The Missing Recognition: How Ireland And Switzerland Established Diplomatic Relations

Abstract

Ireland carried out a clandestine diplomacy from 1917 onwards, pursuing international recognition, which made Switzerland, with its central location in Europe and later as the seat of the League of Nations, one of the main targets. But it was not until the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921 that a de facto recognition by Switzerland followed, although the Swiss government never officially recognised Ireland. Until the establishment of diplomatic missions in 1939/40, diplomatic relations were handled by the Irish representation to the League of Nations and the Swiss consulate general in Dublin as quasi-diplomatic missions.