CJ4-4198 - Memo to PWJ Buxton from Stephen Boys-Smith re possible proscription of UDA in light of recent discovery of arms and ammunition at its HQ - 2nd June 1981

A rather telling memo that illustrates the British Government's ambiguity to the UDA:

'The UDA was not engaged in violence although it might be ready to resort to or encourage violence in extreme situations. Boys-Smith noted that the Secretary of State was anxious that the Government and police be seen as even-handed. He had noted that there had been no arrests following the arms discovery and was afraid that the police would not be seen to have acted as might have been expected had a similar discovery been made elsewhere than at UDA Headquarters.'