Britain suspended the new government in Northern Ireland after the IRA allowed the arms deadline to pass without beginning the process of removing and destroying its weapons supplies. Direct rule over Northern Irish affairs was returned to London.
Finally able to agree on the disarmament issue, Britain returned home rule powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly. Agreeing to “completely and verifiably put IRA arms beyond use,” the organization promised to allow periodic inspections of its arms dumps by neutral third parties. Inspections began on July 26.
