Anglo-Irish Treaty
The signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, a pivotal moment where British Prime Minister David Lloyd George and Irish delegates Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith finalize the agreement that will end the
Setting
The Cabinet Room at 10 Downing Street, a grand and formal space with high ceilings and wood-paneled walls. The room is adorned with portraits of former Prime Ministers and heavy curtains that partially block the winter light.
Characters
David Lloyd George
primary
A middle-aged man of average height with a wiry build, sharp features, and piercing blue eyes. His hair is thinning and grey, combed back neatly. A neatly trimmed mustache frames his upper lip. His hands are expressive, often used to emphasize points during conversation.
Michael Collins
primary
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his early 30s with a strong, angular jaw and piercing blue eyes that convey both intelligence and defiance. His hair is dark and slightly unkempt, swept back from his forehead, and his complexion is weathered from years of outdoor activity and stress. His posture is upright but not rigid, exuding a natural confidence.
Arthur Griffith
secondary
A middle-aged Irish politician with a wiry build, standing at average height. His sharp, angular face is framed by a neatly trimmed mustache and thinning dark hair combed back. He has piercing blue eyes that convey both intelligence and weariness, with deep lines around his mouth and forehead from years of political struggle.
British Guard
secondary
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his late 30s with a clean-shaven face and a stern, disciplined demeanor. His piercing blue eyes scan the room with military precision, and his close-cropped brown hair is neatly combed. His posture is rigid, betraying years of military training.
Irish Aide
background
A young man in his late 20s, slight of build with a pale complexion and dark hair neatly combed back. His sharp features are accentuated by the tension in his face, and his hands are slightly trembling as he handles the documents.
Dialog
David Lloyd George
Now, Mr. Collins, we must be verr-ry clear on this point—the Crown’s authority over Irish affairs is non-negotiable. Without it, there can be no treaty.
Michael Collins
Non-negotiable? By the hokey, you’ll find Irishmen have a different opinion on what’s non-negotiable.
Arthur Griffith
Ah, but history shows us—every time Westminster claims 'non-negotiable' authority, it ends in rebellion. Is that what you want on your hands?
David Lloyd George
Rebellion, Mr. Griffith? Or a statute that finally grants Ireland its dominion status—without further bloodshed? The choice is yours.
Michael Collins
A dominion status still shackled to Westminster. You’ll forgive us if we don’t toss our caps in the air for that.
David Lloyd George
Then what alternative do you propose? Return to guerrilla war? More burned-out villages, more dead on both sides?
Arthur Griffith
We propose a free Ireland—not by your leave, but by right. And if it costs more blood, the fault lies at your doorstep, not ours.