Jump To
Retrieving full text, please wait
Retrieving full text, please wait
IN THE FINAL STAGES OF EDITING A series of talks launched by Peter Brooke, Secretary of State for Northern in Ireland, which began in April 1991, and were carried on intermittently by Brooke and his successor, Patrick Mayhew, until November 1992.
Source material
UK Government Archives - Other
Details
Documents obtained from the National Archives.
Associated with
Resource Collections (0):
None
Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: 'The party leaders agreed'.] Thursday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: 'It was agreed.'] Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: 'The party delegates agreed'.] Monday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: 'It was agreed'.] Thursday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: This version of the report is agreed by the Sub-Group on 9 June.] Tuesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: The letters have been received at the time the minute is written on 9 June.] Monday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
4. The Secretary of State welcomed this news and said that he was certainly content to have a plenary on that basis. It was not helpful for the delegations to have to hang around not knowing what was going on. Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: The compiled report is made to the Plenary meeting.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: A series of papers agreed by the Sub-Committee and tabled by the parties and Government team are compiled into the final report to the Plenary.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
[Editor's Note: It was so agreed.] Monday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
In response the Secretary of State said that he would have needed to put the matter to his colleagues for collective Ministerial decision in order to obtain a Government view but he had not found the need to do so because it was clear that the... Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: This draft report became the basis for the report produced by the Sub-Committee on 10 June. We do not have the previous version of the report shared with the Minister on 9 June, but this one is described as having been only 'slightly amended'.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: Although the version of the report agreed on 9 June is headed 'Final Version', the version attached to the report as Annex D is slightly amended. Presumably, these amendments were proposed and adopted on 10 June.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: 'Mr Empey agreeing'.] Friday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
In response the Secretary of State said that his objective was to get to the point where he could announce the transition to Strand II. He did not believe that that required HMG to give a view of the proposals which the various parties had made. Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
The [sic] would not regard the kind of model we have in mind (see Mr Bell's minute of earlier today to Mr Thomas) as their first choice, but agreed it would fulfil most of their criteria and were clearly ready to participate in working it... Wednesday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: No objection was made to this.] Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: It was so agreed.] Wednesday May 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
The press statement was issued very shortly thereafter. SIGNED WR FITTALL PS/SECRETARY OF STATE OAB EXTN 6462 12 JUNE 1992 Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: This letter is sent to the Secretary of State, and then goes on to be discussed in other meetings.] Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: 'It was agreed.'] Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
12. Dr Paisley said that he could not go along with that because he was not able to agree that Strand II had yet begun. This was a very important point for him. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
45. Mr Hume and Dr Alderdice confirmed that they were content with this way of proceeding. The Secretary of State said that in light of that he was of course content to proceed as proposed. Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: The Secretary of State made no objection.] Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: 'It was agreed'. However, revised versions of the statement continue to be produced until 3.30pm, and the next bilateral meeting does not take place until 3.50pm.] Thursday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: The following paper is agreed on 10 June and included in the final report as Annex E. Without records of the Sub-Group meetings, it is unclear precisely when or by whom it was produced.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: 'Denis Haughey had agreed'.] Monday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: The meeting takes place.] Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: The Sub-Committee report was then sent to Plenary as a follow up to the 10 June Sub-Committee report.] Tuesday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
[Editor's Note: We have no record of this meeting, but it went ahead and lasted about five minutes.] In light of that the plenary session began. The Talks Secretariat have recorded that separately. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: This was agreed.] Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Emphasise That the Meeting is Only in Preparation for Strand II Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: Since it is not clear exactly what was discussed, this has been modelled as a procedural motion.] Thursday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Dr Paisley repeated, however, that he could not and would not agree to that. Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: This is the version of the Code of Practice paper agreed on 10 June and included in the report of the Sub-Committee of that date as Annex B (including Annexes B1 and B2).] Wednesday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: 'It was agreed'.] Thursday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
He told me that he had not talked to anyone in Dublin, but had instructed Seamus Mallon to do so. Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Government Endorsement of Common Ground Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Sir Ninan declared himself well content, in particular with the beginning of discussions in Strand III formation with the parties present as observers. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: At this stage it is clear that the Secretary of State has no objection to any of the party leaders' proposals.] The Secretary of State said that he did not in principle see any obstacle to this. Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: We have no record of the Sub-Group discussions on 9 June, but we assume this proposed agenda would have informed Mr Hanley in chairing the meeting. We have therefore shown it being referred to the Sub-Committee.] Tuesday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: The text produced by officials is shared with the Unionist delegation.] Thursday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: Having identified the obstacles to progress, the discussion moves on to agreeing a potential framework for breaking the impasse.] Wednesday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: No objection is made to this plan.] Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: No objection was made.] Friday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Outline Statement on Government Position Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: This is the version of the report agreed on 10 June and included in the report of the Sub-Committee of that date as Annex D.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Outline Statement on Government Position Friday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
[Editor's Note: 'He volunteered'.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: 'The parties agreed'.] Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Meeting Adjournment Tuesday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
The session ended at 11.40am. TALKS SECRETARIAT Tuesday May 1992Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
The Minister of State said that the meeting had been convened to continue the previous day's discussion of the workplan for strand one. Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
Government Team Minister of State Mr Thomas Talks Secretariat Mr DJR Hill Mr Hallett Party Representatives Mr Close (APNI) Mr Haughey (SDLP) Mr Robinson (UDUP) Mr Cunningham (UUP) Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
He had had discussions with delegation leaders that morning. He had also reflected overnight on the document which had emerged from the previous day's discussion. His view was that the detail set out in paragraph 8 of that document sat uncomfortably... Wednesday May 1991Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Minister of State's Second Draft of the Workplan for Strand 1 Wednesday May 1991Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: The version of the Workplan redrafted by Brian Mawhinney forms the basis of the Sub-Plenary meeting on the morning of 29 May.] Wednesday May 1991Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: The Minister of State attends the Sub-Plenary Meeting before making further revisions to the Workplan ahead of the afternoon session.] Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
Minister of State's Second Draft of the Workplan for Strand 1 Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
Circulation of Record of the Previous Meeting Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
The Minister of State confirmed this. Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
Timing of Meetings to be Fixed and Adhered to. Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
The Minister of State replied that it was nobody's intention to delay or postpone meetings without good reason. Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
4. The Minister of State said that his basic objective in the revised document was to avoid appearing to give disproportionate emphasis to the specific points listed in paragraph 8 at the expense of the more general considerations in paragraphs 6 and... Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
5. Mr Haughey said that he had discussed the previous day's document with his party leader. Mr Hume's view was that the simpler the document the better, particularly in view of the likelihood of it being leaked. The workplan should be an outline, in... Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
SDLP Amendment: Simplify the Workplan and Remove References to "Constitutional Status" Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
6. The Minister of State said that the main purpose of the workplan was to record broad agreement on the areas to be addressed in the substantive discussions so as to avoid the risk of subsequent delay. While the workplan should not be a... Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
[Editor's Note: The Government and Unionist delegations reject the SDLP proposal at this stage, although there is some compromise in later wording.] Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
More Transparent Procedures for Amending Documents Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
The Minister of State stressed that the revised document reflected his own further thoughts, while taking account of the views expressed by Mr Hume and Mr Molyneaux. Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
9. Mr Close expressed anxiety to make progress towards the stage of grappling with the real issues. The Secretary of State had circulated an outline agenda on 3 May and no-one had indicated serious problems with it. It was now a matter of fleshing out... Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
Agree the Revised Document Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
Paragraph 6 Amendment Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
Mr Robinson asked why it had been thought necessary to amend paragraph 6. The Minister of State replied that the intention was to provide a more accurate reflection of the discussion on this point. Mr Robinson said that, as revised, the text would... Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
This revised formulation appeared to command acceptance. Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
SDLP Amendment to Paragraph 6 and 7 Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
Mr Cunningham indicated that the Unionist delegation could not accept this unless the specific items in paragraph 9 were also deleted, with the result that the workplan would then become simply a collection of general statements. The Minister of State... Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
15. Mr Haughey said that he did not agree that inclusion of these matters was necessary to credibility. What was needed was an order of business which facilitated dialogue between the parties, which would allow understandings to emerge. There could... Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
Division of Workplan into Statement of Principles and Addendum with Specific Items for Discussion Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
That the Meeting Adjourn While the Minister of State Revise the Document Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
This was agreed. Wednesday May 1991Committee: Sub-Plenary Meetings
[Editor's Note: The Minister of State and officials revise the workplace as amended by Committee during the adjournment.] Wednesday May 1991Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Minister of State's Second Draft of the Workplan for Strand 1 Amended by Committee Wednesday May 1991Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Revised Workplan of 29 May Wednesday May 1991Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: The revised Workplan is referred back to the Committee.] Wednesday May 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Government Team Minister of State Mr Thomas Talks Secretariat Mr Pope Delegation Representatives Mr Close Mr Cunningham Mr Haughey Mr Robinson Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
The Business Committee met at Parliament Buildings between 1800 and 1900 on 24 June to discuss possible intensification of the Talks process. Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Possible timetable for 24 June and 10 July Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
4. The Government Team re-stated the Secretary of State's position - agreements reached with individual parties to the process, including the Irish government, had to be adhered to. Other parties to the process had to be able to trust the Secretary of... Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Business Committee Comments on Timetable Proposed by the Unionists Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
The SDLP questioned the reference in the second paragraph to "... a suspension of the working of the Anglo-Irish Agreement", noting that while the reference in the first paragraph was from the Secretary of State's 26 March statement, that in the second... Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
The Government Team's view, earlier that day, was that the Business Committee might look at a working schedule for before and after 16 July. However, Dr Paisley and Mr Molyneaux had since confirmed that their position that there could be no resumption... Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
The Government Team concluded by saying that it would be helpful to know if delegations believed that the whole process could be completed within 2 weeks. If not, was there any purpose in further intensification? The UDUP said that it appeared that the... Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
