![]() ![]() The Statute of Westminster 1931 meant that unlike in World War I, Britain's entry into the war no longer automatically included its dominions. A new constitution was adopted by a plebiscite in 1937. ![]() The nation had gained de facto independence from Britain after the Irish War of Independence, and the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921 declared Ireland to be a 'sovereign, independent, democratic state'. Ireland was in 1939 nominally a Dominion of the British Empire and a member of the Commonwealth. The Irish supplied the Allies with detailed weather reports for the Atlantic Ocean, including a report from Blacksod Bay, County Mayo, which prompted the decision to go ahead with the Normandy landings. Pursuing a policy of neutrality required maintaining a balance between the strict observance of non-alignment and the taking of practical steps to repel or discourage an invasion from either of the two warring parties.ĭespite the official position of neutrality, there were many unpublicised contraventions of this, such as permitting the use of the Donegal Corridor by Allied military aircraft, and extensive co-operation between Allied and Irish intelligence. This period is known to the Republic of Ireland as The Emergency, owing the title to the wording of the constitutional article employed to suspend normal government of the country. De Valera's ruling party, Fianna Fáil, supported his neutral policy for the duration of the war. Both eventualities were prepared for, although most detailed preparations were done with the Allies under Plan W. Possibilities of both a German but also a British invasion were discussed in the Dáil. ![]() It was maintained throughout the conflict, in spite of several German air raids by aircraft that missed their intended British targets, and attacks on Ireland's shipping fleet by Allies and Axis alike. The policy of Irish neutrality during World War II was adopted by the Oireachtas at the instigation of the Taoiseach Éamon de Valera upon the outbreak of World War II in Europe. Markings to alert aircraft to neutral Ireland ("Éire" English: "Ireland") during WWII on Malin Head, County Donegal Condition of Ireland not supporting either side during WWII ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |