LIAM WEEKS,
Madam, - The Holocaust was one of the most tragic events in humankind's history, and it is right that we should express sympathy for all those who suffered at the hands of the Nazis.
However, to claim that Ireland was complicit in these evil deeds is simply wrong (Editorial, January 28th). It smacks of an eagerness to extend political correctness to the point that if we do not bend over backwards to continually publicly apologise for the awful crimes of others, we are just as guilty as the perpetrators.
Hitler was not Irish, there was no latent anti-semitism in 1930s Ireland, nor were there amicable links between de Valera's government and the Nazi leadership. Ireland did not round up Jews for transportation as pathetically occurred in Vichy France, amongst other complicit nations. Indeed, because of strict censorship and isolation, the majority of Irish people during the war years were unaware of Hitler's foul deeds.
Complicity is defined as "partnership in a crime or wrongdoing" (OED 2001). Are you suggesting that de Valera had a representative present at the infamous Wannsee Conference of 1942, where the diabolical plans were formalised? We can, and certainly should, express remorse for the victims of the Holocaust, but not guilt for Hitler's culpability. - Yours,
LIAM WEEKS, Loughanamon, Claremorris Co Mayo.