Transcript of an interview with a British Army Officer for the Sunday Independent in September 1971. From 1969 conflict had erupted in Northern Ireland over the civil rights issue while paramilitary organisations such as the UVF and Provisional IRA began militant campaigns. The latter’s bombing campaign in 1971 in particular prompted strong reaction from the authorities in Northern Ireland including the re-introduction of internment in August 1971 under the Special Powers Act. The British Army Officer discusses civil and military responses to this increased violence and the perceived inequality in the implementation of internment policy. The Sunday Independent is Ireland’s principal Sunday newspaper.
Date of Release/Broadcast: 5 September 1971
Role at time of Interview: British Army Officer
Purpose: News
Media: Transcript
Copyright: © Independent.ie
Link: Read the transcript
Programme/Book/Article: The Sunday Indpendent
Time Period covered: 1971
Key Individuals: John Hume, Ivan Cooper, Reginald Maudling, James Callaghan
Key Words: British Army, Special Powers Act, internment, religion, IRA, UVF, border, UDR, RUC, civil rights, paramilitary