740.0011 European War 1939/17823: Telegram
The Minister in Ireland (Gray) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:19 p.m.]
145. Reference my letter to Welles dated December 17.41 Since our entry into the war and the disbanding of the Friends of Irish Neutrality the attitude of the Irish Government has become notably more friendly although there is no suggestion of recession from neutrality. They are anxious to acquire even token amounts of armament by purchase in order to maintain the morale of their defense forces. I believe danger of action by anti-British elements in the event of a German invasion now to be negligible. I suggest, therefore, as the most profitable course, token allotments of material attended with the greatest possible publicity stressing the need to defend Ireland against Germany. Special legislation similar to that pending now in the [Page 253] Senate for the sale of the two ships would have excellent effect here and be likely to facilitate whatever course may have to be taken as regards the ports. A dozen defense airplanes would be especially useful to this end as they would compel training of pilots in England or America, the establishment of needed landing fields and the coordination of patrol intelligence with the RAF.42
The British and Canadian representatives personally approve this policy in principle as promising the best chance of profitably capitalizing the course of future events especially in view of the economic pressures now imminent. The Irish Government forbid exports of all articles they regard needful for Irish welfare and propose no sacrifices. They cannot justly complain of reciprocal treatment sweetened with tokens of good will.
De Valera continues to assert that he will attack the first aggressor and invite help from that aggressor’s enemy. He undoubtedly means this and would order fire on British or American invader. Whether the Army would obey order against Americans and the country support it I cannot say. Very much would depend on the manner of approach and preparation.
The program suggested in no way relieves the Allies of responsibility for the defense of the Island.