Evening star., 1941-08-18
Fire Is Determined
To Remain Neutral
Even ifU. ). Joins War
Irish See No Reason
To Support English
More Than at Present
By PAUL PATTERSON,
Publisher OF the Baltimore Sun.

oAAS1AohCi4 IA AlIl oCONA Aiil1ldIloll W
maintain neutrality even though
her problem will immensely in
crease if America becomes an ac-
tive belligerent.
Fire insists that her benevolent
neutrality is just as useful to Eng
land in its way as Americas more
positive outright aid to Britain.
Conversations with Irish In and
out of the government, including
civilians not wholly sympathetic
with the administration, bring re-
peated assurances that an over
whelming majority of the public
fully support the neutrality policy.
There is sound basis for the belief
that the present time sees the Irish
more completely united and in
agreement than is their historic
custom. This American visitor has
repeatedly pressed home the prob
lem that would be created if Amer
lea, already based on Iceland $50
miles away, should join the war.
Would Stick to Law.
What will be Ireland's policy If
the American feet and air forces
operating in waters between Ireland
and Iceland require safe harborage
to repair serious damages requiring
a longer time than that established
by international law?
The Irish answer emphatically to
this question. They say that even
then Fire will conform to the inter-
national law governing neutrals.
Aside from her traditional posi-
ton Fire is opposed to joining forces
with England so long as Northern
Ireland (UlsteD is held apart.
The main point stressed as the
practical reason for continued neu-
trality is the defenseless condition
OF this country. The refusal of
England and America to divert arms
to Fire is cited in support of this
position.
The second point is then presented
by the visitor. If America enters
the war, isn't it reasonable to sup
pose that huge supplies of arms
and ammunition would Immediately
be furnished by America? Wouldn't
America give assistance in building
defenses, establishing air fields, en-
larging ports?
Compelling Cause Lacking.
The answer to this is not so clear,
but is to the effect that the reasons
which might make America enter
the war are not applicable to Fire
and therefore compelling cause is
still lacking to justify Fire in aban-
doning her fight for united Ireland
to help England achieve its par
ticular ends.
The following is an informed sum-
mary of the situation:
The inescapable fact is Eire's
determination to maintain neu-
trality under all circumstances. The
mlsinterpretation of Ireland's stand
In this crisis is due to the fact that
her fundamental position is not
understood.
Small groups here would like
tnls country to participate in the
war. These groups are infinitesimal.
1t is no exaggeration to say that 90
per cent of the people are de-
termlned that unless the country
Is attacked it will remain outside
the war.
This feeling is not based on party
lines or lack of sympathy with suf-
fering nations. The feeling is. shared
by all political parties. A change
OF government would not change
policy. If the present government
altered the policy of neutrality and
asked the people to enter the war 1t
would meet with practically uni
versal antagonism.
People Want Neutrality.
"Of all personages in recent Irish
politics perhaps De Valera COM
the greatest personal follow
ing. Yet were he to advocate aban-
donment of Irish neutrality in favor
OF either belligerent, that decision
would be unsupported by the people.
In some quarters there is the
feeling that If arms were given to
Ireland they might be used against
Britain. But six years ago, before
the present situation was anticipat-
ed, De Valera made statement in
the Dali that in the event of inter-
national war no Irish government
would permit any part of Irish ter
ritory to be used as a base of at
tack upon Britain.
The circumstances under which
the declaration was made are i'm
portant In 1885, when De Valera
spoke, Ireland was defending itself
against a bitter economic war which
was superimposed on world depres-
sion. Heavy British taxes were put
on Irish exports by which this ag-
rjcultural community was living.
Many farmers (for the economic
war was then three years in prog
ress) were in great difficulties. The
feeling then against Britain was
very high, and an entirely different
declaration would have had popular
Nevertheless he gave guarantee
to Britain which has been the basis
Of the Irish Governments attitude
ever since.
Want United Ireland.
''In 1887 and in 1888 great efforts
were made to remove all causes of
dissension. The principal of these is
partition. 1t must be realized that
so long as the historic Irish nation
Is partitioned, there will be the
deepest resentment against those
who originated partition in 1920 and
since have maintained it.
This intense feeling against par
tition does not mitigate the pledge
given by De Valera that Irish ter
ritory shall not be used as a base
Of attack on Britain.
Britain should be able to feel
absolutely secure in regard to her
flank covered by Ireland.
After the fall of France Ire
lands turn for invasion seemed i'm
The government then ex-
panded its defense forces. In nine
weeks these forcs wre increased by
100000 volunteers, representing one
fourth of the entire male population
to