Collins and Churchill
Churchill also said that a Republic could not be tolerated in Ireland and that, in accordance with Article 17 of the Treaty, members of the Provisional Government have to signify in writing their acceptance of the Treaty. In reply to a question from Sir Henry Wilson, Churchill said that "In the event of such a Republic it will be the intention of the Government to hold Dublin as one of the preliminary and essential steps to military operations". Birkenhead went on to say that “Should a crisis arise, the resources of our civilization are by no means exhausted.” And that England would be in a stronger position “to resume the inevitable bloody struggle”. After the debate, Collins told Churchill that he had no quarrel with his speech. The two men quarrelled about Ulster and then Collins said “I shall not last long; my life is forfeit, but I shall do my best. After I am gone it will be easier for others. You will find that they will be able to do more than I can do.”