Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
16618608
label
Ireland, 1938-1939
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
16618608
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
Ireland, 1938-1939
citationUrl
collections
President's Secretary's File (Franklin D. Roosevelt Administration)
Diplomatic Correspondence
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
16618608
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
4f7b73665469408a
ocrText
PSF
Ireland
1938-39
free
January 12, 1938.
Dear John:-
Thank you ever 80 much for that
awfully nice letter of theember sixteenth.
Thank heaven the tooth 1s out and the gum
is healed, and I am feeling really fit
again.
As you probably know, Joe Kennedy's
nomination has been sent to the Senate. I
am sure he will do a good piece of work in
London.
It seems a long time since you have
been home. Do let me know the next time you
are here.
This carries my very best wishes
to you and Mrs. Cudahy for the New Year.
As ever yours,
Honorable John Cudahy,
American Legation,
Dublin,
Ireland.
P.S.
Dublin,
December 16, 1937
Personal
Dear Mr. President,
I am sending a word of Christmas cheer to you
and Mrs. Roosevelt and I surely hope that you have
passed the worst with those teeth of yours.
I would have written you before, but there is
not much to write about from here and I don't want
to clutter your too-cumbersome mail with unnecessary
letters.
Since the press stories of Joe Kennedy's ap-
pointment have not been denied, I am hopeful that it
may come about. I was with Joe in London two years
ago and know that he is much respected by British
people in the most influential circles. At this time
of the pending trade treaty his selection as Ambassador
is
The Honorable
Franklin Delano Roosevelt,
The President of the United States,
The White House,
Washington.
- 2 -
is nothing less than an inspiration. With his extra-
ordinary business capacity and power of analyzing
difficult business and trade situations, Joe has
wonderfully shrewd common sense. And a most important
consideration is that he is one of the few Americans
not susceptible to the subtle brand of British flattery.
I devoutly hope that if Judge Bingham resigns, Joe
Kennedy will be chosen to succeed him.
With every sincere and faithful wish for the
holidays,
John ludity Respectfully yours,
PSF: Ireland -1938
February 9, 1938.
Dear John:
20
218
*
48
I have given a good deal of thought to
+
your letter of January 22nd and have talked it
over with the Secretary of State, who has also
had the background of your excellent despatches
describing your talks with De Valera. I quite
agree with you that a final solution of Anglo-
Irish relations, and of the Irish internal
problem, would be an inmeasurable gain from every
point of view, but I am not convinced that any
intervention, - no matter how indirect, - on
our part would be wise or for that matter ac-
complish the effect we had in mind. In the long
run considerations of national defense may well
lead England voluntarily to take the action you
now urge us to advocate. She 1s not blind to
such considerations, but I feel 1t would be a
healthier solution, even 1f a slower one, if
her decision were reached voluntarily, and on
the basis of her own self-interest, than as a
result of representations from a third power.
I hope you will continue to write me fully
for interested. the situation is one in which I an very much
Sincerely yours,
The Honorable
1193
John Cudahy,
548
Dublin.
Dent to state to Deard pouch Unrough
Originally filed in PSF: CF: State. Misfiled in
PSF.Ireland. Returned to PSF: CF: State 7/18/79 PHO
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
WASHINGTON
February 10, 1938
My dear Mr. President:
I return herewith the letter you sent me from
John Cudahy suggesting that you intervene in the
present Anglo-Irish negotiations, and in compliance
with your request for suggestions as to a reply
submit a draft letter for your consideration.
Faithfully yours,
Enclosure:
1. Letter from Mr. Cudahy,
January 22, 1938.
2. Letter to Mr. Cudahy.
The President,
The White House.
PSF: frel of
shith Carfidential.
January 22. 1938.
Dear m Priduct
The Landen
meeting between British and fish
representations has been suspended and
in true. from a purely Amican
felieve in will fail unless you can
newpounh I think in important that
you do this, for if this opportun it of
settling the anglo Sich hostilit other of
seven centusies, is lost, no
such opportun ity will be presented
during this generation.
an Incland friendly to Such Briten
means the approval by a great
share of Amsican public opin in
of closs Ausican British relations
and the significance 8 Delaw
as an in every uns borne home
emphatically to the Pritish desiy
the last was. ho Pritish defense
scheme can is n are the disk
( oach and it was this consideration duced
of defen Chambrtain se which to discuss has in the
M whole outject of any la drisk relations
with de babra.
The dis cussives ase dead lock id
because of the we str question
are batya says he can make no
settlement until this matter of the
northm countries is settled. He
Days that drish dentinements would
h coopration our with my lan d while deland The
to against any
is dis un ited 4 pastition of
n with counties. He talks naverably
enough and days he does he act want
to corce angone, That is prefectly
controls that the north stain its
own parli ament as Belfast
if it sends organizations
to a gensal drink pastianent
ah Dubbin. Debalya Days his
peop would new Tobsete any main Hundred
Bitish military forces m drink tenting unless
the Pritish take the initiation on the abots justin
and he is certin such action unit h approved
5 the great hilk if Pontish public opinion. only
small element in the Consentive Pat,
a would he opposed to liquid ation fthe Ulstr issue.
I believe if you saw his Rould hidday interest at
the write House and told him in wh and
the bettle much of any hish differences,
in hoped the prese h myotialions might success. ancreas, you
the effect would to anclusive for to
an the only me who can do this, and if you
noh to so S think the opportunity for cooprahing
Inku. there two reipubong calands which
Income NO were for the peace of the world,
will h losh for ensation at bach.
The Bitch will tell you
the in its nothing, that the preshing of
wist and kish wit burch h decided
5, above chat Lindon can here nothing to Le
with is. Bah & in Christian sends for
time Craig avou, the ands of the lebstr tills Paty,
in London They
and uppealing to him as patriot ah
him that the defense of my land is
utate, the roult will or suprishing
Forth the Prime himister Can bring about in
the with bow of the military , asison
whate and the suspens sin of of financial
Julio idea which support that, oom wish,
time
y hold h the wish matter of come, M
Perid L. an oljective A. vian
a and prom can were you sice the for
scheley sig cince of Insting with
of y the world. Ishall take the fish
is - cerp. time for comprace
Crip home to discuss The matter with
this But regations
you 4ym as d line a calla ftr sending
PSF: grehand
February 26, 1938.
Dear John:-
Would you be good enough to give this
in person to President De Valera? This relates
to the subject of your recent letter to me and
to President De Valera's letter to me in similar
vein handed me by Mr. Frank Gallagher.
As you will understand, it is a matter
which I cannot take up in any way officially or
through diplomatic channels, but am doing it
through this letter to President De Valera in a
purely personal capacity. Joe Kennedy under-
stands all about it.
My best wishes to you,
As ever yours,
Honorable John Cudahy,
American Legation,
Dublin,
Ireland.
Hyde Park, N. Y.
February 22, 1938.
Confidential
My dear President De Valera:
I was very happy to have your note by the hand
of Mr. Frank Gallagher, and it recalled to my mind
the days long ago when you and I knew each other
over here, long before either one of us thought of
the possibility of becoming a President.
As you will realize, I am greatly in sympathy
with the thought of reconciliation, especially be-
cause any reconciliation would make itself felt in
every part of the world. It would also strengthen
the cause of Democracy everywhere.
You will realize, I know, that I cannot offi-
cially or through diplomatic channels, accomplish
anything or even discuss the matter. But I have
taken the course of asking my good friend, Mr.
Joseph P. Kennedy, who sails today for England to
take up his post as Ambassador, to convey 8. personal
message from me to the Prime Minister, and to tell
the Prime Minister how happy I should be if recon-
ciliation could be brought about.
