Belfast Boycott Over

The Weekly Freeman, January 28, 1922

The Belfast Boycott was the direct result of the expulsions of mainly Catholic workers from the Belfast shipyards and other places of work and sectarian violence in the north during the summer of 1920. In August 1920 Dáil Éireann imposed a boycott of goods from Belfast and a withdrawal of funds from Belfast-based banks. After a year and a half, in January 1922, James Craig and Michael Collins forged a new agreement securing a return to work for Catholic employees and an end to the goods boycott.

BRIDGING THE BOYNE

Momentous Agreement Signed by Collins & Sir James Craig

BELFAST BOYCOTT ENDED

The visit to London of Mr. Michael Collins and Sir James Craig has resulted in the signing of an agreement which will have far-reaching effects on the future relations of the Irish Free State and the Government of the Six Counties. Without prejudice to the future consideration by his Government of the question of tariffs, Mr. Collins has agreed to discontinue the Belfast boycott, and Sir James Craig, for his part, undertakes to facilitate the return of expelled Catholic workers to the shipyards. The pat further provides for an important alteration in the Boundary Commission, and opens the way for joint action in dealing with all-Ireland problems.

An agreement of immense importance affected the unity of Ireland, has been signed by Mr. Collins and Sir James Craig, in London.

The terms of the pact were disclosed in the following statement, issued by the two signatories in London on Saturday:-

Mr. Collins and Sir James Craig met in consultation today. After discussion, the following mutual agreement was reached:-

(1) The Boundary Commission as outlined in the Treaty to be altered. The Government of the Free State and of Northern Ireland to appoint one representative each to report to Mr. Collins and Sir James Craig, who will mutually agree on behalf of their respective Governments on the future boundaries between the two.

(2) Without prejudice to the future consideration by his Government on the question of tariffs, Mr. Collins undertakes that the Belfast boycott is to be discontinued immediately, and Sir James Craig undertakes to facilitate in every possible way the return of Catholic workmen-without tests- to the shipyards as and when trade revival enables the firms concerned to absorb the present unemployed. In the meantime a system of relief on a large scale is being arranged to carry over the period of distress.

(3) Representatives of both Governments to unite to facilitate a settlement of the railway dispute.

(4) The two Governments to endeavour to devise a more suitable system than the Council of Ireland for dealing with problems affecting all Ireland.

(5)A further meeting will take place at a subsequent date in Ireland between the signatories to this agreement to discuss the question of post-Truce prisoners.