Éire's neutrality and its impact on relationships during the war

Éire’s neutrality and its impact on relationships during the war

Éire’s Neutrality

Decision for Neutrality

  • In the backdrop of growing global tensions, Éire’s leader Eamon de Valera made the decision to remain neutral during World War II, which began in 1939.
  • This policy was born out of a desire to assert Ireland’s independence from the UK and to avoid reopening the wounds of the Civil War.

Consequences of Neutrality

  • The decision for neutrality meant Ireland did not have to conscript its citizens into military service.
  • Nonetheless, around 50,000 Irish citizens volunteered to serve in the British armed forces.
  • Neutrality also meant Ireland did not have to suffer from air-raids or direct invasion, unlike most of Europe.
  • However, the country suffered from widespread scarcity and rationing as a result of the war in Europe.

Impact on Relationships

With the UK

  • Éire’s decision to remain neutral was met with strong opposition from Britain, which was fighting Nazi Germany and its allies.
  • Éire did not allow British military access to its ports, a decision that was seen by Britain as highly damaging to the war effort.
  • Incidents such as the “Donegal Corridor” or the tolerance of Allied and Axis pilots who crash landed in Ireland further strained relations.

With Northern Ireland

  • The neutrality policy exacerbated tensions with Northern Ireland, which participated in the war as part of the UK.
  • Northern Irish unionists were critical of Éire’s neutrality, viewing it with suspicion and concern.

With the USA

  • Éire’s neutrality was also a complicated issue in its relations with the United States.
  • Irish-American lobby groups, traditionally supportive of Irish independence, were divided in their views, resulting in a somewhat strained relationship.

With Axis Powers

  • While not allies, Éire maintained diplomatic relations with Axis nations such as Germany and Italy during the war.
  • This led to controversial moments like the Irish Government sent a note of condolences following Hitler’s death, which was condemned globally.

Post-War Implications

  • After the war, lingering bitterness over Éire’s neutrality would influence Anglo-Irish relations into the late 1940s, culminating in the Republic of Ireland Act of 1948.
  • This paved the way for Ireland’s departure from the Commonwealth the following year and the official declaration of the Republic of Ireland in 1949.