September 12 1974
An RUC officer told an audience which included Northern Ireland’s Secretary of State, Mr Merlyn Rees, that the death penalty should be brought back for “terrorists”.
Chief Superintendent Charles Rodgers, speaking at the annual dinner of the Superintendents Association of Northern Ireland, pointed out that 56 policemen and 267 soldiers have been killed during the present crisis.
“We believe,” he said, “that such appalling figures would not be tolerated by the electorate in Great Britain.
“It would be of the greatest assistance to the security forces in Northern Ireland and a significant contribution to the peace of the province if the government would re-introduce the death penalty for murder of policemen, soldiers and members of the public by persons acting as terrorists and using firearms or explosives.”
Superintendent Rodgers added that the worst than can befall a convicted murderer today is imprisonment, and amnesty would provide for their early release.
On the role of the police, he said that following statements that the reduction in the number of soldiers in Northern Ireland was under consideration and that a greater involvement of police was envisaged, many members of the association would find it most difficult to find common ground with the government in this respect.
Referring to the third force, Mr Rodgers said one could understand the frustrations and despair of those who were clamouring for such a force to combat terrorism. It was the view of the association that the creation of such a force outside the present framework of the security forces would only widen the divisions in the community and run the risk of sectarian violence that could lead to civil war. The Secretary of State’s plan for the extension of policing in Northern Ireland gave simple scope for all who desire to work for peace and security in the north.
He said violence must be brought to an end swiftly and effectively and the vast majority who only want peace released from their bondage. It was the association’s opinion that the vast majority both north and south believe that no place in this island should be a haven for an assassin, gunman or bomber.
