Considerable interest has been aroused here in Eire as a sanctuary for refugees, following a recent little-publicized suggestion by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. William Temple.
Although neither State Department officials nor Irish Minister Robert Brennen would comment on the proposal, the forthcoming Anglo-American refugee conference in Bermuda is expected to give it a prominent place in its considerations. In the course of a speech in the House of Lords, urging quicker action on the refugee problem, the Archbishop asked if his government has considered Eire’s possible willingness to take refugees, especially children. Viscount Cranborne replied for the government that the proposal would be fully considered.
It was pointed out here that Eire, one of the few European neutrals, is in a good position to care for immigrants and to benefit from their talents. Compared with the rest of Europe, Eire’s food situation is very good indeed. Since Eire depends on the United States for much of its imports, the Dublin Government might be responsive to suggestions from Washington. Vatican interest in refugee problems should also find reflection in Eire, which has the strongest ties with the Roman Catholic Church.
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