20 NOVEMBER 1971, Page 19

The Irish mess

Sir: In reply to Mr FitzGibbon's [eau in your issue of Novemb:r 13, during the second world war Ireland was a !upposedly 'neu tral ' naticn. In reality, only neutral in so far as Irish ports were not open to British shipping. On the other hand Irish ports were open to German warships, and Ireland itself was used as a springboard for espionage directed against Britain. Since Ireland did not come to our help with the use of their ports then, even for refuelling, why should we expect that they would do so in the eventuality of another war?

Much as I am pleased to hear the point of view of an experienced British Army officer I find his letter on internment based somewhat on unproved ideas.

Anthony St J. Hamilton Marlborough College, Wilts