The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1937-06-25

guarantees against aggression
Amidst this feverish search for
security by the smaller nations,
stands little Ireland, imperturbably
announcing it's complete indepen-
dence from foreign influence, Brit
ish or otherwise.
Ideal War Base
Ireland has a population of
100000. 1t is an island without
a fleet of its own. 1t is the logical
springboard for an invasion of
England, in the event of the latter
going to war. Modern aviation in
creases its Importance to enemies
Of Britain.
Ireland has a further strategic
value in the scheme of British de-
Tense. 1t is the natural granary for
England in wartime, most valued
source of potential food supply.
Three major irritants remain in
Anglo-Irish relations: the "annui-
ties" dispute; the occupation of
certain ports by British military;
and the separation of the tax coun
ties of Ulster from the Irish Free
state.
Can Ireland and England get
together with defense and eco
nomic benefit to both?
IreIand'S Fate at Stake
It would seem less costly for
Britain to forego the 100000
pounds which she collects each
year as "annuities" through special
tariffs on Irish products, in order
to assure reliance on the store
house of Irish agriculture, in the
event of European war.
On the other hand, Ireland's
best friend from a military point
of view appears to be Britain. If
Britain should lose the next war,
Irish independence might be sub
ject to the victor's whim. I asked
President DeValera:
care not the British afraid
that you may permit your coun-
try to be used as q basis of at
tack against their country in
the event Of war;"
He replied:
II can see no good ground for
any such fear. AS a free ma
ton it would be altogether
against our interests to have our
country used as basis of at.
tack against Britain.
It's it not evident that if we
had control of every part of
this island ourselves and if our
independence as a nation was
completely recognize it would be
to our interest to do everything
in our power to see that no for
eign country would get a foot
ing on our soil.
"If that were the position at
this moment we would be ener-
getiCally organizing our people
and using our resources to see
that the position Of our indie
pendence would not be jeop-
ardiZed.
"The British from their point
Of view would also have an in.
terest in seeing that no foreign
power would get fOOthOId here.
"Under these circumstances it
is obvious that the combined
strength of the two peoples
would be used to prevent the
possibility Of any outside power
getting a footing here"
DeValera always had been an
ardent advocate of the League. I
wondered if he had deSpaired of
it as a big brother for the smaller
nations. considering what hap
to AbySsinia and what was hap
pening to Spain. So asked:
"What hopes have you Of an
effective League of Nations and
the acceptance by the states of
the world of the rule of law?"
II am afraid that we will have
to make up our minds to
this. That we are very far yet
from the position in which the
nations will voluntarily submit
themselves to the rule of law.
"The history of mankind
seems to indicate that such sub
mission is going to be very slow
in coming.
"The unity of individual coun-
tries, as we know them today,
and the submission of their citi-
Gems to law has been secured by