Anglo-Irish Treaty 1921

Background

• The treaty was the outcome of peace talks between Ireland and England following the Irish War of Independence.
• The Irish delegation included notable figures like Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith.
• Eamon de Valera, the Head of State, chose not to attend the talks.
  • Reasons for his absence include:
    • Staying in Ireland to maintain control over extremists.
    • His position as Head of State.

British Delegation

• Led by Lloyd George, supported by figures such as Winston Churchill.

Aims of Peace Talks

• Irish Aims:
  • Establishment of a republic.
  • Oppose partitioning.
• British Aim:
  • Keep Ireland within the Commonwealth.

Terms of the Treaty

• Signed on December 6, 1921.
• Key Provisions:
  • Ireland to be known as the Irish Free State.
  • Ireland to become a Dominion within the British Commonwealth.
  • The King of England represented in Ireland by a Governor-General.
  • Irish government members to swear an oath of allegiance to the King of England.
  • British use of Irish ports: Berehaven, Cove, and Lough Swilly.
  • Establishment of a boundary commission to determine the border between North and South Ireland.

Controversial Terms

• Oath of Allegiance: Seen as an acknowledgment of the English king as head of state.
• Boundary Commission: Acknowledged the partition of Ireland, causing controversy.

Debates on the Treaty

• Timeframe: December 1921 - January 1922
• Arguments For the Treaty:
  • The IRA's dwindling resources (arms and ammunition).
  • Britain's threat of "immediate and terrible war" if not signed.
  • Viewed as a stepping stone to full independence, providing more than home rule.
  • Support from Collins and Griffith, despite Collins’ belief that signing the treaty was akin to signing his death warrant.
• Arguments Against the Treaty (Anti-Treaty Side):
  • Led by figures like de Valera.
  • The treaty did not fulfill the goal of a republic.
  • Belief that better terms could have been negotiated, especially regarding the boundary commission.
  • Opposed the oath of allegiance.

Outcome

• The treaty was approved by the Dáil with a vote of 64-57 on January 7, 1922.
• De Valera and his followers left the Dáil following the vote.