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.
More Detail
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.”