General Observations: Proposed Timetable is Unrealistic Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
The UDUP noted that Schedule C of the Unionist paper provided for an average 30-hour week. Outside observers would find it difficult to understand why the process could not take place in a period somewhat less than a normal working week. The Government... Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
The SDLP said that they had approached the process on the basis of consultation and discussion with the rest of the party and the Unionist proposals would effectively prevent the SDLP operating in this way. Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
The UDUP repeated that the Government team should have been willing to negotiate a new date for the IGC if more time was needed to complete the process and failed to understand why the Government Team would not make up the time that had been lost in... Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
5. The SDLP noted that the date of 16 July had also been agreed between the Taoiseach and the Prime Minister, and that it was the Secretary of State's 26 March statement with it reference to "two prespecified dates" which had set the formula for the... Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Reiteration of July 16 deadline Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
The Alliance and SDLP both questioned the Unionist position on a resumption after 16 July, with the former noting that a resumption should be contemplated to achieve progress and the latter noting that intensification would only be necessary if the... Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Additional Meeting Times Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
New Start Time Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
and the Government Team noted that while 3 delegations drew their membership largely from areas which were accessible to Belfast, members of the fourth were rather more scattered. There could be no comment on this proposal until it had been agreed and... Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Additional Meetings in July Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
7. The Government Team said that discussion on working arrangements had to take place on the basis of the Unionist position, which had been accepted by the Secretary of State. The Unionist representatives on the Business Committee should not be put... Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Additional Discussion times in July - Unionist proposal Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Mr Cunningham joins] Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Discussion of Intensification with Delegations Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
and to reconvene to report back to the Business Committee at 10.00 on Tuesday 25 June. Talks Secretariat Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: Referred while members discuss suggestion with their delegation.] Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: Referred while members discuss suggestion with their delegation.] Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Mr Empey joins as Delegation Representative] Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Government Team Minister of State Mr Thomas Talks Secretariat Mr Pope Delegation Representatives Mr Close Mr Empey Mr Haughey Mr Robinson Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
A meeting of the Business Committee took place at Parliament Buildings between 10.00 and 10.38 on Tuesday 25 June 1991. Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Condemnation of Media report Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
The Government Team asked whether the Unionist Representatives could explain how their proposals had come to appear in the media. The UDUP noted than an account had been given by Mr Kilfedder on BBC radio that morning and that the Party had complained... Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
3. The Government Team noted that no personal accusation was contained in raising the issue. However, the fact that details were known to the media shortly after they had been discussed flew in the face of commitments which had been given by members of... Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Government Concerns on Media Reports to be passed to delegations Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Cessation of Media and Press Interaction Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
The SDLP said that they supported the UDUP proposal for an end to discussions with the media and the Alliance Party confirmed their agreement with the thrust of the proposal. Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Business Committee Comments on Timetable Proposed by the Unionists Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Government to report to Plenary Session confirmation of the Unionist position Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
it was agreed that the Government Team should report to the plenary session that the Unionist representatives on the Business Committee had confirmed their understanding that the basis of what had been negotiated was that discussion would take place... Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Possible timetable for 24 June and 10 July Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
The UDUP confirmed that this did not represent a "take it or leave it" paper, but rather a proposal for discussion. The Alliance party noted that they continued to have difficulties with an extension of working time in this week and that there were... Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Alliance Party Proposals for an Amended Programme Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Proposal by Business Committee to Adjourn Plenary Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
This was agreed. Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: Sometimes it isn't clear who of the Government Team is speaking as there are two members] Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
11. On a procedural point, the UDUP noted that the Alliance paper contained reference to Strand Two. Since Strand Two involved others than the Government Team and the four Northern Ireland Parties, was it possible to work out a timetable without... Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
8. Expanding on the paper, the Alliance Party said that they believed that there serious difficulties and impracticalities [sic] in compressing the programme on the lines suggested by the Unionists. That said, they were anxious to work within the... Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
9. The UDUP said that the Alliance Party paper represented an extensive amount of overnight work but that, given the detail which it contained, there would be a need for discussion with colleagues. They would wish to reserve their judgement until such... Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[The paper is referred to Plenary] Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Talks Secretariat June 1991 Tuesday June 1991Committee: All-Party Negotiations
Delay Discussion of Confidentiality Recommendations Tuesday June 1991Committee: All-Party Negotiations
but at Mr Robinson's suggestion it was dealt with straight away. Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Proposal to Plenary: Recommendations of the Business Committee on Interactions with the Media Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Proposal to Plenary: Blackout of media interaction including papers Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: The record states that "it was agreed". Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Proposal to Plenary: Party Leaders to Make Clear that the Policy Applies to All Party Members Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: The record states that "it was further agreed".] Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Proposal to Plenary: Caveat to the Proposal Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: It was so agreed.] Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
It was agreed that the Business Committee would accordingly recommend that there shall be a renewed commitment to confidentiality. [Editor's Note: The recommendations of the Business Committee will be presented to the plenary later that morning.] Tuesday June 1991Committee: All-Party Negotiations
Proposal to Plenary: Blackout of media interaction - exception for statements already made Tuesday June 1991Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Staffing of Strand Two Monday June 1991Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Letter from the Joint Unionist Delegation Leaders to the Secretary of State 3 June 1991 Monday June 1991Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Procedural Guidelines for the Conduct of Strand Two (4 June 1991, 1745) Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: The intensity of the Unionist proposal is rejected as unrealistic.] Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
1 July Meeting as Working Group Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
The Government Team said that this arrangement could not be adopted until the parties indicated in plenary session that they were prepared to operate in working groups. It might be easier to identify the possibility of moving from plenary sessions to... Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: Business Committee comments on the proposed timetable are compiled for discussion by the delegations.] Monday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
A meeting of the Business Cornmtitee took place at Parliament Buildings between 14.00 and 15.15 on Tuesday 25 June 1991. Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Government Team Minister of State Mr Thomas Talks Secretariat Mr Pope Delegation Representatives Mr Close Mr Empey Mr Haughey Mr Robinson Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Alliance Party Proposals for an Amended Programme Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
3 . The UUP said that they had treated the Alliance Party paper seriously and believed that the time that was left available to the process afforded a positive opportunity for achievement. The Alliance Party paper had, however, highlighted concerns... Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Establishment of Working Groups Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
There was general agreement that this was an area which would be worth exploring and the Government Team observed that such a process could work if all those involved in it were to avoid public comment. 5. The Government Team suggested that this... Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Plenary Sessions Primary Forum for Achieving Progress Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
9. The SDLP disagreed. The issue had been discussed within the party and dangers had been identified. One of the four parties involved would always be aggrieved by some part of the Government paper and this, in turn, could compromise the Secretary of... Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
This was vital since business could not be compressed into the time which was said to be available. The SDLP had also recognised the practical difficulty of the need for extensive reorganisation of the agenda if Strand One and Strand Two were to be... Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
7. The Government Team noted that, were the working groups to be successful, most of the conclusions would have to be reached by the parties themselves. HMG would play its part, but it would be unwise for the Government Team to take the lead in... Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
10. The Government Team repeated that the question of seeking to alter the date of the next IGC or discussion of a possible resumption after that date was outside the remit of the Business Committee. Both the British and Irish Governments believed that... Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
The Government Team remained willing to contemplate seeking an agreement with the Irish Government about a further gap as set out on 24 June. Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
It was accepted that the Alliance Party paper showed that the possibility of reaching agreement within the next 2 weeks was an unrealistic expectation, but the Business Committee should consider how best durable progress might be made, so that in... Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Timetable for 25 June to 1 July - Minister of State to Chair in the Absence of Secretary of State Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
and this was agreed. Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: The refined proposal is now under consideration.] Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Timetable for 25 June to 1 July Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: The full proposal through to 4 July will be put to the delegations.] Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
The Government Team confirmed that they had no clear indication at present of Sir Ninian Stephen's availability and it would be more appropriate to sound him out once there was a clearer idea as to the date of any such move. The Government Team would,... Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
TALKS SECRETARIAT June 1991 Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
12. The Alliance Party timetable document was then considered. The Government Team asked what the SDLP felt should be done over the next 2 - 2½ weeks. The SDLP did not believe that business could be completed in the time available but would work hard... Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Timetable for 25 June to 1 July - Refinement Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Government Team Minister of State Mr Thomas Talks Secretariat Mr Pope Delegation Representatives Mr Close Mr Empey Mr McGrady Mr Robinson Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
A meeting of the Business Committee took place at Parliament Buildings between 18.45 and 19.45 on 25 June. Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Timetable for 25 June to 1 July Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
2. The Alliance Party, the UDUP and the UUP all confirmed that they were prepared to work to the arrangements set out by the Government Team. The potential risk of exposure of parties "bottom lines" was acceptable in the interests of... Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Timetable for 25 June to 1 July: Further Clarification Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Amended Timetable for 1 July Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: The amended timetable for 1 July, as agreed by three of the parties, is now under consideration as part of the paper.] Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Timetable for 25 June to 1 July: SDLP Objections Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: Mr McGrady represents the SDLP at the meeting instead of Mr Haughey.] Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: It is so decided.] Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Continuity of Delegates at the Next Meeting Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Arrangements for the Conduct of Business in the Week Beginning 8 July Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
5. The SDLP did not believe that it would be wise for any party to expose their final negotiating position at such an early stage. The SDLP believed that the Government Team had its own, (albeit hidden), agenda and in passing proposals to them, parties... Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
9. The SDLP disagreed. The Government Team had its own position and, in advancing proposals to the Government Team, parties would effectively be exposing their views to a third party to the process. The Government Team could not be seen as an "honest... Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
