Privileges Used as Cloak for Espionage

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 59, 13 March 1944, Page 5

Privileges Used as Cloak for Espionage

Received Sunday, 8.50 p.m. WASHINGTON, March 11. The American Note caused extreme tension in Eire and the Irish Army was ordered to stand by for action along the Ulster border from February 25 to February 28. The Associated Press says that Mr. Bobert Brennan, Eire Minister in Washington, asked the State Department whether the Allies intended a military stroke and was told that Eire was safe from a British-American invasion. The American Note stated that it had become apparent, despite the declared desire of the Irish Government that its neutrality should not favour the belligerents, that it in fact operated and continues to operate in favour of the Axis Powers and against the United Nations on whom Eire’s security and the maintenance of her national economy depended. The Note declared flatly that it had been demonstrated over and over again that Axis representatives in neutral countries used their special privileges and immunities as a cloak for espionage activities against the United Nations. Mr. de Valera’s reply recounted Eire’s anti-espionage record and said it was doubtful if any other country could show such successful vigilance. He added that the feelings of the Irish poople towards Britain during the war had undergone a considerable change precisely because Britain had not attempted to violate Eire’s neutrality. The Irish Government felt sure that the American Government agreed that it would be regrettable if any incidents now altered that happy result. Mr. de Valera added that the forced removal of diplomatic officials was universally recognised as the first step towards war. The Irish Government could not entertain the American proposal without a complete betrayal of their democratic trust. Irish nationality represented the united will of the people and Parliament. Mr. de Valera declared that should American lives be lost it would not be through any indifference or neglect of Eire’s duty. The New York Herald-Tribune’s Washington correspondent says the American Government will examine in consultation with the British Government exports of Canadian wheat, Caribbean oil and American machinery which have sustained Eire’s economy through the war. The British Government is also expected to review the arrangements whereby British coal is bartered for cattle and dairy products. The Tribune, in an editorial, declares: “Eire’s anomalous position has been made a concrete issue by the United States Government. Legally the Irish Government had a right to refuse, but from the standpoint of Eire’s responsibility as a member of the family of nations the rejection was a piece of folly. For lives lost through Eire’s stand Eire cannot disclaim responsibility by citing the letter of international law, nor will the argument carry much weight in the judgment of the free nations when the war has ended.