NORTHERN IRELAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24827, 29 January 1942, Page 5

NORTHERN IRELAND

ARRIVAL OF AMERICANS MR DE VALERA PROTESTS LONDON, Jan. 28. Mr de Valera has issued a long statement protesting against the arrival of United States troops in Northern Ireland. He said that the Government of Eire was not consulted by either the British or the United States Governments before the troops came across. The people of Ireland, he stated, had no hostility towards the United States and did hot wish to be brought into conflict with them.

REASONS FOR MOVE A THREEFOLD TASK WASHINGTON. Jan. 27. Militarists explain that the American Expeditionary Force in Ireland has a threefold task—first, to protect American naval bases in Northern Ireland; secondly, to aid the defence of Eire if Hitler attempts invasion; and, thirdly, the eventual use of part of an invasion force against the Continent to liberate the oppressed countries. Major-general Hartle is one of the most experienced American generals, with a distinguished record in the World War, the Mexican War. the Philippines, and Puerto Rica. The Unjted States Army authorities in Northern Ireland have announced that general headquarters for the United States armed forces in the British Isles has been established somewhere in England. The commander is Major-general James Chaney. A special observer group arrived in England in May of 1941 to make a detailed study of British military and air technique and to lay plans for operations in the event of the United States becoming belligerent. Representative J. M. Robison demanded in the House to know why an American expeditionary force had been sent to Ireland instead of the Philippines. He said Britain had 3,500.000 men armed to the teeth and doing nothing, while Germany occupied Russia. "Our hearts are bleeding for General Macarthur," he said, " yet we send an army, ships, and planes to Ireland."