10. The UUP and the Alliance Party expressed doubts about the SDLP's belief that plenary sessions could achieve the desired rate of progress. A lengthy series of such meetings would be necessary before parties would be confident enough to put forward a... Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
The Government Team confirmed that they could not answer categorically at this stage but had noted the difficulties and would report them to the Secretary of State. Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Allocation of Additional Accommodation Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: There is no objection.] Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: Reference is made in both Business Committee and Plenary Session records to a Business Committee meeting at 10:00 on 26 June. We currently have not discovered a record for this session in either the Alderdice Archive or the National... Wednesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
MEETING OF THE BUSINESS COMMITTEE - 26 JUNE 1991 Government Team Minister of State Mr Thomas Talks Secretariat Mr Pope Delegation Representatives Mr Close Mr Empey Mr Haughey Rev McCrea Wednesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Adjournment for Delegates to Meet Party Colleagues Before Meeting on 26 June Tuesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
The Business Committee met in Parliament Buildings between 14.25 and 14.40 on 26 June Wednesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Party Reactions to Proposals Wednesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
In response, the SDLP and UDUP representatives noted that they had not been fully briefed by their colleagues who had attended that morning's meeting. Wednesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Rev McCrea Wednesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Business Committee to Adjourn Wednesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: The meeting adjourns.] Wednesday June 1991Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
TALKS SECRETARIAT June 1991 Wednesday June 1991Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: This was a meeting of the party leaders without the presence of the Government Team.] Friday February 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: The statement is issued in the name of all concerned.] Friday February 1992Committee: Party Leaders
For this part of the meeting the Secretary of State was accompanied by the Minister of State, the PUS, Mr Thomas, Mr Maccabe, yourself and myself. All four party leaders were present. [Editor's Note: 'yourself' refers to Mr D J R Hill, and 'myself'... Monday March 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: The Minister of State joins the session.] Monday March 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: The PUS joins the session.] Monday March 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: They join the session.] Monday March 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: They join the session.] Monday March 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: They join the session.] Monday March 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: We are taking as the primary record of this meeting, the report from Mr Fittal, Private Secretary to the Secretary of State, to Mr Hill in the Northern Ireland Office. A more verbatim handwritten record in note form, possibly by Mr... Monday March 1992Committee: Party Leaders
2. The party leaders opened the meeting by saying that in the light of the recent, very helpful speech from Mr Kinnock they thought that it was safe to assume that the assurances which they were seeking would be given. Monday March 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Draw Up Plans for Talks Monday March 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Secretary of State to Restart the Process and Make Arrangements with the Irish Government Monday March 1992Committee: Party Leaders
4. In response to a question from the Secretary of State, Dr Paisley and Mr Molyneaux said that they understood that there might be some short tidying up work to be done by the Secretariat after Friday's meeting but they did not see this as an obstacle... Monday March 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Paisley and Hume Proposal for Talks to Begin on Monday 9 March Monday March 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Whether the subsequent work of the management committee would bear fruit in terms of a further plenary session before the election depended on whether the Prime Minister announced next week that he was going to the country in April. Dr Paisley and Mr... Monday March 1992Committee: Party Leaders
In particular there was value in establishing what the gap period was going to be between meetings of the Inter Governmental Conferences. 7. The Secretary of State noted that at one point the intention had been for the IGC to take place either two... Monday March 1992Committee: Party Leaders
10. The Secretary of State said that he would clearly need to have some discussion with the Dublin Government on Friday about the timetable for the forthcoming IGCs. He would be guided by the recognition of the party leaders that some adjustment to the... Monday March 1992Committee: Party Leaders
No Further Media Briefing Monday March 1992Committee: Party Leaders
though it was recognised that the simple fact of having to put forty [Editor's Note: corrected by hand from 'fourteen'] delegates on standby for the beginning of next week meant that the press would quickly know what was intended. Monday March 1992Committee: Party Leaders
The party leaders said that they would be ensuring that their own delegations did not speak to the press in advance of Monday or indeed on arrival at Parliament Buildings on Monday. Monday March 1992Committee: Party Leaders
It was agreed that Mr Maccabe would be in touch with the parties about the practical arrangements for Monday including the availability of rooms in Parliament Buildings for the delegations. [Editor's Note: The arrangements for restarting the talks... Monday March 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Mr Molyneaux's Office to Write to the Prime Minister and Mr Kinnock Monday March 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: It is clear from the record that this happens.] Monday March 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
[Editor's Note: Patrick Mayhew will succeed Peter Brooke as Secretary of State following the election. This is the final session Mr Brooke will chair.] Monday March 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
[Editor's Note: Brian Mawhinney's responsinbilities in the Talks will be assumed by Jeremy Hanley following the election. This is his final plenary session.] Monday March 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: Patrick Mayhew has succeeded Peter Brooke as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.] Wednesday April 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: Jeremy Hanley continues in the role of Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Northern Ireland. Following the election, he assumes the role previously played by Brian Mawhinney as Chair of the Business Committee and deputy for the... Wednesday April 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: Peter Brooke leaves the negotiations following the election.] Wednesday April 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: Brian Mawhinney leaves the negotiations following the election.] Wednesday April 1992Committee: Party Leaders
The Secretary of State and Mr Hanley met the four party leaders for twenty five minutes this morning. Mr Chilcot and I were also present. [Editor's Note: 'I' refers to William (W R) Fittall.] Wednesday April 1992Committee: Party Leaders
TALKS: PARTY LEADERS' MEETING 29 APRIL 10.30 AM Wednesday April 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Agreements Reached at Party Leaders Meeting 29 April 10.30 AM Wednesday April 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Agreements Reached at Party Leaders Meeting 29 April 10.30 AM Wednesday April 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: This was so agreed.] Wednesday April 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Options for Political Institutions Paper Wednesday April 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: This was so agreed.] Wednesday April 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Schedule for Meetings Wednesday April 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Query About Record of Business Committee Meeting on 9 March Wednesday April 1992Committee: Party Leaders
This was subsequently raised at the morning session of the plenary; [Editor's Note: The matter is discussed but no course of action is decided at this meeting.] Wednesday April 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Signed W R FITTALL Private Secretary [Editor's Note: The meeting ends.] Wednesday April 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: The record of the meeting is sent to D J R Hill.] Wednesday April 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Talks Planning Unit UK Analytical Paper on North:South Institutions 9 October Friday October 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: Document referred to in bilaterals and business committee meetings.] Friday October 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Talks Planning Unit UK Analytical Paper on North:South Institutions 9 October Tuesday October 1992Committee: Party Leaders
The Secretary of State de-briefed Mr Hanley and officials after the meeting with Sir Ninian Stephen and heads of delegations at 4.00 pm today. [Editor's Note: The attendance record is to note the presence of the Secretary of State, Sir Ninian... Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
The following is based on a transcription of his notes, from which he drew at the wash-up. Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Conclusions of the Heads of Delegations Meeting 6 November 1992 1600 Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Facilitating Further Bilateral Exchanges Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
(This drew an immediate retort from Dr Paisley that two or more parties were committed to going on.) Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Facilitating Further Bilateral Exchanges: UUP Paper Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: Mr Maginnis is stepping in for Mr Molyneaux.] Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
There would be something in the paper which, in his view, would be interesting and helpful. It would be fairly easily absorbed, perhaps elucidating the various points which had been raised in various exchanges and conversations over the past several... Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Facilitating Further Bilateral Exchanges: Party Papers Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Mr Hume commented that, either way, he was convinced that the current round would not succeeded beyond Tuesday. He very much doubted that anything would happen that would transform the situation and that no honest person would think otherwise. Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Dr Alderdice observed that only a preparedness to compromise could induce success. A couple more days would not hurt anyone, though he admitted that there was not much hope. Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
He suggested that the Unionist's paper should be made available as early as possible on Monday. [Editor's Note: It is not clear whether the idea of other parties submitting papers is endorsed or dropped; to avoid the exchange not being recorded, the... Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Meeting on Monday Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: The discussion moves on.] Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
4. The Tanaiste said that the Irish Government had diligently attended the talks process and wanted it to continue. Indeed, he and his colleagues would be upset if they broke down. The General Election had been thrust upon them and it had to be coped... Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
5. Mr Maginnis said that the paper arose from three weeks of bilaterals and had been prompted by his party's concern that the process should not end without clarification. Responding to a question from Mr Hume about when it had been decided to bring... Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Dr Alderdice said that over the past week he and his colleagues had been told by both the SDLP and the UUP that useful discussions were taking place between them and that progress was being made. They thought the exchanges should continue. In those... Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
7. Responding to a question from Mr Hume, Mr Maginnis said that the UUP paper was in part about the bilateral exchange between the SDLP and UUP. Those exchanges would certainly be addressed in the paper. It would be a practical document which took... Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
8. Concluding the discussion, Sir Ninian Stephen said that those around the table could not sensibly say that they would not consider the UUP paper. He hoped, like Dr Paisley, that it would be available by noon on Monday. Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Considering UUP Paper in the Committee Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: Sir Ninian Stephen is the Chairman.] Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
and this was agreed. Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Press Release 6 November 1992 Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
9. As the meeting concluded, the Tanaiste confirmed that officials would be present on Monday and that the Irish Government would consider making a Minister available for further discussions on Tuesday. Signed DAVID FERGUSON Private Secretary Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: The document is copied into the Office of the Chairman.] Friday November 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Press Release 6 November 1992 Friday November 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: The document is copied into the Office of the Chairman.] Friday November 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Conclusions of the Heads of Delegations Meeting 6 November 1992 1600 Friday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
[Editor's Note: Representative of UK Government.] Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
[Editor's Note: Representative of UK Government.] Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
[Editor's Note: Representative of UUP.] Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
[Editor's Note: Representative of UUP.] Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
[Editor's Note: Representative of the Alliance.] Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
[Editor's Note: Representative of the Alliance.] Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
[Editor's Note: Representative of SDLP.] Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
[Editor's Note: Representative of Irish Government.] Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
[Editor's Note: Representative of Irish Government.] Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
[Editor's Note: They join the session.] Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
[Editor's Note: For lack of a formal attendance record, the names of those present at the meeting have been noted.] Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
I accompanied Mr Hanley as our representatives on the Drafting Group set up to consider the terms of a statement which the participants might jointly make at the end of the Talks process. Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
