinion Irish-American relations are being very badly handled in the Department of State. One has the feeling that a letter addressed to the Secretary of State in broad general terms is called for. The times ahead of us are too critical to allow Gray to continue maligning us. From all one hears Marshall is a man of action and he is unlikely to be influenced by Mrs. Roosevelt. Of course it is a big step to take, especially as the Taoiseach should sign the letter, but it could be framed in such a way as to prevent non-compliance becoming a rebuff.

In this connection you will be interested to hear that the American Embassy to the Holy See in the person of Mr. Gowen² is becoming increasingly friendly towards me. At first he kept somewhat aloof and it was difficult for me to take any very open step to change the situation. Now, however, he is not only very friendly but he boasts publicly of his Irish origins and I have been told that he has said very favourable things about me to the officials in the Secretariat of State. He made it clear that he knows the Gray position and I hope to reach the stage very soon when I can talk to him quite freely about the whole matter. He has no feelings against us for our neutrality and I am convinced that he regards Gray in much the same light as we do. I need not add that I am very glad to have Gowen's friendship as he is very well thought of at the Holy See, and you know the extent of American influence there at the present time.