Arming the Protestants: The Formation of the Ulster Special Constabulary and the Royal Ulster Constabulary, 1920-27

by Michael Farrell

Farrell, Michael. Arming the Protestants. The Formation of the Ulster Special Constabulary and the Royal Ulster Constabulary 1920-27. London/ Sydney, Pluto Press, 1983. 19.7cm x 12.5cm. vii, 374 pages. Original illustrated softcover. Excellent condition with only very minor signs of wear. From the library of an irish university lecturer and council man. Name of preowner on endpaper. Includes for example the following The Revival of the UVF in 1920/ The Establishment of the Ulster Special Constabulary/ Arming Forces Against Itself/ Peace is Today Declared/ Reassuring Ulster/ Bloodfeuds Which Will Last for Generations/ Indiscreet Speeches/ Terrorising the Commission/ The Structure of Government in Ireland/ Alleged Reprisals in Belfast/ Key Individuals etc. The foundations of a bitter conflict in Northern Ireland. The author examines how the British government armed, financed and legalized Protestant paramilitary groups in Ulster in the 1920s; and how British policies irrevocably turned the Catholic minority against the new Northern Ireland state. This book also examines the policies of the government in Dublin, which began by supplying arms to the IRA, but swung round to accepting and recognizing the partition of Ireland. Farrell is a former leader of the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland, who is now a journalist in Dublin. He is the author of the now classic political history of Norther Ireland, 'Northern The Orange State,' published by Pluto.

374 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1983

Reviews

[Corbin Routier · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first 100 pages are phenomenal and well written.
The second 100 pages are okay and provide useful information.
The last 100 pages are nearly worthless, minus the conclusion chapter which is a great summary.

The author's focus is on the creation and promlugation of the Ulster Special Constabulary. He provides a largely chronological narrative that places the Catholics and Free State in a victim status in opposition to the Protestants and Northern Ireland. This narrative is given evidence by showing Britain's funding of Northern Ireland police/military force (the USC) and overall subordination of Catholic/Southern Ireland preference to Protestant/Northern Ireland.

The most useful facet of this book is the description of one man, James Craig, and how his desire for power shaped an entire island at the detriment those wishing to be freed. It is fascinating how Craig convinced Britain to use tax payer money to support his new "country". It is fascinating how the boundary question was enforced to promote Northern Ireland business interests which fractured the country for nearly a hundred years. It is fascinating how words spoken then can now be shown as lies when government documents are reviewed and compiled. If a person wishes to learn how governments are formed, maintained, and abused, James Craig and the support of Britain is a great place to start.