Anglo-Irish Relations

Abstract

INTERNATIONAL relations are often discussed as if they were a technical science. This frequently leads to an artificial and unreal discussion. An international relationship between any two countries, in the final analysis, is merely the art of getting on well together. In the case of some countries, because of fundamental differences, international relationship has to be 'an art'. In the case of other countries that have many basic factors in common, it need not be 'an art', but it depends on ordinary common sense and acceptance of the essential relevant factors that will enable friendship and a harmonious relationship to develop normally. In the case of Britain and Ireland-contrary to what many people think-our international relationship needs no artificial stimulant; all that it requires is ordinary realism and common sense. Our two countries are populated by people of the same colour who, in the main, speak the same languages; broadly speaking, they believe in Christianity and share the same ideals of life. The views of our two peoples may differ as to the intensity and the form of their religious beliefs. But, in the present world contest, our two peoples have much in common. Without in any way introducing religious issues, I might be permitted to quote one famous sentence, uttered by Pope Pius XI, which epitomizes much of the conflict which wracks our civilization: 'Society is for man and not man for society.' I quote this, not because it emanates from an eminent Pope of the Church to which I belong, but because it is one of the clearest definitions of the issues which mankind is facing. In common with western democracy, we believe that 'society is for man', and are fervently attached to the ideals of individual liberty, religious freedom, and democratic principles. I have touched on these broader issues, merely to indicate the closeness of the political philosophy shared by the people of our two islands. To this may be added strong economic bonds; indeed, stronger economic bonds than exist, I would venture to say, between any other two countries in the world. Why, then, do we not get along together as well as we should? It is clear that all the factors which should make our two countries the very closest friends are present. That being so, a discussion of Anglo-Irish relationship must necessarily resolve itself into an investigation of the obstacles that have prevented the operation of these factors from bringing about that close relationship which both you and I so desire; and which, were it not for obstacles, would have been inevitable. 257