[Editor's Note: To represent the UK Government.] Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
Sir Ninian's Draft Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
On the other hand, as the UUP quickly pointed out, Sir Ninian's draft could itself quickly be transmuted into a draft joint statement. [Editor's Note: The discussion then moves on; the draft is accepted for consideration.] Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
Meeting Following Morning Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
[Editor's Note: It was so agreed.] Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
[Editor's Note: The meeting ends.] signed: Q J Thomas Q J THOMAS Monday November 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
Joint Statement Draft 5 November 1992 Thursday November 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
[Editor's Note: This draft formed the basis of further drafts.] Thursday November 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Joint Statement Draft 5 November 1992 Friday November 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Joint Statement Draft 6 November 1992 Friday November 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: The document is referred to in the Drafting Committee meeting of 9 November 1992.] Friday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
Sir Ninian's Draft Joint Statement Monday November 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: Draft of the joint statement between participants regarding the end of the Talks as of 5 November 1992.] Friday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
Joint Statement Draft 10 November 1992 AM Tuesday November 1992Committee: Identities Sub-Committee
Introduction by Chairman Thursday May 1992Committee: Identities Sub-Committee
4. Gregory Campbell, in making some introductory remarks on behalf of the DUP, said that the problem was not just a conflict of identity but also one of misperceptions of identity. The unionist identity was an expression of Britishness, not as found in... Thursday May 1992Committee: Identities Sub-Committee
6. Steve McBride reported that the Alliance Party was well advanced in preparing a paper on this subject. He felt some sense of intruding in a family quarrel. As discussed last year in the Alliance Party’s opening statement to the talks, Northern... Thursday May 1992Committee: Identities Sub-Committee
7. Josias Cunningham tabled a statement headed "A Questions of Identities?". He made the point that in a truly pluralist society different identities and cultures can, and do, co-exist. Discord arose when those identities or cultures became aligned... Thursday May 1992Committee: Identities Sub-Committee
At this point the Government Team suggested a break for tea (from 3.30 to 4.00 pm) and for consultation with other party members. Thursday May 1992Committee: Identities Sub-Committee
Conclusions of the Identities Sub-Committee Meeting 7 May 1415 Thursday May 1992Committee: Identities Sub-Committee
The Right to Define Identity Thursday May 1992Committee: Identities Sub-Committee
Reg Empey said that people in both communities had an entitlement to their identity and should expect respect for it from others and a means of expressing it freely. It was necessary to define how entitlement in these terms would be validated. 12.... Thursday May 1992Committee: Identities Sub-Committee
13. Gregory Campbell said that unionists viewed the Northern Ireland conflict with a certain amount of fear for their own future based upon present day realities and projections of what could happen eg in terms of demography, fair employment... Thursday May 1992Committee: Identities Sub-Committee
Nature of the Institutions Thursday May 1992Committee: Identities Sub-Committee
Mark Durkan replied that he would not want to prespecify any arrangement in those terms. He would like to see the ultimate reflection of an Irish identity but accepted that would raise unionist fears. It was necessary to leave behind the territorial... Thursday May 1992Committee: Identities Sub-Committee
Useful Discussion Thursday May 1992Committee: Identities Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: 'Each team agreed'.] Thursday May 1992Committee: Identities Sub-Committee
Nature of the Institutions Thursday May 1992Committee: Identities Sub-Committee
Mr Hanley thanked those present for their positive contributions, for the excellent wide-ranging discussion and for the recognition that it was for each group to determine and define their own identity and for others to respect this. [Editor's Note:... Thursday May 1992Committee: Identities Sub-Committee
Agree a Record of the Meeting and Refer to Plenary Thursday May 1992Committee: Identities Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: The summary record of the meeting is approved and reported to the plenary session.] Thursday May 1992Committee: Identities Sub-Committee
This was circulated to delegates together with copies of papers on identity from the four parties. [Editor's Note: The agreed record of the meeting is presented to the plenary session.] Thursday May 1992Committee: Identities Sub-Committee
16. Reg Empey and Steve McBride then suggested that one unionist perception was that nationalists had ownership of Irishness and equally that they defined unionists as invariably British. Therefore, they argued, nationalism had to change in order to... Thursday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
22. After the meeting had broken up and the SDLP and Alliance delegates had left the room, Mr Robinson returned to seek clarification that the afternoon discussion would not deal with Strand II issues. Mr Hanley said that it was clear that the business... Tuesday May 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
Working Draft Joint Statement 9 November 1992 Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
2. Mr Robinson of the DUP began by questioning whether a statement of this positive kind was possible or appropriate. 3. The UUP (Mr Cunningham and Mr Nicholson) also expressed scepticism about language of this kind which might be a fudge. Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
False Representation of Events Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
Adopting Draft Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
6. Though it seemed at first that there might be no agreement on a statement it became clear, in particular after interventions from Mr Hanley, that there was much to be said for such a statement. Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
[Editor's Note: Each delegation seems to have retreated enough from their initial positions at this point to agree this.] Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
(vi) The Alliance at one point said that Mr Hume's speech at the weekend showed he had not moved at all. Mr Hume responded darkly that "I know what you are". On reflection he elaborated this to bring out his view that the Alliance were only a... Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
[Editor's Note: It was so agreed.] Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
There was some evidence that a slightly terser statement, honestly acknowledging differences as well as the fact that there had been positive exchanges, with less specific matter about areas which had been discussed, might be agreed, together with some... Monday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
Joint Statement Draft 10 November 1992 AM Tuesday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
[Editor's Note: The draft is circulated once the meeting resumes.] Tuesday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
[Editor's Note: The meeting appears to adjourn for a while, likely while the Government Team writes up the draft.] Tuesday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
Joint Statement Draft 10 November 1992 PM Tuesday November 1992Committee: Drafting Committee
[Editor's Note: The latest draft is presented at the plenary.] Tuesday November 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
Joint Statement Draft 10 November 1992 PM Tuesday November 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
[Editor's Note: We assume that this draft was discussed in the meeting, and a final version was later circulated by the Government Team. To represent this, the final version will originate in the Office of the Chairman.] Tuesday November 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Joint Statement Draft 10 November 1992 PM Tuesday November 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
[Editor's Note: They join the session.] Friday October 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
[Editor's Note: They join the session.] Friday October 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
[Editor's Note: They join the session.] Friday October 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
[Editor's Note: They join the session.] Friday October 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
[Editor's Note: They join the session.] Friday October 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
2. The Secretary of State and Mr Hanley had about three-quarters of an hour with the Tanaiste, Mr Flynn and Mr Molloy over lunch. Friday October 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
Debrief of Meeting with Irish Officials 23 October 1992 Friday October 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
- Irish Ministers had been pleasantly surprised by their bilaterals with the UUP yesterday and this morning. In particular it seemed to the Irish that the UUP were willing to go further on executive authority for North/South institutions than HMG. The... Friday October 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
No officials were present but in a subsequent debrief the Secretary of State reported that:- Friday October 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
- Mr Flynn had shown unequivocal hostility to Mr Hume's ideas on security: "I don't even want to discuss it" had been his repeated litany when Mr Molloy had attempted to touch on the subject; Friday October 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
- The Irish had reaffirmed their need for constitutional balance if they were to put the amendment of Articles 2 and 3 to the Irish people. The Secretary of State had pressed them successfully to reflect further on what specifically they wanted. He had... Friday October 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
- The Irish had suggested that they would not have a Ministerial presence in Belfast on Wednesday because of questions in the Dail though since, so far as we knew, questions were only to the Tanaiste it was not entirely clear why other Irish Ministers... Friday October 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
[Editor's Note: The meeting ends.] Friday October 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
[Editor's Note: The document is copied into the Office of the Chairman.] Friday October 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Debrief of Meeting with Irish Officials 23 October 1992 Friday October 1992Committee: Party Leaders
NOTE OF A MEETING HELD ON 15 MAY AT 10.30 AM TALKS: PARTY LEADERS Those present: Secretary of State Mr Hanley Mr Chilcot Mr Fittall Mr Molyneaux Mr Alderdice [sic] Mr Hume Dr Paisley Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
The four Party Leaders met with the Secretary of State for three quarters of an hour at 10.30 am this morning. Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Leaking of the SDLP Paper Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Allegations that the Leak was from the UUP Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Statement by Party Leaders on Leak at Plenary Session (Joint Unionist Proposal) Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Mr Hume said that he did not see how they could do that since none of them could know, as a matter of fact, who had been responsible for the leak. Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Statement by Party Leaders on Leak at Plenary Session (Government Amendment) Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
This part of the discussion concluded without agreement being reached on how the matter should be handled. Dr Paisley said that he still felt that it was important for the leaders to be able to say that they were satisfied that no—one at the table was... Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: No agreement on a statement is reached.] Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
3. Mr Hume said that there was general gossip that the leak had come from Mr Molyneaux's Party, fueled by the fact that Mr Taylor of the UUP had commented on the substance of the leaked document. Mr Molyneaux said that he knew as a matter of fact that... Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Report of Discussion After Strasbourg Lunch Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
The Secretary of State said that he had agreed to see Dr Paisley and Mr Hume, just as he would agree to see anybody else involved with the Talks who wanted to talk to him. No one had been excluded but they were, of course, the only two party leaders... Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Report from the Sub-Committee Established on 11 May Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Mr Hanley said that the sub-committee had almost finished its work when the SDLP had made some rhetorical challenges which others, including Mr Robinson, had signalled that they would wish to be able to answer formally. Mr Hanley had at this point had... Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Adjournment to Reflect Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: The meeting appears to adjourn at this point. The sub-Committee meets in the interval, and reference is made to the fact that the Party Leaders wanted them to conclude discussions on the SDLP proposition. However, a decision on the... Friday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Mr Hanley, Mr Chilcot and I were present for each of these discussions. DR PAISLEY AND MR MOLYNEAUX 2. First, Dr Paisley and Mr Molyneaux came to see him at 12.30 pm at their request. [Editor's Note: 'I' refers to Mr Fittall, the Private Secretary... Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Sub-Committee to Complete Discussions and Re-work the Paper Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
10. Mr Alderdice [sic] agreed that it was important now to address the differences among the parties in a structured way. Also agreeing, Mr Molyneaux said that there was no difficulty about everybody agreeing that Christmas should, for the foreseeable... Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
12. Dr Paisley said that the crunch had certainly come. He might be wrong but it seemed to him the SDLP were opposed to the views of the other three parties. The question was whether devolved arrangement could be achieved in Northern Ireland or... Friday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: This is the first recorded meeting in this Committee since the election and the change of personnel in the Government team.] Friday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: This is the first recorded meeting in this Committee since the election and the change of personnel in the Government team.] Friday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: This is the first recorded meeting in this format with Mr Mayhew as Secretary of State.] Friday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: This is the first recorded meeting in this format with Mr Hanley as PUS.] Friday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: Mr Fittall joins the session as Private Secretary to the Secretary of State.] Friday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Agreeing New Political Structures Friday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Plenary Discussion on Party Proposals Friday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Circulation of Relevant Papers in Relation to Proposed Plenary Friday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
