DEFENCE OF EIRE

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21178, 30 July 1940, Page 5

DEFENCE OF EIRE

TO RESIST INVASION MAKING SWIFT PROGRESS RESERVES CALLED UP (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, July 29 Eire’s preparations to resist invasion are making swift progress. The regular army has been increased by the calling up of reserves. It now numbers 10,000 experienced soldiers, plus 10,000 volunteers who have done some training and are now merged into the regular army. Eighty thousand men responded to the appeal which the Prime Minister, Mr de Valera, made a fortnight ago. Some are employed on local security work, and the remainder are undergoing training. The coast-watching services have been organised and are working satisfactorily. Plans have been made for staking and wiring beaches which an invader might use. Golf courses on which troop-carrying aeroplanes might land will be obstructed. Mines made in Eire have been tested and proved satisfactory. They will be laid at certain points round the coast. Ireland’s Weakness In spite of these commendable efforts, Ireland’s weakness is still causing great disquiet in London. The Eire volunteer army is very short of competent officers and instructors. It will be months before it is ready to fight against experienced and well-equipped troops. Lire's navy consists of two motor torpedo-boats, one of which has just been commissioned at an English port and has not yet arrived in Eire. There is an insistent demand that j the British Government should make : the most strenuous possible effort to find »’ means of defending Ireland. This can be effectively done only by persuading Mr de Valera and the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, Lord Craigavon, to forget their quarrel, and by allowing Allied sea, air , and land forces to reinforce Eire’s defences. The News Chronicle says, in a leader: “ Neither Mr de Valera nor Lord Craigavon has faced up to the situation. Mr de Valera, oblivious of the fate of so many small countries which have placed their faith in neutrality, is still affirming his faith in that policy. Matter of Vital Concern “ Lord Craigavon is just as obstinate. If Ireland’s defence affected only Ireland we could afford to await developments with resignation and regret, but Ireland’s integrity is a matter of vital concern to our own island. Ireland’s defence is our defence. What is the British Gov--1 ernment going to do about it? ” The Eire Minister for Supplies, Mr Sean Lemass, speaking in Dublin last night, warned the nation that an invasion might have to bq faced “ this week or next week.” “ The danger of invasion or isolation, or both, is nearer than it was a few yeeks ago,” he said. “It is my duty to tell you that the Government’s considered opinion is that Eire is facing these contingencies. The time for preparations is running out. A great deal has still to be done.”