HC Deb 28 June 1972 vol 839 c380W
Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in what circumstances the Irish Republican Army planted bombs near Crossmaglen, Armagh, on 13th June; how these bombs were constructed; how they were to be detonated; and if the detonation wire ran across the border into the Irish Republic.

Mr. Channon

At 12 noon on 13th June, one bomb of 100–150 lb. and four claymore-type devices each of about 5 lb. were found near Crossmaglen, Armagh. They were linked to each other and were fitted with anti-handling devices; wires led across the Border. The Irish Army and police cleared the wires on their side of the Border. The bomb and one claymore, which appeared to have been detonated electrically, exploded while the Army was moving them. The other three claymores were detonated by Army technical officers in a controlled explosion. The construction of the bomb is not known.