ABSTRACT
De Valera fails in his principle objective in his tour of America, that of gaining diplomatic recognition from the United States for an independent Irish nation. However, ably assisted by James O<th>Mara, whose sending to America is arranged by Collins as Minister of Finance, fundraising in the United States for the Irish cause is a spectacular success. James O<th>Mara, as befits an elderly, successful businessman in Ireland, is a superb financial organiser, and successfully establishes a collection network and organises the fundraising and moving of funds throughout the United States. However, de Valera is not grateful and treats O<th>Mara extremely badly, but Collins ensures that O<th>Mara is given due recognition in the Irish Dail. The funds raised at de Valera’s disposal in America amount to millions. But not all reach Collins in Ireland. A significant proportion of these funds are held back by de Valera and are not sent to Ireland to assist Collins and the IRA in their struggle.
