I have been interested to find here from discussions in the
highest quarters that there is intense feeling against the
neutrality policy of Southern Ireland. I can tell you quite
positively as a result of very long and intimate discussions with
Churchill and others that the real fear here, though it is for
obvious reasons not publicly discussed, is that losses of shipping
may have a strangling result. German technique has developed very
much, long distance dive bombers and U-boats co-operating by
wireless and for the most part operating West of Ireland. Naval
shortages render surface convoy extremely difficult while fighter
aircraft cannot be used except at relatively short range. Real
problem therefore is not so much the use of Irish ports as the use
of land bases from which to employ fighter aircraft. If pressure
continues to grow I will not be surprised to find very drastic
measures being seriously considered by Cabinet here. I have in
mind paying quick visit to De Valera [1] and my hand would be
greatly strengthened if Cabinet in Australia could arm me
privately with most emphatic expression of opinion that this
problem concerns the security of the whole British Empire and that
Australia cannot and will not remain indifferent to the
continuance of a policy which materially helps Germany and may
vitally injure us. [2]

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