Irish neutrality was noble; not all our soldiers were
That is a precondition for the State to pardon deserters. Most countries in Europe in 1939-45 declared neutrality (as did the US) and only became involved in the conflict when they were attacked.
De Valera’s achievement — supported by all parties, the trade unions and the majority of the population — was to maintain neutrality, despite invasion threats. This was noble. Minister Shatter said these men deserted “to fight Hitler”. But many were sent to the fight the Japanese. Others were sent to the colony garrisons, including India, where Ghandi and independence leaders were jailed. Others deserted and never joined any army. Many ‘served’ with the British beyond 1945 and participated in their brutal operations in Greece, Burma, Kenya, Malaya, Palestine and elsewhere. Is the pardon condoning those imperial operations?
