740A.5/9–451:Telegram
The Chargé in Ireland (Huston) to the Secretary of State 1
40. FonMin Aiken took occasion afforded by discussion other subject today to tell me he had discussed with MacArthur Paris possibility [Page 529] of purchasing arms from US to assist in building up Irish defense. Covering much same ground as reported in Paris tel to Dept 1377 August 31 (rptd Dublin 1)2 Aiken said that when he recently remarked he would like to have “long talk” with me he had this subject in mind and that he also mentioned Ireland’s arms needs to Secy Tobin3 during latter’s visit Dublin in July (Embassy not previously informed of this approach).
FonMin referred to DeValera’s 1935 statement that Ireland wld never permit its territory to serve as base for attack on Great Britain, and said Ireland does not want to be military vacuum but desires fulfill its role in western defense. For that purpose Ireland hopes to strengthen its army and believes it should be allowed purchase arms in US and possibly some tools to enable local manufacture of certain types of small arms.
Remarking that ideally all peoples desirous combatting Commie aggression should have arms needed for that purpose, I said that over-all requirements of nations organized in joint effort meet Commie threat were very great and I would be surprised if arms and equipment beyond those already committed will be found available. I then asked if Irish Govt considered that FonMin MacBride’s discussions with Amb Garrett last year, PriMin De Valera’s conversation with me last June (Desp 853 [852], June 284), and his own discussions with Secy Tobin and MacArthur constituted formal or direct request to US Govt for purchase of arms. Aiken replied that all these discussions were designed to make known to US Ireland’s need and desire to purchase arms to enable this country fulfill its role in gen defense effort, but since De Valera and Defense Min Traynor have not yet moved into firm position on subject he (Aiken) did not know when formal request might be made.