Declassified documents

This document also states that Andy Tyrie was 'not averse to killing Catholics, even those who have no Republican connections, if he thinks it necessary at any particular point in time.'

In this memo examples are given of possible joint membership of the UDR and UDA. Howe goes on to state: ' One important (but unspoken) function of the UDR is to channel into a constructive and disciplined direction Protestant energies which might otherwise become disruptive...it would be counter-productive to discharge a UDR member solely on the grounds that he was...

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...

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...

'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'.

This document was sent in advance of the breakdown of the IRA ceasefire later that day. Tuzo anticipates its breakdown and writes of his plan for an all-out military offensive against the IRA. He proposed to deal with the threat of civil war being posed by the UDA by taking action against the IRA and by acquiescing in allowing UDA...

In this June 1981 memo, a NIO official calls to mind a concern expressed by the Northern Ireland Secretary, Humphrey Atkins, that banning the UDA would deprive the "security forces" of the access they had to its members "active in terrorism". Accordingly, "it would not be right at present to proscribe the UDA".