Minute by Frederick H. Boland concerning the proposed domicile of Mrs. William Joyce in Ireland
(305/25)

I am directed by the Minister for External Affairs to state that the High Commissioner in London has been approached by Mr. E. Quentin Joyce - brother of the late William Joyce¹ who was executed in England on the 3rd January, 1946 - who made enquiry as to whether the Irish authorities would be prepared to grant permission to William Joyce's widow, Mrs. Margaret Joyce, to reside in Ireland.

Mrs. Margaret Joyce was born in Lancashire on the 14th July, 1911. She was a British subject, but is, apparently, now regarded by the British authorities as a German citizen by virtue of her husband's naturalisation in Germany. Mrs. Joyce is at present confined in No. 5 Civilian Internment Camp at Paderborn in Germany.

According to Mr. E. Quentin Joyce, his sister-in-law is convinced that, if she could find some country to give her sanctuary, she would be released from her present internment. Mr. Joyce says that 'there is no doubt at all that the question of her disposal is the main obstacle in her path to freedom'. He adds that there are relatives and friends in Ireland who would provide for Mrs. Joyce's maintenance, but he does not give any particulars of these. Mrs. Joyce would be prepared to give an undertaking to abstain from political activities if she came here.

The High Commissioner had told Mr. Joyce that his application presents difficulties and has suggested that Mrs. Joyce's friends should explore the possibility of finding her a home somewhere else, e.g., in South America. It is now some weeks since Mr. Joyce spoke to Mr. Dulanty and it is possible that, if the matter is simply allowed rest, Mr. Joyce himself will not pursue it.

The Minister for External Affairs would be glad to have the views of the Minister for Justice as to what attitude should be adopted towards this application if it is renewed. From the point of view of this Department, the balance of the argument would be against granting the application.