1 CAR6/89/36 STORMONT CASTLE, BELFAST. 28. June, 1922. My Dear Churchilll I have carefully considered the proposal in your telegram that all official arms should be withdrawn from the neutral zone, Pettigo - Belleek, etc. and that the Police in the area should be disarmed. After consultation with our Constabulary Authorities I find that there is a very strong feeling against placing our Constabulary in a position in which they are unable to protect themselves from attack, especially near the Border Line. Our Constabulary Authorities think that such action on our part might have a very dilaterious effect on the morale of the whole Force. As an alternative suggestion, therefore, I propose that all Constabulary should be withdrawn from the zone on both sides, and that the Military occupying the zone undertake the protection of the Constabulary Barracks in the area and hand over persons charged with criminal offencess to the nearest Constabulary post outside the neutral zone within the jurisdiction of the Government of the country in which the offence was committed. In order still further to meet your views I would even acquiesce in the Military performing this duty on our side of the Border and unarmed Constabuary of the Free State being allowed to function on the further side. Yours sincerely, The Ht. Hon. W. S. Churchill, M.P., Secretary of State, Colonel Office, LONDON. S.W.I. H.