British civil servants spent nine months considering a response to Ireland's request for an exchange of ambassadors after Ireland left the Commonwealth in April 1949.
Secret files from the Dominions Office - which dealt with Commonwealth countries - released at the Public Record Office in London yesterday - reveal a large volume of correspondence devoted to the question of whether British and Irish representatives in Dublin and London should have ambassador status.
When Ireland left the Commonwealth it requested an exchange of ambassadors with Commonwealth countries, reflecting its change in status. London was concerned that since there was no foreign policy relationship with Dublin its representative would be seen to have a lower status than other foreign representatives. In November 1949, the British Foreign Office indicated it did not regard neutrality during World War 11 as a ground for refusing ambassadorial status, particularly since it had granted that status to representatives of Sweden and Switzerland. By January 13th 1950, a document from the Dominions Office indicated officials were now against the idea. The document stated that "the Irish have done their best to whip up the partition issue . . . that they enjoy a pin prick if they can administer it . . . but he is most strongly adverse from any policy of counter pin pricking."
If British ministers agreed to the Irish request, the Dominions Office noted it would be "undesirable" for the Irish High Commissioner in London, Mr John Dulanty, to receive ambassadorial treatment while the British Representative in Dublin, Sir Gilbert Laithwaite, was treated as a minister.
London was keen to see Mr Dulanty rewarded for his service. A letter from the Commonwealth Relations Office to Downing Street in July 1950 noted: "We understand Mr Dulanty is anxious to retire as an ambassador and we ourselves feel that after 20 years service as High Commissioner in London it would be a gracious act to meet his wishes".
The issue was resolved when Sir Gilbert was appointed British Ambassador to Ireland on July 26th amid much pomp and ceremony and notes from the Dominion Office advising on the choice of dress - "uniform or full morning suit". Mr Dulanty was installed as Irish Ambassador to Britain.