As assistant Under-Secretary for Ireland in 1920–22, he is notable for serving as an intermediary between the British government and Sinn Féin before and after the establishment of the Irish Free State.
[5] Cope's forensic and analytical skills were needed to get on top of the intelligence data being secured from informants about IRA activity, which was increasingly violent.
Cope was needed to help collect taxes to stem the tide of civil disobedience, lawless parts of Dublin.
[citation needed] The British required police to carry arms provoking a policy of violent reprisals.
When RIC rep Tim Brennan had the temerity to suggest an unarmed approach with policy of support for Dominion Home Rule, Cope made it plain what London required.
[9] Ever since he had arrived in Dublin Cope sought to urge upon the church reconciliation: the moment De Valera walked into Portobello Barracks, he had in fact been in negotiations with Bishop Fogarty and another prelate to secure peace.
[11] Following the Treaty, Cope assisted Sir Nevil Macready in supervising the withdrawal of British forces from Ireland.
Read by future generations of Irish children, it will simply perpetuate the long standing hatred of England and continue the miserable work of self-seeking politicians who, for their own aggrandisement, have not permitted the Christian virtues of Forgiveness and Brotherhood to take its place.