23 JANUARY 1942, Page 13

NEUTRALITY OF EIRE Six,—It seems agreed that Southern Ireland is

the weakest link in the chain of fortresses against Totalitarianism. Eire has always looked towards U.S.A. for salvation—if something is not done soon some of the Irish poor must starve. Why should America not lease Eire for the duration of the war, fortify it, and so release our forces in Ulster for other work. It seems a simple solution of a thorny problem.