Arrest policy for protestants - loose minute December 1972
MoD memo discussing the criteria that might be applied 'if and when' loyalists would be detained. Refers to loyalist violence including 'comparatively harmless vigilante activity'.
One MoD memo from November 1972 titled 'Security Forces and UDA' instructs that operations 'should be directed against their criminal extremist elements whilst making every endeavour to maintain good relations with law abiding citizens in the organisation.' The RUC apparently had similar instructions. Vigilante type patrols should be tolerated…
De-proscription of unlawful organisations (added May 2018)
Declassified 1974 NIO discussion doc on de-proscription of UVF and Sinn Fein. The juxtaposition of Sinn Fein (as opposed to the IRA) with the UVF tells us much about British government attitudes to loyalist paramilitary organisations. At the time the UDA remained legal and it would be another 18 years before London finally accepted that the UFF was nothing more...
CJ4-3734 - Memo to unknown recipient from James Allan re Andy Tyrie - 24 March 1975
In a follow-up to his meeting with Tyrie, James Allan sent a memo to a recipient whose name has been redacted. He reported on Tyrie's personal security concerns and his request for help in procuring a firearms certificate. Allan had suggested that Tyrie's bodyguard might be able to obtain one. Tyrie later rang Allan who told him to apply immediately...
CJ4-3734 - Extract of notes of a meeting between James Allan NIO and Andy Tyrie, UDA - 21 March 1975
'At this clandestine meeting, the only other person present was Tyrie's bodyguard. Tyrie expressed concern for his personal safety and hoped the NIO would assist him in procuring a firearms certificate. If not, Tyrie threatened, he might "have to make provision outside the law." Allan's reponse was that he would prefere not to know about that idea'.