Memorandum from Michael Collins to all ministers

It is most desirable for general administrative purposes that you should get advice off your experts on the exact powers and limitations of the Northern Parliament in the British Act of 1920. These should be studied very carefully and your experts should prepare for you whatever statements are necessary explaining and amplifying these powers and limitations. You will need to watch carefully to prevent any extension of these powers and you will also need to have a scheme prepared for non-co-operation in every possible way with the Northern Parliament. And in addition a scheme towards making it impossible for them to carry on.

In the first instance it may be well to refer this matter to Mr Kennedy¹ and in any case, it will be necessary to treat it with great confidence.