January 4 1975
As an indefinite Provisional IRA ceasefire emerged as a distinct possibility yesterday after the extension of their truce until January 16, bitterly hostile reaction to present peace moves came from the Ulster Defence Association.
It warned the government that should they continue their policy of retreat, “they will bear responsibility for an escalation of violence on a scale not previously experienced”.
Sources close to the Provos said they were considering an indefinite ceasefire in return for a reduction of Army street patrols. If this were combined with steps towards ending detention without trial, there would be a “good chance” of continued peace.
But while it was widely believed yesterday that the government was giving urgent consideration to a way of meeting the IRA demands without arousing the antagonism of loyalists, the UDA statement was seen as emphasising just how hazardous a peace path the Secretary of State, Mr [Merlyn] Rees, had to tread.
At the same time, Irish Church leaders who were involved in the Downing Street talks which helped lead to the ceasefire emphasised in Armagh that there was no question of a “sell-out” to the IRA, or to anybody else.
The Rev Harold Sloan, secretary of the Irish Methodist Conference, also said he could recall nothing at the London talks with Mr [Harold] Wilson “which would faintly indicate” plans for a complete British withdrawal.
The UDA said loyalists would not accept a peace bought at the price of compromise and surrender.
“We warn the government that should they continue their policy of retreat, they will bear responsibility for an escalation of violence on a scale not previously experienced.”
A UDA spokesman said he believed the IRA ceasefire would end shortly and be replaced by “massive violence”. He denied that another strike by loyalists was being planned.
The UDA statement, issued by its four-man press council, attacked Church leaders, the British Government and the Provisional IRA.
Referring to the part played by churchmen in the ceasefire talks, it said the UDA felt “grave alarm at the recent disgraceful and unjustifiable activities of certain Church leaders”.
The statement said that, as Protestants, the UDA feared the widespread display of disillusionment expressed by the majority with their “spiritual leaders”.
It charged the Church leaders with “negotiating with subversive elements”, and said their enthusiasm was in sad contrast “to their abysmal performance on behalf of their people during the past six years of terror and suffering”.
Demonstrating the difficulty in securing peace, loyalists warned of escalating their campaign of violence over what they claimed would be a sell-out by the British Government following the IRA ceasefire.