As an old friend, I send you my warm regards,
Faithfully yours,
His Excellency
The Honorable Eamon De Valera,
Presidentof the Irish Free State,
Dublin,
Ireland.
Confidential
ROINN AN UACHTARÁIN
DEPARTMENT OF THE PRESIDENT
BAILE ATHA CLIATH
DUBLIN
soorstót éireann
January 25th, 1938
Dear Mr. President,
Another great opportunity for finally
ending the quarrel of centuries between Ireland
and Britain presents itself. The one remaining
obstacle to be overcome 18 that of the Partition
of Ireland. The British Government alone have
the power to remove this obstacle. If they really
have the will they can bring about a united Ireland
in a very short time. I have pressed my views
upon them, but it 1s obvious that they recognise
only the difficulties and are not fully alive to
the great results that would follow a complete
reconciliation between the two peoples. Reconciliation
would affect every country where the two races dwell
together, knitting their national strength and
presenting to the world a great block of democratic
peoples interested in the preservation of Peace.
Knowing your own interest in this
matter, I am writing to ask you to consider whether
you could not use your influence to get the British
Government to realize what would be gained by
reconciliation and to get them to move whilst there
is time. In a short while, 1f the present
negotiations fail, relations will be worsened. I am
sending this by the hands of a trusty friend,
Mr. Frank Gallagher, who is in a position to give
you any information you may desire concerning the
facts of Partition and their bearing on the relations
between Great Britain and Ireland.
I avail of this occasion, Mr. President,
to express to you my sincere regard.
Eamon H ralera
His Excellency,
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
OC
Washington, D.C.
His Excellency,
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
reland
Dublin,
March 1, 1938.
Dear Mr. President:
I am genuinely indebted to you for your sympathetic
letter and your surprisingly accurate appraisal of the
Anglo-Irish situation. I have just come from a talk with
de Valera, and the negotiations, he tells me, will be
terminated at the end of this week without any "Signifi-
cant comprehensive results". He said that the British
refused to disucss partition and, in consequence, he was
unyielding on the matter of defence. These were the two
crucial items on the agenda. Whether anything could be
worked out on trade and financial relations, he did not
know and did not appear greatly interested.
I am relieved that you did not consider I had acted
as an advocate of the Irish cause in making my suggestion
to you. One of the great dangers of American representa-
tives in foreign countries is that sometimes they fall
in
The President,
The White House,
Washington.
- 2 -
in with the sentiment of the country to which they are
accredited, instead of being zealously, exclusively
mindful of American interests.
I thought it merely my duty to point out the far-
reaching significance of the Anglo-Irish negotiations
and what a contribution to world settlement it would be
if an enduring friendly understanding could be reached
between the two countries. I would not suggest any
pressure, but believe very earnestly that you could by
merely making an inquiry of the British Ambassador
concerning the progress of the negotiations and ex-
pressing the hope that they would terminate satisfact-
orily, play a telling part to our interest.
The negotiations will be formally terminated as
now foreseen on March 5, 1938. I hope there may be an
opportunity to re-open, but there is nothing to indicate
this.
Respectfully yours,
PSF: Ireland
March 9, 1938.
Dear John:-
Your analysis of what happened in
England is the best I have seen. As someone
remarked to me -- "If a Chief of Police makes
a deal with the leading gangstersand the deal
results in no more hold-ups, that Chief of
Police will be called a great man - but if the
gangsters do not live up to their word the
Chief of Police will go to jail. Some people
are, I think, taking very long chances --
don't you?
As ever yours,
Honorable John Cudahy,
American Legation,
Dublin,
Ireland.
PSF: Preland
Dublin,
March 1, 1938.
Dear Mr. President:
Back of all the press reports on the British
Cabinet crisis and the Parliamentary debates is
the fact that Mussolini, on his first encounter,
took a violent dislike to Eden. This was common
knowledge in diplomatic circles. Also, that Musso-
lini laid it down as practically a condition pre-
cedent that Eden should go.
I am certain our people in London have kept
the State Department advised that since Neville
Chamberlain became Prime Minister he has assumed
direction of Foreign Affairs. This Eden found
difficult after the free rein given him by Baldwin.
There was a story that Eden would get out following
the visit of Lord Halifax to Berlin.
But
The President,
The White House,
Washington.
- 2 -
But the outstanding feature of the crisis
is that it is further retreat; a meeting of
Mussolini on his own terms. Winston Churchill
came closest to making an honest analysis when
he said this. All other discussions in Parlia-
ment and in the press is typical English face-
saving. The situation is one of entering into
a contract with one who has shown bad faith and
repeatedly breached agreements. The Chamberlain
Government would have people believe that Musso-
lini should be treated as one whose good faith
can be taken at its face value, and Eden held out
for some assurance of performance in view of re-
peated broken promises. This is the real issue
and upon this Eden has at last stood firm, as he
should have done at the time Baldwin did not stand
back of him in the imposition of sanctions. It
is my belief that public opinion, if it could be-
come articulate, would be against the Government
on this issue.
The justification of the Prime Minister's
policy is that the time has not yet come in the
realization of the rearmament program to risk war.
But the trouble with this policy is that it marks
further
- 3 -
further retreat, which may be fatal in encourag-
ing the dangerous adventures of both Mussolini
and Hitler. When Hitler invaded the Rhineland
it was clear to all that the treaty system had
been replaced by force and show of force in dip-
lomacy, and each successful stroke of Rome and
Berlin makes this belief more certain.
I am sure Joe Kennedy will be able to keep
you thoroughly in touch. We have a good staff
in London. I recently had a long discussion
with Herschel Johnson and was much impressed by
him.
I am grateful for your letter concerning the
Anglo-Irish negotiations which is a clear and
sympathetic statement of this situation from our
viewpoint. The negotiations have failed, as I
predicted at the outset, but I am seeing de Valera
shortly and will report Respectfully to you.
John hudaly
Hill
1
PSF: reland
Dublin,
April 6, 1938.
Personal and
Confidential
Dear Mr. President:
I am grateful for your last note. De Valera was
highly pleased and promised me he would lock your letter
in his private strong box at home. I was entirely sat-
isfied. In my opinion, he is that rare individual whose
word can be taken at its face value. I believe him to
be entirely honest.
The basic thing about Austria is that now there is
no balance on the continent. It is like a structure of
which the keystone has been taken away. Nothing can now
be predicted, for the post-war status quo is irretrievably
lost and the Polish-Lithuanian coup is only an example of
who t may now be expected. There is no stability left in
Europe. Only a fool could have an optimistic outlook.
I
The President,
The White House,
Washington.
- 2 -
I think Chamberlain's is the most weak, vacillating,
humiliating policy England has ever presented. It is a
drifting, not a policy at all and the amazing thing is
the unity of the press and the powers behind the Prime
Minister. For three centuries the British have insisted
that the base of their foreign relations was a balance of
power in Europe. Now, with Austria gone, and the balance
with it, they evade the issue of Czechoslovakia with a
face-saving which is incredible. One of the consequences
is Mussolini's arrogant speech, thumbing his nose at
Chamberlain. If a British-Italian accord is accomplished
it will be on Mussolini's terms. It is an ignominious
defeat and yet the criticism of Chamberlain in his own
country has no realistic, clean-cut leadership to insist
that the issue be met.
That is the tragedy. There is no leadership to op-
pose the dictators. Two years ago when Hitler invaded the
Rhineland the treaty system was scrapped and there remained
only one language they could understand. If one man in
England or in France had used that language, had spoken
out then as you did when the Panay was sunk, we would
have a different picture today. It is not too late even
now, but the leadership is not forthcoming.
