Anglo-Irish writer was helpful to both countries

Notwithstanding the offensive campaign over many years by Jack Lane to blacken the memory of Elizabeth Bowen, the holding of a Trevor/Bowen weekend in Mitchelstown and the annual service at Farahy show that many people in north Cork appreciate the area’s association with a famous writer.

Having had the chance to consult a personal communication from Brian Girvin clarifying the part of the text of his book on Irish neutrality, I find I was understating the position in saying that the Irish High Commissioner in London, John Dulanty, had foreknowledge and approval of Bowen’s visits to Ireland (Letters, September 9).

According to Girvin, Dulanty pressed her case to travel and he was the person who suggested to Bowen that she offer her services to the Ministry of Information as an unofficial correspondent. The fact that she was sponsored by Ireland’s chief diplomat in London — and her reports were helpful to the main cause of Irish neutrality as even Mr Lane acknowledges — blows all the hate-mongering charges of treason and espionage sky-high. “Unofficial correspondent” is a very accurate description of her work. Why not acknowledge in this era of excellent Anglo-Irish relations that she was helpful to both countries and that, in a sense, she was an agent of both?

Britain and Ireland were not enemies during World War II, which is the other false premise. Indeed, there was a considerable coincidence of interest, as evidenced by the close cooperation between the intelligence organisations in both countries and no obstacle was placed in the path of those who wanted to join the British or other forces.

Elizabeth Bowen declared herself as an Irish national, which she was entitled to do, and that was more than sufficient to make her so. Her choice of burial place in Farahy speaks for itself.

Dr Martin Mansergh TD

Leinster House

Kildare Street

Dublin 2