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DOCUMENT 2 Extracts from US Secretary of State, Cordell Hull’s criticism of Irish neutrality during World War II, and de Valera’s response, February-March 1944 - Junior Cycle History - Question b - 2011
Question b
DOCUMENT 2 Extracts from US Secretary of State, Cordell Hull’s criticism of Irish neutrality during World War II, and de Valera’s response, February-March 1944. (i... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:DOCUMENT 2 Extracts from US Secretary of State, Cordell Hull’s criticism of Irish neutrality during World War II, and de Valera’s response, February-March 1944 - Junior Cycle History - Question b - 2011
Step 1
What concern does Secretary of State, Cordell Hull, have about Ireland’s policy of neutrality?
Answer
Secretary of State Cordell Hull expressed concern that Ireland's efforts to halt Axis powers' exploitation of local conditions may be inadequate. He highlighted the potential focus on German and Japanese representatives in Ireland, which could result in military preparations in Britain and Northern Ireland being leaked to the enemy. Hull worried that the lives of UN troops might be put at risk.
Step 2
What reason does de Valera give for refusing the Secretary of State’s request to recall the German and Japanese representatives?
Answer
De Valera argued that removing representatives of a foreign state was the first step towards war. He emphasized that Ireland was not involved in the conflict, indicating that maintaining diplomatic relations was crucial.
Step 3
Mention two ways in which the Irish government attempted to prevent the leakage of information that might endanger British or American lives.
Answer
- The establishment of strong observation forces to monitor activities and prevent espionage.
- Censorship of press communications to control the information released to the public and prevent sensitive data from falling into enemy hands.
Step 4
From your study of World War II, mention two ways in which Irish neutrality favoured the Allies.
Answer
- Irish citizens were allowed to join British defense forces, providing necessary manpower against Axis powers.
- Secret talks with Britain regarding the preparation for potential German invasions of Ireland, ensuring that Allied strategies were coordinated.