The Anglo-Irish negotiations still continue. Even
if something is accomplished on trade and financial matters,
the
- 3 -
the fundamental misunderstanding, which is partition,
will not be resolved and so there is no present pros-
pect of a permanent reconciliation.
John Cudaly Respectfully yours,
PSF: reland
Dublin,
April 6, 1938.
Personal.
Dear Mr. President,
I remember Colonel House showing me the photograph
you inscribed for him on the day of your inauguration,
and how touched he was by your affectionate thought of
him.
I received one of the last letters he wrote, I be-
lieve. It was hard for him to be on the side lines
during the stirring days in Europe.
He was a sympathetic friend and had unique gifts
as a negotiator. It will be a long time before We can
look upon his like again.
John Ridahy Respectfully yours,
The President,
The White House,
Washington.
April 16, 1938
Dear John:
Thanks for your letters. There is one thing
about the world situation-and I think only one
which is on the hopeful side of the ledger-that
we in the United States are still better off than
the people or the governments of any other great
country.
Over here there is the same element that
exists in London. Unfortunately, it is led by so
many of your friends and mine. They would really
like me to be a Neville Chamberlain--and if I would
promise that, the market would go up and they would
work positively and actively for the resumption of
prosperity. But if that were done, we would only
be breeding far more serious trouble four or eight
years from now.
Dear old Colonel House was a grand soul and
we shall all mise him.
As ever yours,
fdr/tmb
Honorable John Cudahy,
American Legation,
Dublin,
Irish Free State.
filling
reland 39.c
april H. 1938
clear on Prident,
I am
hopeful then BillBullitt
will ship off and see me
an his was back to Pais,
for I in anxions to have
a post Land n porth I things how
it home and especially
you an pulicy.
The Re org an is whin Bill
antome uns a little pill
pr me, his I Lope ih has
noh gat you down
Little Phil Latallette is acting up
true to form. you had him accessaly
appraised from the with hit he has
grat political possibilities and may so a
by way in gathering in all shades of
Apposition.
The siok Batish agree much is a coundrful
truin th for Debalsa and their his
shte much concerning
is un subjection from our anyle. he He
wa Senius as a negative for
repeared in telling me about the Gms and
2 the agree much, to
no denth he fan the upersion in
Landar of getting nothing. Bill was
night about his own people many of
them an funding fault with the
agreement.
I am inclosing Koscinszko
stamps sent the from Poland The
cancellation is an the late 8 issue.
Respectfully years
May 13, 1938.
My dear Mr. President:-
Thank you for your good
letter. I have been made very happy by the
reaching of the agreement, as you know, even
though the final reconciliation remains for
the future. What you have succeeded in doing
will help the cause of democracy the world
over.
I am, as you know, glad
to be of the smallest help in a good cause
even though I must sometimes act personally
and by word of mouth instead of going through
the difficulties of diphomatic channels.
with By sincere regards,
Faithfully yours,
His Excellency
The Honorable Eamon De Valera,
President of the Irish Free State,
Dublin, Ireland.
May 13, 1938.
Dear John:-
I was delighted to have Mr. De Valera's
letter and I am enclosing a little note for you
to give him in person. Tell him also from me
that I have written you that I find my own two
Irishmen, one in Dublin and the other in London,
most helpful.
Ever 80 many thanks for those Polish
stamps.
As ever yours,
Honorable John Cudahy,
American Legation,
Dublin,
Ireland.
Dublin,
April 29, 1938.
Personal and Confidential
Dear Mr. President:
De Valera is too experienced a negotiator to
make much of the agreement with England, but it is
a wonderful triumph and he is very grateful, as
the enclosed letter indicates. At one time it
seemed as if negotiations would utterly collapse
and it was only a few days before the agreement
was executed that it appeared possible of accept-
ance by Ireland.
I think this agreement will have more far-
reaching significance for world peace than is now
recognized and certainly from an American viewpoint
it is a very desirable accomplishment. I am certain
the Irish-American element will acclaim it more
enthusiastically
The President,
The White House,
Washington.
- 2 -
enthusiastically even than here in Ireland, especially
the abandonment of the ports by the British.
July Respectfully yours,
ROINN AN TAOISIGH
DEPARTMENT OF THE TAOISEACH
BAILE ATHA CLIATH
DUBLIN
eme
April 22nd, 1938.
Confidential
Dear Mr. President:
I received your very kind letter of
February 22nd, and have been informed by
Mr. Cudahy of the steps, following your
instructions, taken by Mr. Kennedy on his
arrival in London.
The knowledge of the fact that you
were interested came most opportuntely at a
critical moment in the progress of the
negotiations. Were it not for Mr. Chamberlain
personally the negotiations would have broken
down at that time, and I am sure that the
knowledge of your interest in the success of
the negotiations had its due weight in deter-
mining his attitude.
I am now happy to state that an
agreement between the two Governments has been
reached. The terms will have been already
published before this reaches you.
So far as the matters covered are
concerned, the agreement will, I believe, give
satisfaction to both countries. Unfortunately,
however, the matter which most affects national
sentiment - the ending of the partition of our
country - finds no place in the agreement. A
complete reconciliation, to the importance of
which I referred in my previous letter, remains
still for the future. All we can hope 18 that
the present agreement will be a step towards
it.
I want to express to you my thanks for
your kind interest, and for your assistance.
I know of the many difficult problems of your
own country which are engaging your attention,
and I am deeply grateful that you could find
time to give a thought to ours.
With renewed regards.
Sincerely yours,
Eamon 22 Valira
His Excellency,
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
00
billand folder 8-2
June 28, 1938.
Dear John:-
I am glad you slipped over to Prague
and Budapest and I hope you will make other
trips from time to time. Things are very
definitely in a dangerous balance and all we
can do is hope for the best.
My best wishes to you,
As ever yours,
Honorable John Cudahy,
American Legation,
Dublin,
Ireland.
Dublin,
June 13, 1938.
Personal and
Dear Mr. President:
The Secretary of State gave me permission to visit
Prague and Budapest, and I have just written him a letter
regarding my visit, which I believe you may find of
interest.
Last night I was looking over a number of my letters
to you while in Poland and from the predictions I made
in these, I would be tempted to prophesy again, but I
believe the situation in Europe today is unpredictable.
One has the feeling that a new order will certainly
emerge and that the processes of this new order are now
in motion. Certainly the present status quo cannot long
continue, but whether this change will be accomplished
by actual force or by the new technique of the show of
force, I don't believe anyone can say. The thing to em-
phasize is that an explosion is entirely possible this
summer
The President,
The White House,
Washington.
- 2 -
summer and probable before the end of another summer.
We must not be taken off our guard if a war does occur
this summer.
I spent some time with Bill Bullitt in Paris and
believe he is the best-informed man in Europe. His views
on the dangerous potentialities of the situation are even
more emphatic than my own.
I am in a good position here to slip over to the
continent quietly from time to time, because the position
of Ireland is not involved in continental politics and
my comings and goings cause no comment. If you think
well of it, I may make another trip before I go to the
United States at the end of August.
Johnludely Respectfully
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
DIVISION OF PROTOCOL
2/4/39.
Dear Miss LeHand:-
Am returning this letter
for the President's personal files
as requested in White House memo of
this date.
