Copy to Navy
740.0011 European War
1959/8944
 
to seize the ports; that if force were used, it would be necessary
in order to hold the bases for the occupation of Ireland; that this would be worse than non-use of
the bases as it would play into the German hands, and it would mean diversion of British troops
needed badly at home. In addition the situation in the United States would be endangered.
Menzies agreed with all of this and said Irish Origin of his people are 23 percent and force would
effect the opinion of the Australians.
 
              I stated with emphasis (a) that some kind of contact should be established by England
with de Valera, that there appeared to be a curtain of asbestos hanging between England and
Ireland, that unless an appeal was made by means of a liaison between de Valera and Churchill to
their amour propre the willing support of the Irish could not be gained, and that de Valera
constantly referred to the absence of this liaison; (b) that the Prime minister should look into the
veracity of the complaints against the Northern Irish and that irritation whenever possible should
be removed;   that opinions and speeches should receive publicity such as those of the 2nd in
command  of Cosgroves, Dillon, who is urging Ireland as an obligation to civilization and
Christianity to join England and declare war; (d) that it should be seen to by us that Aiken,
Minister of War of Ireland, be seen.Moreover we should see to it that American defense measures
impress him, that you and other Cabinet members who have experienced war service talk to him,
and that, as I made clear to de Valera, it should be emphasized to him that the United States was
only furnishing with arms those countries of whose intention to help the democracies there was no
doubt. (Aiken is possibly in America for other reasons. He is of the extreme left); (e) that if
practicable General Scanlon's suggestion of several weeks ago be adopted to bring Ireland into
our sphere, to carry our naval, military and governmental representatives to Foynes from Boston
by air. It is necessary for us to get rid of the veil of unreality under which Ireland is living if we
really intend to influence her. (f) In view of the fact that if anything is to be accomplished we must
bring Ireland into our sphere and it might be a good plan, not an inconceivable one, to issue an
invitation to de Valera to come to America.
 
              I was told by the Prime Minister that he would investigate the complaints and would deal
with anything wrong.Mr. Churchill also said although he was for a united Ireland he would not
compel it. Me stated that he would have to back up Northern Ireland and give support to this
position should de Velera not come in. However, the situation would change should de Valera
come in with Great Britain, in which case he would attempt to solve the matter using all this
influence to do so, Churchill said that to arrive at a solution he would be willing to grant sufficient
defense protection before a base was set up, and that likewise he would as a preliminary step
towards a final arrangement establish an all-Ireland defense commission.
 
     Following this Menzies and Churchill agreed that the former should go to Ireland this
week and discuss the matter with de Valera. Everybody in England realizes how urgently these
bases in Ireland are needed. I am sure that our help in securing the Irish bases is greatly hoped for. 
                                      
                                          WINANT