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Copy (128255/45A)
No. 206 FOREIGN OFFICE 17th July 1916. Sir, With reference to your despatch
No.559 of the 23rd
ultimo on the subject of the Irish Relief Fund, I have
to state that it seems clearly desirable that the rela—
tives of the men executed and others who may be in dis—
tress through the rebellion in Ireland should receive
the money that has been contributed in America for their
relief, and I agree with Your Excellency in thinking
that advantage might well be taken of the good offices
of Archbishop Walsh and the Society of St. Vincent de
Paul in order to secure the distribution of the Fund to
bona fide sufferers and to prevent the misuse of the
money for political purposes. It is to be expected that the emissary whom Cardin—
al Farley intends to select to convey the funds to Ire—
land will abstain from any political activity while en—
gaged in the work of distribution. I am etc.
(for the Secretary of State)
(Sgd) MAURICE DE BUNSEN His Excellency
The Right Honourable
Sir C. Spring Rice G.C.V.O., K.C.M.C.
etc. etc. etc.
This is a letter to Cecil Spring Rice (1859–1918), a British diplomat who served as
British ambassador to the United States from 1912 to 1918.The letter was sent by Sir
Maurice de Bunsen (1852 - 1932). De Bunsen was a British diplomat serving in Vienna
as the assistant undersecretary in the Foreign Office from 1915 until early 1918.
This letter concerns the Irish Relief Fund. In this letter de Bunsen agrees that the
funds should be distributed using the St Vincent de Paul Society in order to avoid
the misuse of the funds raised for political purposes.