Eire Cannot Be Neutral When Britain Is At War
—MR DE VALERA. (Received 10 a.m.) DUBLIN, February 17. It was impossible for Eire to remain neutral in the event of war between Britain and another country, said the President, Mr de Valera, in the debate on the defence estimate in the Bail. As long as any part of Ireland was occupied by the British, there would always be a section wishing for Britain’s downfall, in the hope of regaining Irish freedom. Nevertheless, any enemy of Britain would aim at cutting off food supplies, and would be likely to bomb Irish ports. Therefore, it was essential that. Ireland should be ready to defend herself, in order that, in the event of war, she could continue to trade with England in cattle and other products.
The greater part of the money for defence would be spent on aeroplanes and anti-aircraft guns. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr W. T. Cosgrave, announced that his party would vote against the estimates of £5,500,000, which he considered wildly extravagant.
Subsequently, however, the estimates were passed.
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Northern Advocate, 18 February 1939, Page 7
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180Eire Cannot Be Neutral When Britain Is At War Northern Advocate, 18 February 1939, Page 7
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