UPA
Introduction from Chronology
Robert Simpson, Chair of the Ulster Protestant Association (UPA)
is arrested in the Beersbrigde area of Belfast.
More Detail
The UPA is one of a number of
extremist Protestant groups (such as Cromwell Clubs and the Imperial Guards)
involved in the sectarian killing of Catholics. It is believed that
during this period the UPA operated four branches in Belfast (Ballymacarret;
York St., Shankill and the Ormeau area.) and according to a later report
written by an RUC District Inspector “attracted to itself a large number of the
lowest and least desirable of the Protestant hooligan element”.
Parkinson notes the NI Government
did not follow up Simpson’s arrest with other moves against Protestant
extremists. Rather, in June, Craig delegated his Chief Whip, Capt Herbert
Dixon to liaise with the UPA in the hope that some of them could become Special
Constables. These talks broke down but it was not until November that the
NI Government moved against Protestant extremists – see Nov-05-22/2. The
UPA broke up in February 1923.