THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Brooke delivers ‘hands across the border’ speech

From the Belfast News Letter, June 24, 1951
The Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, Lord Brookeborough and Lady Brookeborough sailed in the Canberra on her preliminary trial on Saturday, April 29, 1961. On left is Dr Denis Rebbeck of Harland and Wolff, LtdThe Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, Lord Brookeborough and Lady Brookeborough sailed in the Canberra on her preliminary trial on Saturday, April 29, 1961. On left is Dr Denis Rebbeck of Harland and Wolff, Ltd
The Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, Lord Brookeborough and Lady Brookeborough sailed in the Canberra on her preliminary trial on Saturday, April 29, 1961. On left is Dr Denis Rebbeck of Harland and Wolff, Ltd

The Prime Minister of Northern Ireland Sir Basil Brooke spoke of Northern Ireland’s desire to live on terms of amity with the Irish Republic during the unfurling of an Orange banner at Tullyhogue, Cookstown, reported the News Letter on this day in 1951.

Brooke’s speech became known as the “Hands Across The Border” speech and it was cordially welcomed in Dublin by the Republic’s premier Eamonn de Valera.

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During his speech Brooke had said: “We in the North sincerely desire to live on terms of amity with our southern neighbours. We do not share their outlook on the border and other questions but we have given practical proof of our readiness to co-operate on matters of common interest, such as transport, fisheries and drainage.”

He added: “There is no reason why this co-operation should not be continued – and it can be done without prejudice to the right of the people of Northern Ireland to remain in the United Kingdom and under the British flag.”

The Ulster PM then uttered his famous phrase: “Hands across the border is the true policy to pursue. If Mr de Valera is ready to follow that line he can be assured of a sincere response from the Ulster Government and people.”

Sir Basil Brooke claimed that anti-partitionists had failed to substantiate their case.

He remarked: “It is coming widely recognised that Ulster has a fair and progressive Government, backed by a sensible and clear-headed people.”