3. Mr Hanley said that one of the SDLP representatives had stated at a sub-committee meeting that they were now proposing "a stronger Dublin role but at a different level". But this contribution had not been wholly consistent with the views of other... Friday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
8. The Secretary of State said that at a technical level there was no doubt that the SDLP's proposals were within the ambit of the Talks though there could clearly be questions about which matters were appropriate for which of the Strands. But the real... Friday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: It was so agreed.] Friday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
13. Endorsing this Mr Molyneaux said that the difficulty was that Mr Hume might now feel that he could not remove his proposal from the table given that it had been leaked. Nevertheless a plenary discussion was clearly the next step. Friday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: The record of this meeting is a note from Mr Fittall to Mr DJR Hill.] TALKS: BILATERALS WITH PARTY LEADERS ON 15 MAY 1992 Following this morning's meeting with the four party leaders, which is recorded separately, the Secretary of... Friday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Mr Hanley, Mr Chilcot and I were present for each of these discussions [...] MR HUME 15. At 1.15 pm the Secretary of State saw Mr Hume for ten minutes. Friday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Plenary Discussion of the Underlying Issues Friday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Mr Hume, clearly very pleased at this, said that he had just come to the same conclusion with his own delegation and had been going to propose that to the Secretary of State. Friday May 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
[Editor's Note: This is the first meeting in this format since the General Election when Mr Mayhew replaced Mr Brooke as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Other staff changes took place in the Government Team at the same time.] Friday May 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
[Editor's Note: As above.] Friday May 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
[Editor's Note: As above.] Friday May 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
[Editor's Note: As above.] Friday May 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
[Editor's Note: As above.] Friday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
[Editor's Note: The record of this meeting is a note from Mr Fittall to Mr DJR Hill.] FROM: PS/SECRETARY OF STATE 15 MAY 1992 cc PS/Secretary of State (L&B) - B PS/Mr Hanley (L, B&DENI) M/B PS/PUS (L&B) - B PS/Mr Fell - B Mr Ledlie -... Friday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
The fact was that the other parties had made a knee jerk reaction to the SDLP's proposals before the SDLP had had the opportunity to explain them and elaborate on them in plenary. 16. The SDLP proposals were genuine ones. He wanted the Unionists to... Friday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
17. The Secretary of State said that Unionists clearly saw any Dublin involvement as a moving of the goal posts by the SDLP. Mr Hume said that he understood that but that the SDLP would try to tackle the problem at its roots. There were many Unionists... Friday May 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
[Editor's Note: The record of this meeting is a note from Mr Fittall to Mr DJR Hill.] FROM: PS/SECRETARY OF STATE 15 MAY 1992 cc PS/Secretary of State (L&B) - B PS/Mr Hanley (L, B&DENI) M/B PS/PUS (L&B) - B PS/Mr Fell - B Mr Ledlie -... Friday May 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
Mr Hanley, Mr Chilcot and I were present for each of these discussions [...] DR ALDERDICE 20. At 1.30 pm the Secretary of State saw Dr Alderdice for ten minutes. Friday May 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
Plenary Discussion of the Issues Friday May 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
Dr Alderdice readily agreed with this. Friday May 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
If people wanted to dig in then they would have to do so in full awareness of the consequences. 21. The Secretary of State said that he attached considerable importance to the Alliance's own position. They were clearly less entrenched than the other... Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: During the adjournment, the sub-Committee meets, and the Secretary of State meets each of the leaders in turn. At these bilateral meetings, there is consensus on the need for discussion of the party proposals in a plenary meeting.] Friday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Plenary Discussion on the Way Forward Friday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
SoS to Consult Party Leaders on Holding a Plenary Discussion and Circulate Relevant Papers Friday May 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
Plenary Discussion of the Underlying Issues Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Plenary Discussion of the Issues Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: The proposal to hold a full plenary discussion on Monday is by implication approved by the group.] Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Statement from Secretary of State on Tuesday Night's Leak (to be put to the Plenary Meeting on 15 May 1992) Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: The proposed statement will be read at the plenary session and form the basis of the press statement.] Friday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
[Editor's Note: This is the first meeting in this format since the General Election and the change of personnel on the Government Team.] Monday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
[Editor's Note: This is the first meeting in this format since the General Election and the change of personnel on the Government Team.] Monday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
[Editor's Note: This is the first meeting in this format since the General Election and the change of personnel in the Government Team.] Monday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
[Editor's Note: This is the first meeting in this format since the General Election and the change of personnel in the Government Team.] Monday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
[Editor's Note: This is the first meeting in this format since the General Election and the change of personnel on the Government Team.] Monday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
FROM : PS/Secretary Of State 11 May 1992 cc PS/SofS (B&L) PS/Mr Hanley (B&L) PS/PUS (B&L) PS/Mr Fell Mr Thomas (B&L) Mr Alston Mr Bell Mr Wood Mr Cooke Mr D A Hill Mr D J R Hill Mr Maccabe [Addby hand: cc Ms Lodge, Mr Stephens, Mr Archer, RID] NOTE... Monday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
The four SDLP MPs met the Secretary of State just after 11.00 am today for about fifty minutes at Mr Hume's request. Monday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Move to Strand II of the Talks As Soon As Possible Monday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
3. In response the Secretary of State said that he sensed that there was a strong public momentum behind the talks process and that none of the parties now wished to be seen to be pulling the plug. He hoped therefore that it would be possible for the... Monday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
10. Summing up the discussion the Secretary of State said that he had found it very helpful to hear the SDLP's concerns. The important thing now was for solid work to be done in the sub-committees this week. He would want to reflect further on what the... Monday May 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
[Editor's Note: The account of this meeting is in a briefing note regarding the Secretary of State's meeting on 20 May, prepared by Mr Fittall, Private Secretary to the Secretary of State, for Mr D J R Hill.] 5 . At the end of the plenary the... Wednesday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
6. In discussion the SDLP said that the key to the whole exercise was to persuade the Unionists that they had nothing to fear from the South. It was unrealistic to expect the Irish Government to say more at this stage than "Article 2 and 3 would be on... Monday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
7. In further discussion the Secretary of State and Mr Hanley referred to the importance of completing serious work on the Strand I issues before attempting to make the transition to Strand II. Dr Hendron noted that there were a number of sensible... Monday May 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
Mr Hanley, Mr Chilcot and I were also present. Wednesday May 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
SDLP/Unionist Position on 20 May 1992 Wednesday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
[Editor's Note: The account of this meeting is in a briefing note regarding the Secretary of State's meeting on 20 May, prepared by Mr Fittall, Private Secretary to the Secretary of State, for Mr D J R Hill. The briefing note does not include the time... Wednesday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
7. The Secretary of State then saw Mr Hume with Mr Hanley and Mr Chilcot but without a note taker. Wednesday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
FROM: PS/SECRETARY OF STATE 20 MAY 1992 cc: PS/Secretary of State (L&B) PS/Mr Hanley (L,B&DENI) PS/PUS (L&B) PS/Mr Fell Mr Thomas Mr Ledlie Mr Bell Mr Alston Mr Watkins Mr Wood (L&B) Mr Cooke Mr Maccabe Mr D A Hill Mr Dodds Mr Petch Mr Archer RID,... Wednesday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
D J R Hill Proposals for Breaking Impasse on 20 May 1992 Wednesday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
SDLP Statement Proposed by the UK Government to Break the Impasse Wednesday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Secretary of State to Meet Mr Hume at Coffee Break and Underline the Need for a Shift in Position Wednesday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Government Proposal for Further Plenaries and Meetings with Party Leaders Wednesday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: The meeting will go ahead as discussed, although it isn't possible to meet until the afternoon.] Wednesday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
SDLP Statement Proposed by the UK Government to Break the Impasse Wednesday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Mr Hume had agreed to consider this with his colleagues. [Editor's Note: The next step is for the matter is to be considered by the SDLP delegation.] Wednesday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Government Proposal for Further Plenaries and Meetings with Party Leaders Wednesday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Discussions with the Irish Government Wednesday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Discussions with the Irish Government Before Tuesday Wednesday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: This formal meeting with the party leaders is included in the proposal put the plenary.] Wednesday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: The next section of Mr Fittall's notes record the Government Team attending the plenary sessions and engaging in bilateral discussions. The Team reconvenes at the end of the day to debrief.] 9. In discussion with Mr Hanley and... Wednesday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Government Position on External Commissioners Wednesday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: This is a directive from the Secretary of State to his staff.] Wednesday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
- it was likely to be crucial for the SDLP to do more than simply allow the other 3 parties to work up a scheme of devolution. The Unionists would want the SDLP to participate in the work and to indicate a conditional willingness to endorse the outcome... Wednesday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
'Leader Plus One' Negotiating Group Wednesday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: This suggestion is not yet a firm proposal. The next move lies with the SDLP at this stage.] Wednesday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
- the Irish Government should not, after all, be lobbied, at least until after the party leader meeting had taken place. Wednesday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: It is decided not to involve the Irish Government at this stage.] Wednesday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Arrival of Sir Ninian Stephen Wednesday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: The question of Sir Ninian Stephen does not feature in any other meetings on 20 May, so the decision seems to be taken to postpone further consideration of that until the outcome of the day's discussions are clearer.] Wednesday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
NOTE OF MEETING HELD ON 21ST MAY 1992 POLITICAL TALKS Those Present: Secretary of State Mr Hanley Mr Chilcot Mr Fittall Mr Molyneaux Mr Hume Dr Paisley Mr Morrow Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: It was agreed at the plenary meeting on 20 May that Mr Morrow would represent the Alliance Party at this meeting in the absence of Dr Alderdice.] Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
The Secretary of State met the party leaders (with Mr Morrow substituting for Dr Alderdice) for fifty minutes this afternoon in the large ministerial conference room at the House of Commons. Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
The End of All-Party Negotiations Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
3. Responding, Mr Molyneaux said that he very reluctantly shared the Secretary of State's pessimism about making progress in plenary. It seemed to him that even if Mr Hume modified his proposals somewhat they would still in effect constitute the 'end... Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
4. Mr Morrow said that he had listened very carefully to Mr Mallon yesterday and had some sympathy for what he was saying. But surely there was some other way of bringing in the Irish identity. He shared the pessimism of the Secretary of State and Mr... Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
6. Dr Paisley said that Mr Hume had raised an important point at question time which was why the people of Northern Ireland had not been satisfied with the constantly reaffirmed commitment of the British Government to the Union. The reason was because... Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
12. The Secretary of State asked whether it was helpful to explore what was meant by the phrase 'nothing is agreed until everything is agreed' . Mr Molyneaux said that his picture was of an outline agreement at each stage but with no party bound to a... Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Proceed to Strands 2 and 3 Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Agree a Way Forward Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
29. The party leaders concurred with this proposal. Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
30. After Mr Hanley Dr Paisley, Mr Molyneaux had left the Secretary of State had a vigorous 15 minute discussion with Mr Hume. [Editor's Note: At this point the meeting adjourns and Mr Hanley, Dr Paisley and Mr Molyneaux leave. The Secretary of State... Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Mr Hume to Reflect on the Way Forward Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
8. Mr Hume said that he did not want to reopen the debate which had taken place in plenary but the fact was that nobody was challenging the Union. Far bigger decisions were being taken now at European level than the Unionists appeared ready to... Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
