ABSTRACT
The Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations, during the settling of the “Articles of Agreement for a Treaty between Great Britain and Ireland”, or the Anglo-Irish Treaty, experience the most difficulties over the twin issues of Ireland retaining allegiance to the Crown, and Ulster remaining part of Britain. One of the less contentious issues – though no less important to the new Irish state – is that of trade and fiscal arrangements between Britain and Ireland. Collins is responsible within the Irish delegation for these negotiations. The British delegates have much legal expertise and experience and have full research and information facilities of Parliament and other research institutes to call upon. Collins has financial expertise but almost no resource in terms of research and support facilities.
Despite this Collins manages to ensure that he and his colleagues were fully informed and briefed, and he negotiates skilfully. Thanks to him, Ireland gains an equitable settlement in the outstanding financial commitments of both sides to each other, unlimited cross-channel trade between the two countries, and Ireland gains full fiscal autonomy.