A notation has been made
of this letter for Mr. Summerlin who
has read the letter from Eamon de
Valera.
your Puris
Donn Purvis)
Secretary to Mr. Summerlin
PSF Indianal
Dear
ROINN AN TAOISIGH
DEPARTMENT OF THE TADISEACH
BAILE ATHA CLIATH
DUBLIN
eme
January 19th, 1939
Dear Mr. President,
I have received, through
Mr. Cudahy, your very kind letter inviting my
wife and myself to spend 8. day or two at the
White House during my visit to the United
States of America. I appreciate this
invitation very much, and I have great
pleasure in accepting it. My wife has asked
me to express her thanks also, and her deep
regret that as she cannot leave home at this
time she will be unable to share the privilege
of being received by you and Mrs. Roosevelt.
In accordance with the arrangement
made between Mr. Brennan and your staff, I shall
arrive in Washington on the 7th May.
With all good wishes for the
New Year.
Very sincerely yours,
E'amon In Valéra
The Honorable,
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
of America,
00
WASHINGTON, D.C.
PSF
full
Dublin,
January 21, 1939.
Dear Mr. President:
Joe Kennedy's and Bill Bullitt's testimony
before the Military Affairs Committee got an awful
splash of publicity in the Irish newspapers. The
English press held the story down as well as they
could, but those things do a great deal of harm
and I regretted very much the whole incident.
Apparently there was a leak somewhere, however
small.
I am strongly in sympathy with your armament
program as I am sure anyone is who has any ac-
quaintance with the trend of events on this side
of the water, for certainly one would have to be
an idiotic optimist not to realise that Europe faces
an inescapable dilemma: either a march of the armies
or a terrific economic crash. It is only a question
of
The President,
The White House,
Washington.
- 2 -
of time and any prediction which attempts to fix
a date with any precision is, of course, always
difficult, if not impossible.
Judge Moore writes me very faithfully, so I
keep in touch with things. It is certain that the
neutrality legislation, which many of us favored
amended
so strongly, must now be ignor ed in view of condi-
tions, but I must tell you frankly I am not in
sympathy with our attitude towards Germany. This
is the first time I have not shouted for our
foreign policy, but frankly I cannot see the pro-
priety of our action in protesting against the
inhuman treatment by Germans of German Jews. I
am fearful that We may again assume our customary
attitude of a moral world souverainty somewhat
reminiscent of the same righteous spirit with which
Wilson refused to recognize Huerta.
Respectfully gms
Schuludahy
PSF Instand
(Onig voint't state to be forwarded Ponel
March 4, 1939
Dear John:
You and not Mr. de Valera are right about the
effect of our policy during the past month. It has
had a definite effect on Germany and only a slightly
less effect on Italy.
The truth about the newspaper story is, of course,
a very simple and obvious one. I never of course
mentioned frontiers on the Rhine or in France or any-
where else but I did point out that there are fifteen
or sixteen independent nations in Europe whose continued
independent political and economic existence is of
actual moment to the ultimate defense of the United
States. I pointed out that if, for example, the
Baltic states went the way of Caechoslovakia and fell
completely under German domination, the American
position would be to that extent weakened. That if
the Scandinavian countries were to lose their present
political and economic independence, again the position
of the United States would be weakened. That the same
thing holds true with regard to Holland and Belgium and
Portugal and even Greece, Egypt and Turkey - not to
mention Romania, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia. And I
pointed out that Czechoslovakia, a year ago could very
properly be called a link in American defense against
German and Italian aggression in the future; that
Czechoslovakia no longer constituted such a link.
All of which was, of course, not only true but
proper. The howls and curses that have continued to
come from Berlin and Rome convinces me that the general
result has been good even if a few silly Senators re-
ported the conversation in a wholly untruthful way.
As ever yours,
Honorable John Cudahy,
American Minister,
Dublin,
Irish Free State.
fdr/tmb
PSF Includ
Personal
Dublin,
February 9, 1939.
Dear Mr. President:
Regardless of the facts behind the French
frontier newspaper story, I am convinced the net
result is a good one, for the only hope of staying
the aggressive tactics of Mussolini and Hitler is
by confronting them with a reality that the United
States will support Great Britain and France by
material means.
While your emphatic denial has caused some
superficial uncertainty over here, the violent
outpourings from Italy and the vitriolic abuse of
the German press indicate how much Mussolini and
Hitler have been disconcerted and how deeply has
registered the spectacle of a French-British front
with the support of the United States in the background.
I
The President,
The White House,
Washington.
- 2 -
I discussed the whole thing at length last
night with Mr. de Valera who disagrees with me
regarding the ultimate effect. He thinks that
your disavowal has cleared the atmosphere concern-
ing America as far as the Dictators are concerned,
and that they have reason to believe now that
American public opinion will not tolerate any
other than an attitude of the most rigid
neutrality.
July Respectfully yours,
PSF
yil Pusmel
Personal
Dublin,
March 28, 1939.
Dear Mr. President:
It is now possible to predict the outlook for the
next six weeks. Mussolini's speech, stripped of general
belligerency, coming down to the cases--Jibuti, the Suez
and Tunis--does not demand anything which cannot be the
subject of negotiation by France without losing too much
face.
Hitler took 125 million dollars in gold from Prague,
I am told, and this will be supplemented by a further
confiscation of the Jews' property and a seizure of one-
half the possessions of the Catholic Church in Germany.
If you can apply any measurement of logic to Hitler
the consequent improvement in German economy, with the
necessity of consolidating the Czech conquest, should
keep him occupied until early summer at least.
But even the British now recognize that any status
quo is transitory and the only question is where Hitler
will go next. It is not plausible to think he will move
into
The President,
The White House,
Washington.
- 2 -
into Slovenia and Croatia without the initiative of
Mussolini. I am certain he is not yet ready to attack
Poland. Rumania should, therefore, be next. A likely
method would be for the German ally, Hungary, to insist
upon the return of Transylvania. Rumania will resist if
given any show of support by the British or French, and
once again Chamberlain will be faced with the dilemma of
calling a halt, or giving further ground, this time closer
to British possessions.
I have just talked to the British Ambassador succeed-
ing Lord Perth at Rome, who was last stationed in Turkey,
and he tells me the Turks will fight if Germany invades
their country, and that if the Germans dominate the Black
Sea it will mean the end of the Empire. So perhaps the
stand will come at the Turkish frontier. But there is yet
no sign of any stand. An alliance with other countries
will probably never get beyond the talk stage. Poland is
the only power on the continent of any considerable mili-
tary force to which the British could turn, and there is
little likelihood that they will make a mutual commitment
of any meaning with Poland or Russia.
The striking thing is the crushing failure of Chamber-
lain's policy at every turn and the naive refusal of his
Government to admit that failure. Only British mentality
could be so invincible in error. Yet there is no other
leadership in sight than Chamberlain and if he should go
there
- 3 -
there is no one to take his place.
My admiration is very great for the way you have
handled our end of things. I am sure ninety percent of
the American people are behind your foreign policy. But
at the time you spoke it took courage and leadership.
There is nothing else we can do now exceptamend the neu-
trality law; that and perpare our defences, as you have
urged upon Congress.
My thanks for your letter which bore out my assump-
tion of what took place with the Committee.
Respectfully John Cularly yours
PSF: Ireland
Dublin,
April 3, 1939.
Dear Mr. President,
The declaration to Poland is not so violent a
commitment as it may at first seem. Mr. Chamberlain
was careful to point out that he was engaged in ne-
gotiations with other countries and this obligation
to Poland was an "interim" one. Therefore, if
nothing comes of the negotiations there will be no
continuing obligation. The Times brought out that
"independence" did not mean "integrity" so there
would be no duty to defend Poland against every ag-
gressive attack. Danzig by this reasoning might
well be excluded from vital independent Polish in-
terests.
