[matter omitted]

I am sorry to learn that the chances of reaching agreement about Shannon and Collinstown are none too bright, as I am afraid that unless some acceptable solution is found the attitude in the State Department will harden against us considerably more than at present. In the case of the compulsory stop at Shannon, it is difficult to refute the argument that as Shannon can be by-passed in any case we should face up to this reality and make the best of the situation.

[matter omitted]