1944 – “Ireland’s Answer”

The Nenagh Guardian, 18 March 1944

An impassioned plea to the readership of the Guardian of 18 March 1944 to maximise their efforts in increasing food production. The article floats the threat of another famine and makes reference to the “American Note”, a demand made by the US Secretary of State (Cordell Hull) that de Valera expel the German and Japanese ambassadors from neutral Ireland. The rejection of this demand led to short term fears that the Allies would invade from the North, bringing with them further hardships, increased food shortages chief amongst them.