Morally, though, it means that at last England
has decided to make a stand. Why for Poland, the
most vulnerable country in Europe, with frontiers
utterly
The President,
The White House,
Washington.
- 2 -
utterly exposed on both sides to Russia and Germany,
its traditional enemies, while Czechoslovakia is
tossed overboard with 1,250,000 well-prepared, well-
equipped fighting men, a powerful line of fortifica-
tions, artillery and the Skoda munition works?
Poland has no heavy artillery, no important
munition establishment and no fortification. Yet
Germany is not now ready to fight for the Corridor
or Silesia. These are for later consideration.
Meanwhile Poland serves as a flanking force against
Russia.
The only way I can explain this latest tension
is an attempt by the Germans to stop Beck from going
to London. Beck is one of the shrewdest and most
realistic brains in Europe. He is trading. He knows
that if he cannot get financial help from Great
Britain or France his country is lost. It is only
the truth to say that Poland came into being and has
been kept alive by the great loans the United States
made after the war. The country is hopelessly poverty
stricken.
I have not been shaken in the views written you
on March 28. Despite the belief of world markets to
the contrary, I am still of the opinion that this
excitement will die down and there will be a lull
until the early summer.
Respectfully bhuluday years
PSF: freland
Dublin,
April 6, 1939.
Confidential
Dear Mr. President,
I had a talk with de Valera and did my best
to impress upon him the fact that he must not talk
too much about Partition and unity with Northern
Ireland during his American tour. I said the
American people were very much wrought up by the
situation in Europe, that our sympathies were with
the democratic powers and overwhelmingly supported
the Administration. I told him very emphatically
that if he were to dwell in his speeches upon any
movement which would be considered an attack upon
England this would be resented by the people in our
country and would react to the detriment of the
Irish cause.
He
The President,
The White House,
Washington.
- 2 -
He professed to be impressed by what I
said and promised me that whatever he would
say on the Partition issue would be said with
tact and discrimination. But I wish you would
hammer home to him the necessity of treading
very lightly on any controversial issue directed
against England. I need not tell you that this
is written in greatest confidence and it would
be fatal to me here if you were to disclose to
Mr. de Valera that I have written you about
this matter.
Profectfully years
John Undaby
child
Ps Inelo)
TELEGRAM
Cable
The White House
of
Mashington
DUBLIN April 27 1939
The President
Hyde Park (via the White House)
I regret very much indeed that owing to certain events
which may have grave consequences here I am compelled at
the last moment to postpone my visit to America. I am
extremely grateful for the trouble taken in relation to
my visit by you and the Secretary of State. I look forward
with great pleasure to visiting you and fulfilling my engage_
-ments in America as soon as circumstances permit.
Eamon DeValera.
1145amd
PSF Insland
TELEGRAM
file mal The White House
THE WHITE HOUSE
Mashington
Washington DC April 27, 1939
WDH
Read DeValera's telegram to the President by telephone.
At President's request directed State Department to acknowledge
telegram in his name expressing keen regret and saying the
President counted upon seeing him this summer.
The President was much interested. Also please tell
President I have authorized Mrs. Helm to cancel invitations
to the dinner scheduled in DeValera's honor for Sunday evening
May seventh. Therefore I give you for his information the
following United Press report:
"Until yesterday evening it was my intention to leave
this week-end for the United States, DeValera told the
DAIL. "The importance of my visit to that country, where
there are tens of millions of people of Irish origin and
where the people as a whole have been of unfailing support
in times of crisis when we have been resisting aggression
justified such risks as might be involved in my leaving
the country.
"Certain grave offenses which occurred yesterday have
however, changed the situation and I have deemed it necessary
to alter my plans and postpone my visit."
DeValera was pressed for an explanation of the"offenses"
but he declined to reveal them. James Dillon asked him what
they were but DeValera replied:
"I do not think it would be in the public interest that
I should state them now"
DeValera thanked President Roosevelt and the American
people for the invitation to visit the United States and
said he thought it would be understood why he had to post-
ponedhis trip.
"I would like to add that I feel extremely grateful
to President Roosevelt and the American people for their
invitation to me as a representative of the Irish nation
and for the preparations they made to receive me," he said.
"I am sure they will understand that nothing but a
situation of real gravity would have prevented me from ful
filling my engagements as arranged.
Official circles declined to reveal the nature of
the "offenses," but it was known that they referred to the
ITish nation and were understood in some quarters to have been
connected with Great Britain's constription announcement.
STE
P.F
printe
July 28, 1939 Iraland
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THE SECRETARY OF STATE
AMBASSADOR HUGH WILSON
I had a long discussion yesterday with Mr. Edward Quarles
who for the past thirty years has been the managing director of
the Vacuum 011 Company in Germany with headquarters at Hamburg.
I have known Mr. Quarles for many years upon such terms that I
am confident that what he told me can be accepted without
qualification or reserve.
He said that he was convinced Germany would, before the end
of another year, face economic collapse. Exports have fallen 80
precipitously due to effective foreign boycotts that imports of
essential raw materials are curtailed to such a point that the
economic structure cannot survive unless relief is forthcoming.
There is acute shortage of meats, butter (ration now one half a
pound per week), eggs (three per week but one never got the full
ration). The normal wheat crop 1s sufficient only to sustain
half the population, but it is possible that the country might,
by consuming rye and oats, have sufficient grain for sustenance.
There 1s also an acute shortage of raw materials such as wool,
cotton, rubber and 011. The supply of structural metals (iron,
steel, nickel and chromium) 18 so limited that construction is
radically reduced. As illustrative of the severity of this
shortage all iron fences in Hamburg had been torn up to be smelted.
Mr. Quarles did not feel the imminence of inflation despite
the hardship caused by this lack of food stuffs and raw materials.
-2-
His reasons: the iron discipline of the regime, the tractability
of the people and terror of the Gestapo.
Mr. Quarles 1s convinced that the situation is 80 critical
that a settlement looking to a re-establishment of German trade
and access to essential raw materials must be effected before
another winter. For this reason he believes that Hitler will pre-
cipitate another crisis before the end of September. A round-
table discussion will ensue and he will be granted access to raw
material areas now in control of Great Britain and France. Quarles
states that he has known Hitler since the beginning of the Nazi
regime, has studied him very carefully and believes that while
Hitler will come very close, he will not face the guns. Hitler
does not want war and will not go to war knowing that it means
national suicide. Mr. Quarles expressed the opinion that Hitler's
ambitions were confined to the return of Danzig and the Corridor,
restoration of the colonies, free access to essential raw materials.
Mr. Quarles did not think Danzig could be the cause of war.
In a show-down, Great Britain and France would persuade Poland to
effect a compromise, cede Danzig and give Germany transit across
the Corridor in exchange for a long term guarantee of peace from
Germany. I do not subscribe to these views for based on my
knowledge of the Polish national character, I believe the Poles
will fight for Danzig and the Corridor even though they know such
a fight may be unsupported and against tremendous, even hopeless,
odds.
John Cuday JOHN CUDAHY
PSF Instand
Inland
Like
Personal.
Dublin, August 17,1939.
Dear Mr. President:
De Valera will reach New York September 28th
and I hope you will not be away from Washington
when he arrives there. You will be impressed by Dev
(as we all call him). He has strength and a moral
stature that one feels on first contact. Martin
Conboy, who is staying here with his family has
great admiration for him. Together, we agreed last
night that our own President and Dev were the only
statesmen of the democracies in this generation. I
have often said that if de Valera were Prime Minister
of Great Britain it would be a different world today.
He has your quality of showing the way instead of
being shown. I shall be interested in your judgment
of him after your meeting. I told him your views,
and he reaffirmed what I said to you about Ireland
and the next war.
