Letter from Henry O'Friel¹ to Diarmuid O'Hegarty (Dublin)
(99/41)

Some time ago the Inspector General of the Royal Ulster Constabulary asked the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána for certain facilities for the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

The Royal Ulster Constabulary found some difficulty in the neighbourhood of Belleek in patrolling the area without passing through Saorstát territory. The facilities asked for were granted and in return the Royal Ulster Constabulary afforded facilities to the Garda Síochána to cross a bridge in Northern Ireland territory for duty in a few townlands in Saorstát territory. No untoward circumstance has arisen and there is complete harmony between the two Forces along the Border.

Recently the Inspector General of the Royal Ulster Constabulary represented to the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána that difficulties were experienced at Belcoo, County Fermanagh, as regards the patrolling of twenty-one townlands in County Fermanagh south of Lough McNean. To reach these townlands the Royal Ulster Constabulary at present have to cross the Lough by boat. This is not always easily done particularly in stormy weather and at night time. It would greatly facilitate the Royal Ulster Constabulary if their patrols could proceed through the village of Blacklion for about quarter mile of Saorstát territory. They would simply pass and re-pass and would not delay en route. The Minister recommends that the facility asked for should be given. There would not appear to be any principle at stake and the only risk involved is the risk of attack by evilly disposed persons but the Royal Ulster Constabulary are presumably able to look after themselves and if anything untoward did happen it would presumably not prejudicially affect official relations although of course the repercussions would otherwise be gravely prejudicial.