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After Irish independence Britain retained control of three treaty ports - Lough Swilly in Donegal, Berehaven in South West Cork and Spike Island in Cork Harbour. These were returned to Ireland in 1938.

If they had not returned to Irish control and had been available for use by Britain during WWII would this have had a material affect on the outcome of the Battle of the Atlantic?

On the other hand what would the german response be? There would certainly be air raids on the ports but would the Germans consider the presence of ritish bases on Irish soil (regadless of the terms of independence) a flagrant breach of Irish neutrality?

How would Anglo Irish relations during WWII be affected. They could be fractions at times but the Irish government did have a pro allied bias.
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