10. Mr Molyneaux said that he had originally shared Mr Hume's hope about the prospects of regularising relationships with the Republic of Ireland. But over the past few weeks he had started to wonder what the Unionists really did stand to gain from... Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Mr Molyneaux conceded that this might be possible though thought it might not be not the most fruitful way of proceeding. Agreeing, Dr Paisley said that it was impossible to go and talk to the south until there was something specific to talk about.... Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
SDLP Statement Proposed by the UK Government to Break the Impasse Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
17. Mr Molyneaux said that he found it hard to be helpful about Strand 2 because at the moment insufficient work had been done on the working up of arrangements for devolved government in Northern Ireland and of its relationship with Westminster.... Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: This was so agreed.] Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: Mr Hume now leaves.] Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Secretary of State to Write to Party Leaders Regarding Sir Ninian Stephen's Visit Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: It was so decided.] Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: The record of the meeting is signed and circulated as follows:] Signed W R FITTALL PS/Secretary of State OAB Extn 6462 21 May 1992 cc: Talks team PS/Secretary of STATE (L&B) PS/Mr Hanley (L&B) PS/PUS (L&B) PS/Mr Fell Mr Led lie Mr... Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
20. Mr Hume said that the difficulty for him was that on the basis of what the Unionists had currently offered there was virtually nothing on the table for the SDLP. The Unionists would have a majority on each committee with one SDLP person in the... Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
24. Mr Morrow said that he thought that the object of Strand 1 was to see how politicians could be given power within Northern Ireland. He accepted that before the Anglo-Irish Agreement the majority of the Protestents [sic] in the North had not been... Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
26. Dr Paisley interjected by asking what had been coming out of Dublin in the last three months. To this Mr Hume responded that the Irish had now found 60% of the Libyan arms. Dr Paisley said that he was making no allegations about the Dublin... Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Government to Produce a Paper for Discussion Thursday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Ref: BC/5 RECORD OF BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 26 MAY 1992 Government Team Mr Hanley Mr Bell Mr Hill Talks Secretariat Mr Smith Also Present Mr Smyth Alliance Party Mr Close Mr Morrow SDLP Mr Farren Mr Haughey UDUP Mr Robinson Mr... Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: Mr Donaldson joins the committee for the first time.] Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
The meeting began at 16.40 and finished at 17.15. Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Amendment to the Minutes PT10 and PT15 Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: The amended minutes are circulated.] Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Amendments to Attendance Record for PT16 and PT17 Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: No objection is made, although the correction does not appear to have been made to any of the versions of the minutes retained by Dr Alderdice or the National Archives.] Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Terms of Reference for Sub-Committee Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
That the Sub-Committee Discuss the Paper 'Models of Government' Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
That the Sub-Committee Discuss the Paper 'Models of Government' Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
4. The Alliance delegation said it saw little use in discussing any of these papers until the current "blockage" to the Talks had been cleared. The UDUP delegation said that it too had papers for discussion which it did not feel would be appropriate to... Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: Both proposals are rejected.] Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
That the Sub-Committee Discuss the SDLP Paper on the Impasse Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
The UUP delegation suggested that discussion of the SDLP paper would be more fruitful than a nit-picking exercise of the Government's paper. Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
All Parties to Prepare Papers on the Impasse Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: It was so agreed.] Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
6. The SDLP delegation said it saw the impasse as being centred on the problem of identity - the SDLP had seen the question of identity as an internal matter and therefore to be legitimately dealt with during Strand I, whilst they believed the Unionist... Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Sub-Committee Schedule Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: It was so agreed.] Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Composition of the Sub-Committee Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: It was so agreed.] Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Confidentiality and Minutes of Sub-Committee Meetings Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: It was so agreed.] Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Adopt Recommendations and Adjourn Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
[Editor's Note: This was so.] Tuesday May 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
REF: PT/19 SUMMARY RECORD OF A PLENARY SESSION HELD AT PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS ON THE AFTERNOON OF 26 MAY 1992 Those present: Government Team Secretary of State Mr Hanley PUS Mr Fell Mr Thomas Mr Bell Mr Hill Mr Maccabe Talks Secretariat Mr Brooker Mr... Tuesday May 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
Corrections to Earlier Minutes Tuesday May 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
It was initially suggested that these points should be taken up with the Talks Secretariat Tuesday May 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
but eventually agreed that they would be dealt with in the Business Committee. [Editor's Note: Alliance and SDLP are marked as abstaining as they do not appear to have been part of this discussion.] Tuesday May 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
2. The Plenary session began at 16.00 and ended at 16.20 am. [sic] Tuesday May 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
Adjournment of Plenary and Meeting of the Business Committee Tuesday May 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
The Business Committee might convene a sub-Committee for this purpose. The Government Team said that the gravity of the situation warranted every care being given as to how to proceed further. The Business Committee Could meet immediately after the... Tuesday May 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
4. The DUP delegation said that the day's discussion had indicated the nub of the problem, in that it was clear from what the SDLP leader had said that he was not prepared to accept majority rule in an Assembly or in Committees and that the Nationalist... Tuesday May 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
5. The UUP delegation also indicated support for the Government Team's proposals. They saw no merit in discussing the Government paper in Plenary session. The Talks were currently in a situation of deadlock. Three Parties had presented papers which... Tuesday May 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
6. The Alliance delegation said that all recognised that the Talks were in a difficult position. They hoped it would be possible to take matters forward in sub-Committee and that between now and the following week, all delegations would reflect on how... Tuesday May 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
7. The SDLP delegation agreed that a crucial stage in the discussions had been reached. These discussions had been amongst the most constructive in the last 20 years. This reflected the will of all the Parties to make progress. A serious problem had... Tuesday May 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
The Government Team said that they took it that their procedural proposal was agreed by all Parties. Tuesday May 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
9. The DUP delegation intervened to confirm the SDLP's interpretation of the Unionist position regarding the timing of the different Strands. In their view, Strand II was both sequential to and consequential on Strand I. It would be impossible for the... Tuesday May 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
Press Statement 26 May 1992 Tuesday May 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
The SDLP delegation sought and received confirmation that the purpose of the Business Committee meeting was simply to convene the sub-Committee. Tuesday May 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
[Editor's Note: The statement was 'agreed after brief discussion'.] Tuesday May 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
Minutes of the Business Committee and Sub-Committee Tuesday May 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
This was agreed. Tuesday May 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
Confidentiality Tuesday May 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
TALKS SECRETARIAT [Editor's Note: The meeting adjourns and the Business Committee meets.] Tuesday May 1992Committee: Business Committee Strand 1
Corrections to Earlier Minutes Tuesday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Editor's Note: From the record of the plenary session on 26 May 1992, it is clear that the Secretary of State has held meetings with the Party Leaders earlier in the day, resulting in a delayed start to the plenary meeting. We have no other, more... Tuesday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
[Editor's Note: The Secretary of State's briefing to the Prime Minister, dated 29 May 1992 makes reference to the meetings he held with the party leaders on 26 May. It also refers to a more detailed account of the meetings prepared on 27 May which we... Tuesday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: The Secretary of State's briefing to the Prime Minister, dated 29 May 1992 makes reference to the meetings he held with the party leaders on 26 May. It also refers to a more detailed account of the meetings prepared on 27 May which we... Tuesday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Terms of Reference for Sub-Committee (26 May 1992) Wednesday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Proposals for Breaking Impasse: "Park and Ride" Wednesday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Proposals for Breaking Impasse: Go Straight to Strand II Wednesday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Clarification of Process of Moving to Strand II Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
The SDLP eventually professed themselves satisfied. Friday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Government Paper on Structures and Breaking the Impasse Friday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: The paper is discussed at the Sub-Committee meeting.] Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Proposals for Breaking Impasse: Robinson Approach Wednesday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
FROM: D J R HILL Political Development Team 1 June 1992 cc PS/Mr Hanley (L&B) PS/PUS (L&B) PS/Mr Fell Mr Thomas (L&B) Mr Bell (L&B) Mr Alston Mr Watkins Mr Cooke Mr Maccabe Mr Dodds Mr Petch Mr Archer, RID HMA Dublin Mr Sibson, Cab Off Mr... Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Mr Hanley made clear several times that there was no document which superseded or qualified the 26 March statement. I explained that three parties had taken up Mr Brooke' s offer of 14 March 1991 to clarify aspects of the draft statement he had... Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Government Paper on Structures and Breaking the Impasse Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
The DUP and UUP registered two specific criticisms (Mr Robinson made clear that the DUP had never referred to the desirability of negotiating an "agreed Ireland"; and Mr Empey expressed concern that anyone should believe the UUP's proposals involved... Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
My own analysis is that each party found the paper encouraging as indicating that there was a basis on which they could agree on the various elements of the impasse, but that they all, for various reasons, wanted this to be tacit rather than explicit. Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: 'everyone agreed that the paper HMG had circulated at the beginning of the day... should be shredded.'] Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
5. We then went through the various procedural devices canvassed on Wednesday evening: (a) "park and ride", rejected by the SDLP and only conditionally supported by the Unionists; Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
(d) go straight to Strand II, favoured by the SDLP who tabled a paper on the subject (copy attached at Annex A); [Editor's Note: Since a new paper is tabled, this proposal appears to stay on the table.] Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
SDLP Paper: Progressing Beyond Strand I Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
(f) work up a new model to which all could agree before moving to Strand II, on the understanding (the "Robinson" approach) that if the "Irish identity" point was not satisfied the SDLP could revert to Strand I to "bolt on" the necessary additional... Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Proposals for Breaking Impasse: SDLP Variation on Robinson Approach Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
7. This did not immediately strike a chord, despite Mr Fell arguing that in practice this and the "Robinson" approach would not be too far apart. Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
The sub-Committee broke for tea in some despair with the Government Team committed to putting something on paper. 8. It was at that point that a member of the TAU overheard the immortal phrase (from Peter Robinson to Denis Haughey) "see here, big... Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Adjournment to Resolve "Majority Rule" Question Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: This is so agreed.] Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Sub-Committee Proposals 29 May 1992 18.25 Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Meeting of Party Leaders and Plenary Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: This is so agreed.] Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
14. The members of the sub-Committee were clearly very pleased with themselves and keen to proceed to work something up on the informal, unminuted basis which had applied on 27, 28 and 29 May. signed DAVID HILL DJR HILL Political Development Team Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Political Talks: Report of the Sub-Committee Established on 26 May [1 June Version] Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: The amendments are made to the document.] Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: The edited version of the report is circulated.] Friday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
