Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1942, General; the British Commonwealth; the Far East, Volume I

740.0011 European War 1939/18975: Telegram

The Minister in Ireland (Gray) to the Secretary of State

Dublin, January 27, 1942—noon.
[Received 3:02 p.m.]

4. Yesterday the British Representative¹ called on de Valera² and notified him that American troops were shortly to land in Northern Ireland. The Prime Minister said that he had heard rumors to this effect, that the move embarrassed him and that he believed he would be expected to say something publicly on the situation. Maffey advised him against any protest or complaint as it would be fruitless and likely to create anti-Irish feeling in America as well as England. The ostensible ground for complaint is violation of the sovereignty which the de Valera Government claims over the six counties without recognizing the de facto occupation by Britain. Beyond this is the resentment of the anti-British wing at American support of the British Commonwealth. This element, through which de Valera came to power, constantly pressing him beyond the point he would like to go.

Gray

1. Sir John Maffey, British Representative in Eire.
2. Eamon de Valera, Irish Prime Minister.