The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-04-21
Catholic Thought And Opinion
By REV. JOSEPH F. DoNNELLY

about Ireland's support in the war. While Ireland is technically neutral, her neutrality, as England knows, is a most benevolent neutrality. Tn fact, and the fact may be surpris- ing to many Americans, according to figures available three months ago Irishmen who have volunteered to fight for England outnumber both Canadians and Australians, and the heroism of these fighting men has been faithful to the traditional glo- " of Ireland's warriors.
 However, though they are deter. mined not to obstruct but rather to support the British war effort, there are few in Ireland who would be hypOcritical enough to insist that their aid is given out of love for the British and not rather out of a common-ser1se hatred of Nazi bar- barism. The Irish realize that the English have progressed. Aggres- sion for them is a matter of past history rather than of present inten- ton.
 WHAT OF THE PORTS?
 The question of the ports is re- ported to be greatly exaggerated. At best they are anchorages and not bases, and before they could be used they would have to be fortified and most probably before they were for tified the Luftwaffe would render them useless to both England and Ireland. Ireland believes with reason that what is desired is not the ports but rather Ireland's participation in the war for the psychological and moral effect of that participation.
 Further, to take over the ports would be practically equivalent to taking over the country. The ports would be useless without conl- fnunications and military de- fense. To occupy the ports then the British would have to occupy Ire- land. That will never happen while Ireland has blood to give for free- dom.
 HER RIGHT TO DECIDE
 Ireland Is a sovereign, indepen- dent State. The decision as to whether a sovereign State will rec main neutral or go to war remains with that State. The decision for neutrality has been made by the people of Ireland with 6 Ilnanimity previously uneQualled in Irish DO. litical life. Republicans, Nationalists and Unionists-Catholics, Protest ants and Jews, more than ninety nine per cent of the people favor the Governments stand for neu- trality.
 Writing in America 8 few months ago, Robert Brennan, Ireland's nir- ister in Washington, stated: T have heard Americans dwelling on the foolishness of 1reland's attitude, but 1t is hardly conceivable that, on a question vitally affecting the inter- ests of Ireland, all the Irish should be wrong and @ handful of people three thousand miles away should be right. If 1t is true that this fight is for the survival of democracy, surely when the Irish people spoke in such a unanimous manner, 1t should have ended the matter. Am orleans would strongly resent an out" side attack on their right to decide their own national policy"
 SPIRITUAL GRANARY
 FOR EUROPE
 Today from the war-torn coun- tries of the Continent students for the priesthood have come to Ireland to pursue their studies. From Ire- land priests have already gone to the Continent to serve those whom war has deprived of priests and the proS- pect of priests.
 Once before when the Continent wasted its strength and treasures in war Ireland preserved the arts and culture of civilization and brought the light of faith to Europe. Today, If in the Providence of God Ireland is preserved from being further em- broiled in the present struggle, mis- sionaries will go forth again from the land of faith to restore the reign nf flariek i1 tha x,nrld