The deal that safeguarded Ireland’s neutrality

TODAY marks the anniversary of the Anglo-Irish agreements of Apr 25, 1938.

The British not only agreed to end the Economic War but also to hand over the three Irish ports and abrogate all rights to other facilities in the 26 counties.

The 1921 Treaty had accorded the British permanent control of bases at Cobh, Berehaven, and Lough Swilley, along with the right to “such harbour and other facilities” as they desired “in time of war or of strained relations with a foreign power.” No country at war with Britain was likely to respect Irish neutrality, if the British had the right to use whatever Irish facilities they desired.