In Time of War: Ireland, Ulster and the Price of Neutrality 1939-1945

When the Union Jack was hauled down over the Atlantic naval ports of Cobh, Berehaven and Lough Swilly in 1939, the Irish were jubilant. But in London, Churchhill brooded on the ''incomprehensible'' act of surrendering three of the Royal Navy''s finest ports when Europe was about to go to war.

Eighteen months later, Churchill was talking of military action against Ireland. He demanded the return of the ports and the Irish made ready to defend their country against British as well as German in...