1975 State Papers (page 5)

World paid respects to de Valera

The death in 1975 of Eamon de Valera, president of the 1919-21 Republic, long-serving taoiseach and president of Ireland, aged 92, prompted messages of condolences from governments around the world, this year’s Dublin Cabinet releases reveal.

Italian ambassador Signor Biondi-Mora wrote to the minister of foreign affairs, Dr Garret Fitzgerald:

“I have heard with deep sorrow and emotion the news of the loss of president de Valera who for many years held and guided in a profound democratic spirit and with enlightened firmness the destiny of the Irish nation. Ireland loses a great patriot and Europe one of the most authoritative figures of her history.”

Canadian prime minister Pierre Trudeau noted: “His life was entwined with the history of Ireland and his principles and determination deservedly earned for him the admiration of the world.”

US president Gerald Ford extended to Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave “the deep sympathy” of the American people:

“Our common tradition of struggle for liberty and justice was personified in the life of this distinguished statesman. We are proud that this son of the United States became the father of modern Ireland.”

However, the British government’s condolences were more muted. Prime Minister Harold Wilson wrote to the Taoiseach: “On behalf of HMG, I offer our condolences on the death of Mr de Valera. We recognise and respect his lifelong devotion to his country.”

From India, prime minister Mrs Indira Gandhi said: “I am deeply grieved to learn of the passing of Eamon de Valera, the great Irish statesman and patriot. He led his country to freedom and nurtured the fledgling Republic for many decades. During our own freedom struggle we drew inspiration from de Valera. My father regarded him as a friend and it was a privilege to receive him in India. We held him in great respect and admiration.”