From: PS/Secretary of State 1 June 1992 cc PS/SofS (B&L) - B PS/Mr Hanley (DENI, B&L) - B PS/Mr Fell - B Mr Thomas (B&L) - B Mr Alston - B Mr Watkins - B Mr Cooke - B Mr D A Hill - B Mr Maccabe - B Mr Petch - B Mr Brooker - B HMA, Dublin Mr Archer -... Monday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Mr Hanley, Mr Chilcot and I were also present. [Editor's Note: 'I' refers to W R Fittall, Private Secretary, who wrote the minute. We know that the Secretary of State and the four Party Leaders were also present.] Monday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Sub-Committee Proposals 29 May 1992 18.25 Monday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Sub-Committee to Continue its Work Monday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
6. Dr Paisley and Mr Molyneaux then said that they found themselves in a difficulty. They had been willing to proceed with the sub-committee exercise because it offered a possible way forward. But Mr Hume now, in their view, appeared to be denying that... Monday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Statement against Background Briefings to the Press Monday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
3. Dr Alderdice said that he agreed with this. He thought that there was value in the report and the papers of the parties being circulated to the plenary meeting so long as there was no substantive discussion opened there at this stage. 4. Dr Paisley... Monday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
7. The Secretary of State said that his press officers were not authorised to give background briefings on the talks. He would be most surprised if they had done so. He would certainly ensure that there was no doubt about the matter. Mr Molyneaux said... Monday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
8. Returning to the main issue, Dr Paisley said that he found it very difficult to continue if there really had not been any breakthrough. Was Mr Hume willing to say whether he had moved from his earlier position on the two key questions of majority... Monday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
11. Intervening the Secretary of State said that there was a danger of getting back into a discussion of the substantive issues when the only immediate question was whether the sub-committee should be authorised to take longer over its work. It seemed... Monday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
13. Dr Paisley said that he had difficulty about the phrase in the sub-committee's report which referred to non-contentious matters "normally" being decided by a majority vote. When were non-contentious matters not to be decided by a majority vote? It... Monday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
16. The Secretary of State said that these were all matters which could be explored further in sub-committee. The immediate question was whether the sub-committee should be allowed to proceed with its work. Monday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Plenary to Instruct the Sub-Committee Resume Work: Report Not Circulated Monday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Plenary to Instruct the Sub-Committee Resume Work: Report Circulated Monday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Following further consultations in the margins with the other party leaders it was this revised proposal which was put to the re-convened plenary at 12.10 pm. Monday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: At this point most participants leave the meeting and reconvene shortly later for the plenary (Session 11470). In the interim the Secretary of State has the private conversation with Mr Hume which follows. The minute from Mr Fittall... Monday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
17. Dr Paisley said that he worried that the central issues were being avoided. Could Mr Hume say whether his people had moved towards the other three parties in committee or not? 18. Mr Hume said the basic analysis of the SDLP remained unchanged.... Monday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
20. Dr Alderdice said that, as he saw it, it was not so much as [sic] question of whether one or other party was prepared to move, but of trying to establish whether it was possible to come up with further proposals which carried "everyone's figure... Monday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Clarification of the Secretary of State's Position on SDLP Proposals Monday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Mr Hume did not dissent from this. Monday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
Ref: PT/20 SUMMARY RECORD OF A PLENARY MEETING HELD AT PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS ON THE MORNING OF 1 JUNE 1992 Those present: Government Team Secretary of State Mr Hanley PUS Mr Fell Mr Thomas Mr Bell Mr Maccabe Mr Hill Talks Secretariat Mr Brooker Mr... Monday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
The Plenary session began at 12.12 and ended at 12.17 am [sic]. Monday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
Apology for Late Start Monday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
[Editor's Note: This is noted.] Monday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
Sub-Committee Proposals 29 May 1992 18.25 Monday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
Sub-Committee to Continue its work on Monday and Tuesday and Report on Wednesday 3 June Monday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
This was granted. It was agreed that the sub-Committee would continue its deliberations on the basis of the report produced and the papers attached to it. Monday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
Reiteration of Confidentiality Monday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
[Editor's Note: This is noted.] Monday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
Press Release 1 June 1992 Monday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
TALKS SECRETARIAT [Editor's Note: The meeting adjourns, followed by a meeting between the Secretary of State and Dr Alderdice recorded in Session 13982.] Monday June 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
[Editor's Note: This meeting takes place after the Plenary Session (Session 11470). It is detailed in the margins of the Party Leaders' meeting on 1 June (Session 13941).] Monday June 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
26. After the plenary meeting the Secretary of State saw Dr Alderdice for 10 minutes at Dr Alderdice's request. Mr Hanley was occupied with the sub-committee but Mr Chilcot and I were present. Monday June 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
Engage the Prime Minister in the Process Immediately Monday June 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
28. The Secretary of State told Dr Alderdice that the Prime Minister was now fully in the picture. The Secretary State indicated that he would want to reflect on what Dr Alderdice had said in the light of whatever progress was achieved in preparation... Monday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Mr Maccabe Monday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Mr Ferguson Monday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
and myself Monday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
29. After Dr Alderdice had left the Secretary of State had a brief wash up discussion with Mr Chilcot, Mr Thomas, Mr Maccabe, Mr Ferguson and myself (other members of the team were tied up with the sub-committee). Monday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: The details of this conversation are included in a minute from Mr Fittall, dated 1 June, which mainly deals with the earlier meeting of party leaders. The meeting takes place following the Plenary session and after a short conversation... Monday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Engage the Prime Minister in the Process Immediately Monday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Report from Mr Fittall to Mr Wall at No 10 Monday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Make a Decision: Prime Minister to Meet with Party Leaders after Rio Monday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: It was so decided.] Monday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Message from the Private Secretary of the Prime Minister Monday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: There is no written record of the sub-Committee meeting on 1 June. It appears to have met in two sub-groups as had previously been proposed. Mr Hill circulated the draft proposals internally as they stood before the group reconvened on... Monday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
New Political Institutions in Northern Ireland: 3 June 00:45 Revision Tuesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: This version of the paper appears to have been accepted at the end of the day on 2 June.] Tuesday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Prime Minister to Write to the Taisoach Monday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
New Political Institutions in Northern Ireland Monday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: The paper is available to delegates at the plenary meeting.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
New Political Institutions in Northern Ireland Wednesday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
[Editor's Note: As the sub-Committee is to continue work on the proposals, we assume the document is referred back.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
The Role of a Head of Department 1 June 1992 Monday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
FROM: PS/Secretary of State 3 June 1992 cc PS/SofS (B&L) - B PS/Mr Hanley (B&L) - B PS/PUS (B&L) - B PS/Mr Fell - B Mr Thomas (B&L) - B Mr Alston - B Mr Bell - B Mr Watkins - B Mr Cooke - B Mr D A Hill - B Mr Maccabe - B Mr Petch - B Mr Brooker - B Mr... Wednesday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Proposal for Sub-Committee to Continue its Work (for Plenary Meeting on 3 June) Wednesday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: The Secretary of State shares this proposal with the Unionists, the SDLP and Alliance in bilaterals before putting it to the plenary meeting at 12.52 pm.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: The record of this meeting comes in a memo from W R Fittall (Private Secretary to the Secretary of State) to Mr D J R Hill (Talks Secretariat) on the Secretary of State's meetings of the day. The Secretary of State is meeting with the... Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
3. The Secretary of State then saw, at their request, Dr Paisley, Mr Robinson, Mr Nicholson and Mr Empey at 10.20 am. Mr Molyneaux had already sent his apologies for absence. Mr Hanley, Mr Chilcot and I were present for the discussion. [Editor's Note:... Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Proposal for Plenary on 3 June (Paisley) Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
5. Endorsing this Mr Empey said that those involved had all been rather disappointed that some of the progress achieved early yesterday had been lost as the day had gone on. But there was no alternative to soldiering on. The object had to be to work up... Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Sub-Committees to Resume on Monday Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Mr Empey and Mr Robinson said that it was very important not to lose momentum. They strongly favoured therefore further work this week. They saw no difficulty about officials chairing sub-committees. Dr Paisley agreed with that. Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
9. Summing up the discussion the Secretary of State said that there would be a plenary meeting before the end of the morning in which he would propose the setting up of a new sub-committee and the continuance of the work of the existing committee. He... Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
10. The meeting broke after 20 minutes. After further discussions with Mr Hanley and officials the Secretary of State saw Mr Hume at 11.15 am. [Editor's Note: The SDLP meeting is modelled separately in Session 13987.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
After further discussions with Mr Hanley and officials the Secretary of State saw Mr Hume at 11.15 am. [Editor's Note: The record of this meeting comes in a memo from W R Fittall (Private Secretary to the Secretary of State) to Mr D J R Hill (Talks... Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
[Editor's Note: It is not entirely clear whether 'Mr Hanley and officials' join the meeting with Mr Hume, or if they simply meet with the Secretary of State beforehand. We can only be certain that Mr Hume, Sir Patrick Mayhew, and Mr Fittall were... Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Sub-Committee Proposals 29 May 1992 18.25 Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
His own delegation were still considering it and were not yet ready to give a view. Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Proposal for Sub-Committee to Continue its Work (for Plenary Meeting on 3 June) Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
13. Continuing, the Secretary of State said that he hoped Mr Hume would be able to go along with what was proposed. The object had to be to come up with proposals which everyone could go along with as basis for getting into Strand II. Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Mr Hume indicated that the Secretary of State's proposed way of proceeding "looked okay to him" and said that he would need to talk further to his delegation. Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
[Editor's Note: The Secretary of State ends the meeting with Mr Hume and meets with Dr Alderdice, to put the proposals to him. Mr Hume, we assume, meets with the SDLP delegation to discuss their position ahead of the plenary.] 15. We had then hoped it... Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
12. Mr Hume also said that there was one paragraph which caused him particular difficulty in the paper which the sub-committee had produced namely the one which envisaged excluding those who supported violence. He did not want to produce a document... Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
[Editor's Note: Attendance record is updated.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
(Mr Ferguson sat in on this meeting instead of me). Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Mr Hume's concerns were twofold. First his delegation were concerned that a Unionist strategy was emerging which was founded on their wish for integration. The SDLP feared that the Unionists would not move into Strand II and III even when the further... Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
16. In discussion the Secretary of State said that he thought that there was every advantage in having two sub-committees given the need to make rapid progress. Second, he confirmed that he did not yet believe that it would be right to make the... Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Proposal for Sub-Committee to Continue its Work (for Plenary Meeting on 3 June): Second SDLP Amendment Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
This was subsequently accepted at the short plenary meeting at 12.50pm. [Editor's Note: The SDLP amendment to the proposal is presented by the SDLP to the plenary, modelled in Session 11472.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
[Editor's Note: It is not clear if any officials other than his private secretary attended this meeting.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
Proposal for Sub-Committee to Continue its Work (for Plenary Meeting on 3 June) Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
Update on the Transition to Strand II (Situation on 3 June 1992) Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
Mr Andrews Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
The Secretary of State Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: It is not entirely clear if this was a conference call or if the Secretary of State spoke to the two Unionist leaders in turn, with Mr Fittall summarising the conversations together. The latter is probably more likely.] Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
