GERMAN THREAT TO EIRE

Southland Times, Issue 24353, 6 February 1941, Page 9

GERMAN THREAT TO EIRE

OLD TECHNIQUE REPEATED LONDON; January 10 Precisely because Germany pretends to be suddenly anxious about the safety of Eire from British attack, authoritative circles in London are watching any German movements in the direction of Ireland with a keener interest than usual. This interest has been quickened by

the fact that, after dropping bombs on several parts of Eire during the first few nights of the year, the Nazis are now concentrating on broadcasting throughout Germany through the wireless and the newspapers that they have discovered a “dastardly” British plot to invade Eire from Ulster during the next few weeks.

To give these statements greater credence, the Nazis declare that they are basing them on Swedish reports. Nazi broadcasters are also spreading the reports throughout the world, by radio, and special broadcasts have been made to Spain and the Balkans.

It is felt here that Germany’s trick of announcing that a country is about to be invaded by Britain and that, therefore, Germany must step in first, is now so well known that probably even the Germans themselves believe that it deceives nobody. Nevertheless, it is regarded as prudent to take careful note of it, lest Germany should indeed attempt to seize Ireland, from which either to invade Britain or to operate U-boats in an attempt to cut Britain's lifelines and starve her into submission.

The diplomatic correspondent of The Times comments: “The Nazis’ purpose

in producing the story now may simply be to try to frighten the Irish into believing that Germany is about to invade Eire. In any case, the British Government can note the references quietly. Britain has no intention of invading Eire, and is well prepared to counter any German move.” “IRISH PRELATE” QUOTED The Germans declare that, according to the Swedish newspaper Social Demokraten, the Reich has come into possession of information showing that Britain intends to carry out a military

occupation of Ireland during the coming weeks, or at least to occupy the western ports. A German broadcaster, speaking German, declared that Berlin was determined to respond to Britain’s attack upon Eire in the same way as in Norway and Belgium. Another broadcaster, speaking French, said that an important Irish prelate had declared that if Britain attempted an invasion civil war would break out in Ireland. Other broadcasters, speaking various other languages, harped on the same theme—that Ireland was going to be invaded by the British.

In the broadcasts to the Balkans it was emphasized that there was great anti-British feeling in Ireland, and that the Irish prelate believed that it was possible that Britain would attempt to starve out the Irish. This is considered to be an indication of Germany’s desire to whip up anger in Europe, especially in the Balkans, against the British blockade of Europe.