The Times THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1941. Ireland and the War

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 97, 24 April 1941, Page 6

The Times THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1941. Ireland and the War

In a recent letter to the Manchester Guardian an English business man with a wide knowledge of and familiarity with conditions in Ireland expressed the view that Irish neutrality would not matter in the present struggle with the Axis Powers provided the country was strongly united and strongly defended. Despite the apparently irreconcilable political differences that exist between the North and the South there is evidence to suggest that unity of thought is growing throughout the country, compassing recognition of the grave threat to Irish security inherent in the spread of German influence across Europe. The war has already left its mark on Eire in many ways. It has adversely affected trade and industry, it has caused an increase in unemployment and, regardless of the rigidly enforced policy of neutrality, it has prejudicially restricted the movement of Irish shipping. Bombs have been dropped on Irish territory more than once, and apparently wanton attacks on Irish shipping have not only served to dispel the belief that neutrality could prove an adequate shelter from Nazi ruthlessness but have also encouraged the Irish people to inquire into the real nature of the struggle that is going on around them and to assess the issues involved.

Some indication of these developments may be contained in the recent warning addressed to the Irish people by Mr. de Valera, in which he told them that, although the Government of Eire has insisted on the strictest observance of a neutral attitude, it may be necessary for Irish security to be defended, in which case Irish nationals would have the positive knowledge that they would fight for a just cause. This pronouncement comes nearer to realism than many that have been made by Idr. de Valera since the war began. It is of particular interest, moreover, when it is related to his prompt and sincere offer of assistance to Northern Ireland for the relief of distress resulting from the savage Nazi bombing attack on Belfast and its environs last week.

In the much-discussed question of Irish bases the British Government has never sought to bring pressure to bear on the Government in Dublin. The first direct reference to the strategic importance of Ireland from the British viewpoint was made by Mr. Churchill in the House of Commons last November, when, speaking of the operations of U-boats in the Atlantic approaches to Great Britain, he said: “The fact that we cannot use the south and west coasts of Ireland to refuel our flotillas and aircraft and thus protect the trade by which Ireland as well as Great Britain lives is a most heavy and grievous burden and one. which should never have been placed on our shoulders, broad though they be.”

Mr. de Valera’s instant reply was that there could be ho question of leasing or handing over Irish ports so long as the country remained neutral. Neutrality will certainly have to go if, as must yet be hoped, bases are to be made accessible to British forces. For what the Irish people seem unwilling to recognise is that there can be no safety for any part of Ireland while Great Britain is herself menaced by the aggressors. "When the Battle of the Atlantic is decided in our favour the war will be a long step nearer the end desired by all lovers of freedom. And the Irish cannot be placed outside of that category.