Collins and Churchill

Introduction from Chronology

In an agitated debate on whether the election pact between Collins and de Valera violated the Treaty, Churchill tells the British House of Commons (with Collins and Griffith in the Strangers' Gallery) that he had unreserved good faith in their sincerity and that the two leaders were doing their best to carry out the Treaty. 

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Churchill also said that a Republic could not be tolerated in Ireland and that, in accordance with Article 17 of the Treaty, members of the Provisional Government have to signify in writing their acceptance of the Treaty. 

In reply to a question from Henry Wilson, Churchill said that "In the event of such a Republic it will be the intention of the Government to hold Dublin as one of the preliminary and essential steps to military operations".  Birkenhead also says “Should a crisis arise, the resources of our civilization are by no means exhausted.” And that England would be in a stronger position “to resume the inevitable bloody struggle”.  

After the debate, Collins told Churchill that he had no quarrel with his speech.  The two men did quarrell about Ulster and then Collins said “I shall not last long; my life is forfeit, but I shall do my best.  After I am gone it will be easier for others.  You will find that they will be able to do more than I can do.

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