Eire is Neutral
Since the United States' entry into the war there has been a good deal of speculation in America regarding the prospects of Mr. de Valera lending or leasing to the United States the base, Queenstown, Berehaven, and Lough Swilly, of which Britain had the use till Mr. Chamberlain relinquished it. We arc now paying for that gesture by being denied the right to use the bases for the protection of British and American shipping from submarines and bombers operating from Brittany. The fact that such bases are necessary to protect ships carrying food to Eire of course makes no difference to Mr. de Valera ; Eire, he repeats, is neutral. So strict, indeed, is its neutrality, that an aeroplane forced to land when engaged in escorting a foodship to Eire was interned. The position seems to be perfectly clear—Eire under Mr. de Valera's direction intends to keep out of the war, if possible, even if it costs her the friendship of America. Mr. de Valera intends that Eire shall use her advantage of having it both ways. True, Germany threatens her food-supply. But may not Britain be counted on not to let her starve? True, she may be invaded anyway. But may not Britain be counted on to come to her support? This attitude, it is worth observing, is evoking scathincl criticism in the United States.
Previous page
