THE British government’s decision in 1992 to merge the controversial Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) into the Royal Irish Rangers is highlighted among state papers released in Belfast.
In a memo to John MacGregor, Lord President of the Council in John Major’s Conservative government, the Defence Secretary (and former Secretary of State) Tom King stressed the importance of the move: "The aims of the merger are of great political and military importance to Northern Ireland.
"We are seeking to take the present UDR out of local and Anglo-Irish politics; remove its sectarian stigma and try to recruit more Catholics... and enhance the effectiveness of the local security forces in countering terrorism".
The merger of the UDR - formed in 1970 to replace the all-Protestant B Specials -was due to take place on the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme on July 1 1992.
Mr King noted: "Failure to achieve this target would encourage local opposition".