I saw Bill Bullitt for a few minutes in London
but had no opportunity to get his views on the outlook.
Joe
President Franklin D. Roosevelt,
The White House.
- 2 -
Joe K is away in Cannes, and Herschel Johnson, in
charge of the Embassy reports all quiet, with no
present prospects of an explosion. For the moment
the optimists are entitled to a hearing, but
fundamentals remain the same and I do not like the
threat of the Japanese against Hong Kong. That would
never be made unless there was an understanding of
synchronized action by Germany in the European scene.
Respectfully John ludely yours
as a president can, and enjoying
I hope you an taking it as aslay a
much needed ret.
/
of B
the "in 11 Land Neworks" mayr
is
3
M
PSF
filenne
Indiand
Dublin,
11th September, 1939.
Dear Mr. President,
I am grateful, you may be sure, for your ready
response to our situation here, and your sympathetic
understanding, which never fails. It was great to
talk to you the other night, and I am thoroughly
indebted for your efforts in getting us emergency
funds.
of course all Americans in Europe are clamor-
ing to get home, and most of them fail to understand
why they cannot be repatriated at once. The main
thing is to calm them down and let them know that
they have not been abandoned by their Government,
but will be taken home just as soon as ships are
available. There are, as far as we know, in France,
England and Ireland, about fifteen thousand Americans
anxious
The President,
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
The White House,
Washington.
- 2 -
anxious to get out. I believe we shall have almost
all of them on their way home by the first week in
October. As far as Ireland is concerned, there is
no need of apprehension, for this country is
determined to maintain neutrality, and I believe
will do so, for months at least. From the present
outlook we will have all Americans started home
within another three or four weeks, and then I will
be among the unemployed.
I would appreciate it deeply if you could write
a short note to the Lord Mayor of Galway, telling
him of our gratitude for the efficient and
sympathetic handling of the four hundred and
thirty survivors of the Athenia.
After I made my report about the Athenia, I
met in Galway, Captain Kirk, our Naval Attaché, and
found that his evidence coincided with mine, except
on the question of the second projectile. He
concluded that there was only one explosion, that
from the submarine, but I reported a second explosion
from a shell, projected through the air. I see
Churchill, in giving an account to the House of
Commons
- 3 -
the Conclusions 2
Commons on September 7th, sustained A my report and
stated that soon after the torpedo struck the ship,
the submarine came to the surface and fired a shell
which exploded on one of the ship's decks.
You might remember asking me during our last
conversation how long I thought the Polish army could
hold out unsupported against Germany. I gave them
two months, you will remember.
I know how sick at heart you must be about this
terrible War which will probably last for years and
set the clock back a generation. Please give me
orders at any time if I can be of any
essenger
Service in Europe, or if you think I could be of
use over there.
Respectfully your
Johnludahr
PSF
School
Dublin,
September 15th, 1939.
Dear Mr. President,
M. Jules Blondel, the French Minister, came
to see me and advanced two theses contingent
upon the collapse of Poland.
would
One, that Mussolini intervene on the side
of Germany, to share in the distribution of the
British and French Empires. This goes upon the
assumption that Germany will have demonstrated
a crushing military superiority to the French
and English.
The other, that the Italian armies will march
with Great Britain and France, when Mussolini is
convinced that Hitler is bound to fail ultimately.
The quid pro quo would be the removal of the German
menace
The President,
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
The White House,
Washington.
- 2 -
menace from the Brenner, the absorption of Austria
by Italy and the settlement of Italian Colonial
ambitions.
Blondel would impress you as an unusually
intelligent observer, and a man of level headed
judgement. He was Chargé in Rome for two years,
until Francois-Poncet was sent there as Ambassador
four months ago. He told me Mussolini was the
greatest gambler in the world today, and the great-
est realist. The suggestion that Mussolini will
take a hand in the war after Poland has collapsed
was made also by the Italian Minister, who told me
the other day that Italy would "arrange a realistic
peace after Poland was finished."
I do not want to clutter your desk with
unnecessary letters these days, but know your
mind is focused on the European scene, and thought
this might interest you.
I talked to Bill Bullitt just after the storm
broke, and keep constantly in touch with Kennedy.
We are watching the neutrality legislation
closely and dee sure public fee tinent is
with you.
I'll have nothing to do her in three
on for weells.
John lidaly Respectfully y mys
September 18, 1939
My dear Lord Mayor:
Minister Cudaby has told ne of
the efficient and sympathetic manner in
which the authorities and citizens of
Galway sade arrangement for the reception
and care on September fifth of the
Athenia survivors, among whom were one
hundred and twelve Americans.
Your generous, sympathetic and
capable provision for these distressed
Americans has noved our country profoundly,
and I hope you will express to the Reverend
Dr. Browne, Bishop of Galway and to the
nembers of the relief committee our most
genuine end lasting gratitude.
Very sincerely yours,
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT
The Honorable James Costello,
Lord Mayor of Galway,
Ireland.
The President when signing this letter
wrote a P.S. in longhand at the bottom.
According to G.G.T. the following is an
approximation of what he said:
The State Dept feels that you ought to
stay in Dublin--their judgement you
should be there.
PSF Indian
Dublen
October 17, 1939.
Dear John:-
I am delighted that the congestion of
passengers to the United States is nearly over
and I think you have handled everything beauti-
fully. The neutrality legislation here seems
to be going all right.
In regard to Tony, I think it most
important for him to stay close to the Polish
Government in France. We have recognized that
Government and to bring his home now would be
a virtual slap in the face. Besides which
Tony has lots of discretion, he and his wife
will get some rest in France after all they
have been through, and he will be able to
help Bill Bullitt in many ways.
Thank the Lord the "Iroquois" is
safely in. What a fantastic performance on
the part of the German Government!
My best wishes to you,
Always sincerely,
Honorable John Cudahy,
American Logation,
Dublin,
Ireland.
PSF
Dublin,
September 25, 1939.
Personal
Dear Mr. President,
In another week or two we will be through
with our job of getting home-sick Americans away
from this Island, and then I will be among the
unemployed.
I think I could make myself most useful by
going to London, Paris and Berlin, viewing things
on the ground floor, and then going to Washington
with a verbal report for you.
If you think well of this you might please
have Miss Lehand send me a message.
I have read and re-read your Neutrality Address
to Congress and think it was one of the finest you
have ever made. You put the case simply, succintly
and
The President,
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
The White House,
Washington.
- 2 -
and very persuasively, and what I like is the absence
of anything approaching rhetorical flourish. Those of
us who believed in the arms embargo realise in experience
that we were wrong, and I am sure you will convince the
country that your recommendations are the soundest
course to keep us out of war, by avoiding the proximate
causes which drew us into the last war.
I must tell you how wonderfully Joe Kennedy is co-
operating with me and helping me at every turn. He
executed in a few hours yesterday some business for
Americans going to England from Ireland for repatriation
that would, in the ordinary course, have taken a week
or more.
I had a long talk with Tony Biddle last night; he
has done a grand bit of work and should be called home
now for a rest. He merits it. Bill Bullitt told
me he was having the time of his life and never so
happy.
Johnday Respectfully your
PSF Incland
Personal and Confidential.
Dublin, October 2, 1939.
Dear Mr. President,
I hope you will call Tony Biddle home without
delay. The Polish State became a fiction on October
1st and the Government taken over by Rackiewicz can
do nothing except agitate for a hopeless cause.
An American Ambassador to Poland in Paris would
mean that he would be constantly approached as an
intermediary to raise troops and funds in our country
in contravention of our Neutrality Laws. The effort
of Sikorski is a sample of what will be forthcoming.
