By David McCullagh and Fiachra Ó Cionnaith

General Rupert Smith’s Outspoken Protest Against Bloody Sunday Inquiry

In a surprising turn of events, the top British soldier in Northern Ireland, General Rupert Smith, lashed out against the establishment of a new inquiry into Bloody Sunday, calling it a “cynical political move.” These remarks were made publicly during a dinner with Irish officials in Belfast, according to recently released State Papers.

The Bloody Sunday Incident

Bloody Sunday occurred in Derry on January 30, 1972, during a Civil Rights march. British paratroopers opened fire on a crowd of unarmed civilians, resulting in the deaths of 13 individuals immediately. Another victim succumbed to his injuries several months later.

Initial Reactions and Widgery Report

The immediate aftermath saw a judicial tribunal led by Lord Widgery, the English Lord Chief Justice, blame the organizers of the march for the incident. This largely exonerated the soldiers involved from any wrongdoing, a decision that would later become a contentious point.

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Relatives Push for a New Inquiry

For over two decades, the families of the victims fought tirelessly for a fresh look into the events of Bloody Sunday. Their persistence finally paid off when Prime Minister Tony Blair announced in January 1998 the formation of a new tribunal, headed by Lord Saville, to reassess the case.

General Smith’s Opposition to the New Inquiry

The decision to establish the Saville Inquiry did not sit well with the British military, and General Rupert Smith, as the commander of British troops in Northern Ireland, was particularly vocal in his opposition. Smith, a former Parachute Regiment officer with extensive experience in the North, had not been present during Bloody Sunday but was well-versed in the complexities of military operations there.

Smith had survived a significant explosion in 1978, suffering 28% burns, a grim testament to his time in service. Despite his background, he was invited to dinner by Irish officials in the Anglo-Irish Secretariat in Belfast in June 1998, as his tenure in the region came to a close.

Thought-Provoking Dinner Conversation

During the dinner, Smith’s colleagues viewed him as more analytical and willing to engage in intellectual debates than the average soldier. However, this did not translate into a nuanced understanding of nationalist sentiments or local perceptions of the British Army.

When the new Saville Tribunal was mentioned, Smith’s opposition was fierce. He characterized it as a “cynical political move,” suggesting politicians were attempting to blame soldiers repeatedly for events beyond their control. Smith maintained “with some passion” that the Widgery report had been accurate and complete in its assessment.

He argued that assigning absolute blame in such complex and volatile situations was premature and immature. However, after his tirade subsided, Smith grudgingly acknowledged that Bloody Sunday was indeed “a uniquely appalling event,” although he still saw the inquiry as a price to be paid for achieving a comprehensive settlement.

General Pike’s Reactions

A year later, Smith’s replacement, General Hew Pike, was also hosted at the Anglo-Irish Secretariat. Unlike Smith, Pike was quieter and less inclined to engage in cerebral exchanges, often feeling perplexed by the intricate nature of Northern Ireland politics.

Despite his more reserved demeanor, Pike similarly opposed the Saville Inquiry. He foresaw resistance from the British Army to lift the anonymity of the soldiers involved, indicating a collective military stance against full accountability.

Military Officials’ Skepticism

General Smith’s comments were not isolated; other military officials, such as Ian Hamill, a Ministry of Defence official, expressed skepticism about Lord Saville’s capability to understand the complexities of the Northern Ireland situation. Hamill reportedly dismissed Saville as “an expert on Scottish commercial law, who knows very little about Ireland.”

Unveiling of Saville Inquiry Findings

The outcry from the military in 1998 was significant but mild compared to the reaction to Saville’s findings, released in 2010. The tribunal’s conclusions were stark and damning. It concluded that the soldiers had entirely lost control on Bloody Sunday, none of the victims posed any threat, and the troops involved had lied to cover up their actions.

The Significance of the Inquiry

The new inquiry, led by Lord Saville, was crucial in providing a more accurate and balanced account of the events of Bloody Sunday. While the Widgery report favored the military’s perspective, the Saville findings finally brought clarity and truth to the long-standing controversy.

General Smith’s and others’ vehement opposition underscored the deep-seated resistance within the military to accepting full responsibility for the tragic events that unfolded in Derry over 38 years ago.

Legacy and Reconciliation

The establishment and findings of the Saville Inquiry have played a pivotal role in the ongoing process of reconciliation in Northern Ireland. By recognizing the wrongdoing of the soldiers and acknowledging the loss of innocent lives, the inquiry helped to heal wounds and foster understanding between communities.

While the military’s initial opposition added layers of complexity, the eventual acceptance of the inquiry’s findings reflects a gradual shift towards greater transparency and accountability in dealing with historical atrocities.

Conclusion

General Rupert Smith’s fiery comments against the Bloody Sunday Inquiry highlight the intense debate and resistance that accompanied efforts to seek justice and reconciliation. The inquiry’s ultimate findings, released years later, provided the long-needed clarity and acknowledgment of the horrific events that took place in Derry.

This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of thorough investigation and the sometimes reluctant path to truth and accountability.

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