An exhibition titled ‘On an Equal Footing with All, Ireland at the League of Nations 1923-1946’ will mark the centenary of Ireland’s membership of the League of Nations at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Ireland joined the League of Nations on September 10, 1923, to establish itself as a sovereign state and an active participant in global affairs. Eamon De Valera was elected president of the League of Nations in 1938.
De Valera was disappointed that the League of Nations failed to prevent the rise of Facism in Europe. He promised the assistance of Ireland’s small army to help defend Ethiopian when it was invaded by Italy in 1936 if other nations would also join and wrote the rights of jewish people into the constitution of 1937 but the large powers failed to respond.
The exhibition showcases records from the National Archives relating to Ireland’s League membership, including official documents, photographs, letters, and more. It also features a special display on Harry Clarke’s Geneva Window.
Minister Catherine Martin will open the exhibition and will also meet with cultural leaders in New York, tour the Irish Arts Centre, and discuss tourism prospects for 2024.