It will be impossible to divorce the personal from
the official acts of an American Ambassador to Poland.
Tony has been through a long trying siege. He should
be called home now for a rest. I am sure you will
agree, if you have not already made a decision.
No one can feel more deeply about Poland than I
do, but we must face the disagreeable fact that Poland
is now a memory and our business is primarily to stay
out of this war.
The
The President
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
The White House.
- 2 -
The sinking of the Athenia has been handled with
the hand of experienced wisdom.
Now it has ceased to be news and if any diplomatic
action is necessary a Note can be sent to all belligerents,
on like terms, for there never was any evidence that the
Athenia was sunk by a German submarine. If we protested
to Germany alone and ignored the other warring nations we
would be protesting upon presumption, not on proof. In
this way we made a record in the last war from which we
could not recede, as you know so well.
The progress of the Neutrality Legislation looks very
promising from this distance and I am sure Congress will
do as you have asked.
I am hopeful for favorable word from you concerning
my proposed trip to France and Germany. I am sure I
could bring back interesting information if you would
approve my going.
Respectfully yours
John Rudaly
PSF Inclared
Personal.
Dublin, October 27,1939.
file
Dear Mr. President,
After two months of war it is possible to
appraise the Irish neutral position. One becomes
very cautious about making predictions in Europe,
but assuming the war develops as now indicated Ire-
land will remain neutral. It is a real neutrality
even though benevolently disposed toward England-- a
neutralité dirige. The British have at length sent
a Minister here designated a "representative".
I had a long talk with de Valera last night. He
is convinced his course must be neutral because he is
assailed by other sides, the die-harders and the Anglo
element. The one accuse him of being in the vest-
pocket of England, and the Anglos are contemptuous of
Irish neutrality believing that this Island is still
a part of the United Kingdom.
//
You as a naval man will readily appreciate this:
there is a real danger in the importance of Berehaven
and
The President
The White House.
- 2 -
Bantry Bay the plans of the Admiralty. At present
British destroyers must operate from Pembroke and Plymouth
200 and 300 miles further than these Irish ports. And
as you know so well the most frequented approach to England
is by this south-west coast of Ireland.
Churchill was bitterly opposed to the transfer of
the Irish ports in the settlement between de Valera and
Chamberlain and as the war reaches a more desperate stage
may insist that British Naval Operations be conducted from
Bantry Bay and Berehaven.
This would be a great mistake for if any attempt was
made by the British to occupy any part of the Irish Coast
you would see that same hostility towards England that you
personally witnessed here during the last war.
Respectfully yours,
thirtuday
D
PSF Indand
1 23
Dublin, October 28,1939
Dear Mr. President,
It took a great effort to resist an impulse
to send you a cable of congratulation last night.
Never in the history of American politics has
there been such masterful leadership as your conduct
of the neutrality battle. Your last radio talk was
wonderfully well timed and was the last push I am
sure to put the thing over in smashing style.
I wrote Pa Watson offering to settle a bet made
with him last summer that you would never accept the
nomination, but sad as it is from your personal view-
point there is now no other patriotic course open to
you. For I am sure the overwhelming mass of Ameri-
cans have my conviction that you are the only man in
point of training, experience and demonstrated judge-
ment capable of handling the Presidency during this
war.
Everything is in order for me to visit France
and Germany except permission.
I wish you would let me go. I am dying of slow
rust and rot here.
Respectfully John ludely 7 arrs
The President
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
The White House.
PSF Indand
Personal and
1.
Dublin, November 3,1939.
file
Dear Mr. President,
General Ironside told me that as far as the
French and British are concerned there would be no
offensive this year. He said that an attempt to smash
through either the Maginot or Seigfried Lines would be
madness and the casualties would be appalling.
But he does not think the present stalemate will
be continued. Neither Hitler nor the morale of the
German people can withstand the spectacle of Germany
encircled, or the prospect of a war of attrition. Von
Brauditsch will be replaced by Reidienau according to
Ironside. Ironside has not a high opinion of Reidienau's
military capacity and says that he will be Commander-in-
Chief because he is more amenable to Hitler's ideas.
At this time Ironside thinks that there are two
possibilities: First, that the Germans will make a
supreme effort by air and submarine to knock out the
British fleet and isolate England.
More
The President
The White House.
- 2 -
More probable, an attempt to turn the allied flank
on the Western Front through Holland. I asked him if
the Dutch could not, as they did against Louis XIV, open
the flood gates and inundate their country, but he said
the German attack would come with lightning like rapidity
and it was questionable whether this could be done fast
enough. Further the great territory north of the Rhine
and east of the Ijssel and the Zuyder Zee could not be
inundated.
General Ironside did not anticipate an offensive
against Belgium because of the Belgian fortifications.
Neither did he look for an advance through Switzerland,
for the Swiss Army of 400,000, he said, was an efficient
military force capable of determined resistence. Moreover
columns advancing through the narrow mountain defiles would
be subjected to enfilade fire and bombed to smithereens
from the air.
The Dutch, the General said, had not fought a war
since the 17th Century; the army of only 200,000 was an
unknown quantity, and the Dutch-German border was not forti-
fied except from the Belgian frontier to the Zuyder Zee.
Holland should be an easy victim to relieve the tension in
Germany and give Hitler another victory.
General
- 3 -
General Ironside gave me permission to write you
the above information and to express his opinion as
herein indicated.
I served under the General in the Archangel campaign,
have visited him, and kept constantly in touch with him
ever since those war days. He is a warm friend, and I
have a very high regard for him as a military leader.
With this background you will be interested to learn
that General Ironside has great faith and admiration for
General Gamelin.
Respectfully,
John Cudely
PSF
Inclo-
Briland
Dublin, November 17, 1939.
file Prossul
Dear Missy,
It is a melancholy reflection that you will not
get this note until the shape of things that are may
be entirely mis-shapen, for the last ship has gone
from our shores and it will be a month at least be-
fore this reaches you via England.
Last Wednesday the Lord Mayor of Cork and the
Harbor Commissioners of Cork and Cobh called on me,
petitioning that something be done about American
ships calling at Irish ports.
I tried to show them that they should address
Washington through the medium of their Government and
the Irish Minister, but they felt aggrieved and afflic-
ted on this marooned Island and found relief in dis-
cussing their woes, even though they knew they could
get
Miss Margaret Lehand,
The White House,
Washington.
- 2 -
get nothing but sympathy.
We have cleared our Island of home-stricken Americans,
except a few odds and ends who did not have common gardener
sense enough to get on the ships the American Government so
generously provided solely for repatriation purposes. The
Legation advised everyone through the Press and over the
radio, time and time again, so we do not worry about those
who are stranded now through stupidity, and there is little
to do and absolutely no pressure. I am slowly passing out
through disintergration and disillusion.
I was cheered considerably by a letter from the Presi-
dent which bucked me up and made me feel stimulatingly
important. The President has such a wonderful gift of
saying pleasant things, which I always believe he himself
believes.
No wonder we are all so devoted to him. He is an in-
spiring Chief, with a knowledge of the human equation
beyond belief. Did you see that letter I wrote him after
my visit to General Ironside? I wonder if the General's
prophecy will be born out. We should know before this
reaches you. It is a strange war; baffling and inexplic-
able. It is a mad world we live in, and what will happen
during the economic chaos which will follow this war is a
staggering
- 3 -
staggering contemplation.
I want to go on the Continent. I know I could do
this usefully but nobody falls in with my suggestion. My
comings and goings are unheralded and I never get centre-
stage in opposition to the prima donnas so I know I could
be useful, but nothing happens. Therefore, if you hear
of me falling into the Liffey by mistake, you will under-
stand everything.
