Dear Fred:
I realize that the change of Government has placed upon your shoulders an even greater load than you had hitherto been bearing, and that many matters far more important than the one I am now writing about - the Inaugural Flight of Aer Línte¹ to New York - have to be decided.

In this connection, I had made tentative arrangements to give an official and diplomatic reception here in Washington, for Mr. de Valera (it seems strange not to be calling him the Taoiseach!) but now, of course, that is all off so far as he is concerned. However, if it is contemplated that one of the new Ministers will be on the Flight, I should like to know as soon as possible, so that I may make appropriate arrangements for his reception. As you will appreciate, these must be put in hand, well in advance of the date of the reception, which I had intended to hold in the Continental Room at the Wardman Park - our apartment being too small for the number of people I had in mind to invite - i.e., State Department and other Government officials, the Heads of Missions, etc., and the hotel management would require about two weeks notice to do the job as I would want it done.

I see by today's papers that on being asked by reporters whether he would accept the invitation to attend St. Patrick's Day celebrations, in New York, the Taoiseach said he was not certain that he could spare the time, but that he would consult the Cabinet. So, will you please cable me on this point as soon as a decision has been made?