Look after our President and take good care of him
from me. Also, loosen up and write me of the lowest
gossip, for I am sure you have not a thing to do now that
Congress has adjourned and all the fervid orators taken
their leave of Washington.
If you su Jane tell hv l an
shill reading her letter.
yours
John
PsF
Indon
Print
Inland
of THE DEPARTMENT ai STATE
1
the
in
DEC 10 1939
MR. MOORE
his
3
form
camel
felesonal.
Dublin, November 29, 1939.
Personal.
Dear Judge,
It seems an age and a generation since your last
letter but I can well believe you have every minute
packed with more important business than writing an old
friend marooned on this far away Island. I am not yet
convinced by the thesis of a short war. We know the
British and their determination. I have it from a re-
liable source that the British - and that is Gamelin's
view also - do not expect the war to reach a determinate
phase until the end of 1940.
My understanding is that the Germans expect to
bring the pressure of their war machine to bear on Eng-
land at the beginning of next Spring. About the first
of May they will attempt to do what Napoleon failed to
do; to bring about the starvation of the British Islands.
Their whole war effort is geared for its maximum push
next Spring.
I am told by a naval expert that at the beginning
of the war the Germans had only sixty submarines, but
their plants and factories were so organized as to ex-
pand upon the commencement of hostilities so that in a
year's time they could turn out tery times the submarines
in operation at the beginning of the war. Making allow-
ance for considerable exaggeration, 4 think it reasonable
to
The Honorable
R. Walton Moore,
Counselor of the Department of State,
Washington.
- 2 -
to assume that the German military laboratory learned
by the lesson of the last war realized how close
they were to bringing about the economic collapse of
England by submarine warfare in 1917. The record is
clear that if von Tirpitz had been given his way and
allowed to concentrate on his ruthless U Boat campaign,
Germany might well have prevailed. Now the showing
made by the submarines in the sinking of the Courageous,
the Royal Oak, the Belfast (and confidentially, I under-
stand, the Iron Duke) is very impressive in my opinion
and a depressing augury of what may be coming to the
British Navy during the winter months.
I talked a few weeks ago with a man who is probably
the best informed alien concerning internal economic
conditions in Germany and he told me that, while Germany
might experience some shortage in such essential pri-
mary materials as petrol, boxite, tin and copper, there
was every indication that the German General Staff had
made provision in all raw materials for a long war. This
man said that there was preserved meat and grain stored
in great quantities and he did not anticipate any short-
age in animal or mineral fats for at least a year. He
expressed the opinion that the Germans were equipped to
hold out for a year at least before they would feel the
pinch of the blockade, and he said this was a conserva-
tive estimate - probably two years would be closer to
the truth. He based his opinion not only upon know-
ledge of actual supplies in Germany, but also upon the
accumulation of raw materials resulting from the ration-
ing system of the past two years. Germany, during four
years - we all know - has staked upon war and the whole
economy of the country has been & war economy. It does
not seem reasonable, then, to believe that items of raw
materials and food stuffs essential for a prolonged
struggle, have not been included in the estimates of the
German General Staff.
Barring the unforeseen, I look for a struggle of
attrition and it is a grim prospect, for one need have
no
- 3 -
no imagination to visualise the prostrate and desolate
condition of all Europe after two years of the fright-
ful waste resulting from this war. There are twenty-
two men under arms in Europe today, and if hostilities
were to cease tomorrow, the contemplation of the chaos
resulting from their unemployment and the terrific bill
which must be paid for all this war effort is a stagger-
ing contemplation.
It is strange that no one, or very few, seem to
feel the necessity of definitions in the statement of
war objectives. The declarations of Chamberlain and
the others are strikingly reminiscent of the last war in
their rhetorical vagueness. Perhaps the British people
and French are satisfied to hear from their leaders. that
the best part of the male population in this country is
asked to face death for the preservation of international
order and in the cause of democracy and freedom. But I
would think it would be far better to face the issue
honestly and with realism. To say very frankly to the
people that the stake for which they are fighting is the
maintenance of the British Empire and the French possess-
ions; that if these go and the German system dominates
Europe, it will mean that the British workman and the
French man in the street must vive up part of what he
has and accept the standard of which will be lower than
that which he has enjoyed in order that the average
German may have a better living. There is not enough
to go around for all and so it is a question of those who
possess more to give up a part to those who are less
fortunately situated.
That is the issue as everybody knows, and one for
which I am certain men would fight very courageously and
tenaciously. But the old shiboleths of freedom, the
preservation of democracy etc. seem to serve their part
very well and appear adequate enough.
I wonder if our newspapers over there are commenting
upon the wisdom of the American Neutrality policy as
brought into relief by the troubles of all other neutrals
through
- 4 -
through the indescriminate mine operations of the Germans.
It is a singular thing that our country is not involved
while the Scandanavian countries, Holland - even Japan and
Italy have suffered losses through German mine explosions.
I am satisfied that we can, by making the sacrifice
our Neutrality Law imposes, keep out of this war and if there
is any living American who can keep us out, it is the Pre-
sident.
The Irish are disappointed with the suspension of all
American shipping, but they will have a hard time making out
a case for the resumption of this shipping. No one knows
better than the President the hazards of the South West
Irish coast as an approach to English ports. Galway is in
another area and something may be said for this North-Western
port but we must go slowly, bearing in mind our paramount
purpose - to avoid even possible involvement.
Ireland is determined in its policy of neutrality and
is entirely practical about this policy. The country will
not serve as any pipe line for war supplies to England. The
Ministry of Supplies has the situation well in hand and doe S
not permit shipments above the normal pre-war orders of Eng-
land. There are no munitions going from Ireland to England
and this Government is not deceived by the prospect of war
riches. They are willing to make sacrifices for the cause
of peace and, while I was sceptical about their policy to
remain neutral at the beginning of the war, I am now com-
pelled to believe that they will stay out like ourselves.
I suppose you will se Kennedy and he will tell you all
about the London scene. I asked him to revive the legend
of the Forgotten Man in the direction of one marooned on this
Island.
This is a long effusion but perhaps you can take it out
in the country with you and read it at your less pressing
moments.
I have heard a few times from Tony and Margaret. They
are at Angers, looking after many lean Poles. Let me hear
from you when you have a moment - if only a brief word.
Affectionately yours,
John
PsF Inford
Ireland
Dublin, December 7, 1939.
PERSONAL.
file
Dear Mr. President:
de Valera thinks it will be a long war. His
reasoning is that the real forces are not yet
arrayed; the war has not yet reached a definitive
state.
I urged him very earnestly to go to Geneva as
President to preside over the Twentieth Assembly
of the League. I pointed out that if this war
continued, even at its present desultory tempo,
no country could withstand the terrific armament
expenditure, and the result in another two years
would be chaos. I told him what a wonderful
opportunity he had for leadership at this time
if he voiced the moral issue involved in the
invasion of Finland.
But he spoke very bitterly and cynically
of
The President
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
The White House.
-2-
of the League, describing it as "debris". He
said the only country which could possibly speak
with any effectiveness now was the United States,
and it would do no good for us if we did not
follow words with action. The only language
which had persuasion these days, he said, were
"Tanks, Bombs, and Machine Guns".
He is sending only a Civil Service servant
to Geneva, and is sure the meeting of the League will
be a fizzle. I talked to him at great length in an
attempt to point out the opportunity he had for a
genuine peace effort at this time, but he could
not see it that way.
I am reporting my conversation in detail in
a despatch to the State Department.
Purpectfully yours