FROM: PS/Secretary of State 4 June 1992 cc PS/SofS (L&B) - B PS/Mr Hanley (L&B, DENI) - T/B PS/PUS (L&B) - B PS/Mr Fell - B Mr Alston - B Mr Bell - B Mr Watkins - B Mr Cooke - B Mr D A Hill - B Mr D J R Hill - B Mr Maccabe - B Mr Petch - B Mr Brooker... Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
FROM: PS/Secretary of State 3 June 1992 cc PS/SofS (B&L) - B PS/Mr Hanley (B&L) - B PS/PUS (B&L) - B PS/Mr Fell - B Mr Thomas (B&L) - B Mr Bell - B Mr Watkins - B Mr D J R Hill - B Mr Cooke - B Mr D A Hill - B Mr Maccabe - B Mr Petch - B Mr Dodds -... Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
5. Mr Andrews interjected at this point to say that he did not regard another week of Strand I as presenting a problem. But, did the Secretary of State not see merit in indicating to the participants now his intention to move to Strand II after plenary... Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Explanation of the Secretary of State's Conversation with Mr Andrews Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
3. The Secretary of State spoke in sharp terms to Dr Paisley and Mr Molyneaux about the unhelpful way in which the conversation had been leaked from Dublin. Dr Paisley, who was in relaxed mood, said that he knew Mr Andrews of old and that the Secretary... Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
4. Mr Molyneaux was in similarly relaxed mood and expressed gratitude to the Secretary of State for the explanation. The Secretary of State mentioned to Mr Molyneaux that we were letting it be known through our Ambassador in Dublin that the press... Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
New Political Institutions in Northern Ireland Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Comment on Reports of Plans to Pause Talks Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
The Secretary of State said that he very much hoped to press on though if progress proved impossible there would then be the question of how best to draw the present round of discussions to a close. Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Challenge of Keeping Wider UUP On Board Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
The Secretary of State said that he had a good deal of sympathy with this though the SDLP were now willing to work on a document which did not include external commissioners. Mr Molyneaux offered the judgement that Mr Hume's thinking was very much his... Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Articles 2 and 3 Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
In response the Secretary of State said that technically it could probably be for either though in practice all the expectation, including the expectation of the Irish Government, was that it would be on the table in Strand 2. Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
FROM: D BROOKER POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM 4 June 1992 cc: PS/Mr Hanley (L&B) PS/PUS (L&B) PS/Mr Fell Mr Thomas Mr Bell (L&B) Mr Alston Mr Wood Mr Watkins Mr Maccabe Mr D J R Hill Mr Archer RID [Editor's Note: By hand: 1) Mr Stephen 2) Ms... Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
FROM: PS/SECRETARY OF STATE 4 JUNE 1992 DESK IMMEDIATE cc: PS/Secretary of State (L&B) - B PS/Mr Hanley (L&B&DENI) - B/M PS/PUS (L&B) - B PS/Mr Fell - B Mr Thomas - B Mr Alston - B Mr Bell - B Mr Watkins - B Mr Cooke - B Mr D A Hill - B Mr Maccabe -... Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
2. Mr Molyneaux said that while the teams were doing their best he thought there was a danger that they might come up with a scheme which was so unreal that it would be laughed out of court, so complex that no-one would understand it and so fragile (as... Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
UUP Proposals for a Northern Ireland Select Committee Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Commendation of Sir Ninian Stephen Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Mr Molyneaux said that he had heard reports on Sir Ninian from his own relatives who had recently been over from Australia. They had been very positive about him. Thursday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: The plenary meeting authorised the expansion of the sub-Committee to allow for division into sub-groups. We do not have a list of the new members co-opted to the Committee, so attendance is marked by delegation rather than... Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
7. Broadening the discussion Mr Molyneaux asked the Secretary of State whether he could give any helpful guidance on other Westminster matters. In response the Secretary of State said that there was clearly the general question of legislative... Thursday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
FROM: D BROOKER Political Development Team 5 June 1992 cc PS/SofS (B&L) PS/Mr Hanley (B&L) PS/PUS (B&L) PS/Mr Fell Mr Thomas (B&L) Mr Bell (B&L) Mr Alston Mr Watkins Mr Cooke Mr Maccabe Mr D A Hill Mr Petch Mr Dodds Mr Archer, RID HMA Dublin Mr... Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Expression of Sympathy on Carrickfergus Coach Crash Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Adjournment To Show Respect to Coach Crash Victims Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
this was supported unreservedly by the other parties. Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Media Release: Expression of Sympathy on Carrickfergus Coach Crash Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Five women were killed and more than 30 people were injured, some of whom were said to be in a critical condition early this morning, after a coach crash in Northern Ireland. The coach overturned on a minor road near Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, last... Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: 'The meeting agreed'.] Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
There was no dissent from the proposition that the delegations would send two delegates to each of the sub-Committees with one further member as a "floater". The delegates re-endorsed the agreement that no minutes should be taken. Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Rearrange Plenary Session on Wednesday to Accommodate the EP Renewal Debate Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: This matter cannot be decided at the meeting.] Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
The meeting then formally adjourned. Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Annotated Agenda for the Westminster Links Sub-Committee Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: Mr Hill's paper is created here as a blank document which will be referred to the Office of the Secretary of State to be completed and returned to the Sub-Committee.] Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
HMG Code of Practice Supplementary Paper Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Arrangements for Sub-Committee on Monday Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: The proposed paper on the issue of 'captive chairmen' is referred out to be written by Mr Bell.] Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
HMG Westminster Links Paper Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
HMG Code of Practice Paper Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
HMG Papers for Sub-Committee on Finance, EC, Human Rights and Legislative Procedures Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Referral of HMG Papers to the Sub-Committee Meeting Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: The papers are forwarded to the parties ahead of the sub-committee meeting.] Thursday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: It was so agreed.] Wednesday April 1992Committee: Identities Sub-Committee
Talks Secretariat [Editor's Note: The meeting ends.] Thursday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: No objection was made.] Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Mr Hume said that this was impossible for him because he had to be in Lisburn on Monday and Tuesday for a meeting of the European Socialist Group at which he was to nominate Mr Kinnock as president. Friday June 1992Committee: Identities Sub-Committee
Denis Haughey described how the Northern Ireland problem was in essence a conflict about two distinct identities and the frustrations and fears which arise from these differences. The SDLP had tried to come up with a definition of the nationalist... Thursday May 1992Committee: Identities Sub-Committee
9. In response to the earlier DUP point about whether Unionists were British or perceived as being British, Mr Haughey explained that the SDLP had given their perceptions of the Unionists but the only people who could define who they were was Unionists... Thursday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Signed WR FITTALL [Editor's Note: The meeting ends.] Friday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: The meeting ends.] Friday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Annotated Agenda for the Westminster Links Sub-Committee Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
HMG Code of Practice Supplementary Paper Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
HMG Papers for Sub-Committee on Finance, EC, Human Rights and Legislative Procedures Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
HMG Code of Practice Paper Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
HMG Westminster Links Paper Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Annotated Agenda for the Westminster Links Sub-Committee Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: No objection is made to this agenda.] Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: The annotated agenda is circulated to the Sub-Group for discussion.] Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: At this point, no further changes were made. However, this document was revised again on the morning of 8 June, so we have assumed that it was not circulated to the Sub-Committee members until after those changes were made.] Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Annotated Agenda for the Westminster Links Sub-Committee Monday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: This paper will be the basis of discussion for the Sub-Group discussing the "Code of Practice II".] Monday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: The revised document is circulated.] Monday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
HMG Code of Practice Supplementary Paper Monday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
TALKS: SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING - 27 MAY You may find it helpful to have, before this afternoon's meeting of the Northern Ireland Steering Group, a brief summary of the position reached following yesterday's sub-Committee meeting. [Editor's Note: The... Wednesday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
HMG Code of Practice Supplementary Paper: Liberating Captive Chairmen Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Executive Committees and Captive Chairmen Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
2. Overall, there was evidence of a firm desire on the part of all present to identify the nature of the obstacles presently facing the talks and to explore possible ways round them. (The Business Committee the previous day had of course already... Wednesday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Identifying the Obstacles Wednesday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Central Problems Wednesday May 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
HMG Code of Practice Supplementary Paper: Liberating Captive Chairmen: Revised Version 8 June Monday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
CONFIDENTIAL FROM D A Hill Talks Team 8 June 1992 cc PS/Mr Hanley (L&B) PS/PUS (L&B) - B PS/Mr Fell - B Mr Thomas (L&B) - B Mr Bell (L&B) - B Mr Watkins - B Mr Cooke - B Mr Maccabe - B Mr D J R Hill - B [Editor's Note: Mr Lindsay and Mr May added by... Monday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
4. I will not now seek to record every aspect of a discussion which incorporated a frank and reasonably thorough examination of all the arguments relevant to these points, but the highlights were: (a) it rapidly became clear that the SDLP were not... Wednesday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Getting Round the Obstacles 27.05.1992 18:15 Wednesday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
6. In the final session the sub-Committee considered the conclusion in paragraph 8 of that paper. The following points were made: (a) there were attractions in working towards a single model which was not the property of any single party but to which... Wednesday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Proposals for Breaking Impasse: Parallel Models Wednesday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Breaking the Impasse: Launch Strand III Then Revert to Strand I Wednesday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Breaking the Impasse: Procedural Devices Wednesday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
(b) "twin track", rejected by the Unionists; (c) "staggered start", not generally supported; Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
(e) explore some issues in Strand III before reverting to Strand I, rejected by the Unionists though the SDLP thought it might be of some interest; or Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
(b) it became even more explicit that the SDLP was prepared to acknowledge that their concern to secure full expression of the Irish identity of the minority community (through the "involvement" of the Irish Government, as the embodiment of the Irish... Wednesday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
(d) the Unionists, especially the DUP, naturally found it difficult to say in terms that they would be prepared to accept the continuation of any such role but in a series of carefully chosen remarks Peter Robinson said that the DUP proposals in... Wednesday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: As it is not discussed again, we also mark the Government proposal of parallel models as rejected.] Friday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Consult Parties and Resume on Friday Morning Wednesday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Meanwhile, the Government Team undertook to work up the outline of a possible "eclectic" model, consulting party delegates informally during the course of this afternoon. Wednesday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Atmospherics 8. The exchanges were mostly good humoured, albeit often forthright. It was, however, noticeable that the SDLP delegates became increasingly nervous and irritable during the day. They clearly perceived themselves to be under pressure... Wednesday May 1992Committee: Party Leaders
24. Dr Paisley said that he would need to speak to his own delegation before the plenary to check that they were content with this. Monday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
Reconvene Plenary on Wednesday Monday June 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
TALKS: FOLLOW-UP TO SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING ON 27 MAY As arranged Mr Bell and I had separate informal and off-the-record meetings this afternoon with representatives of the Alliance Party (led by Mr Close) and with a joint Unionist delegation (led by... Wednesday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
TALKS: FOLLOW-UP TO SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING ON 27 MAY As arranged Mr Bell and I had separate informal and off-the-record meetings this afternoon with representatives of the Alliance Party (led by Mr Close) and with a joint Unionist delegation (led by Dr... Wednesday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Getting Round the Obstacles 27.05.1992 18:15 Wednesday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Pin Down Understandings in the Form of a Report from the Sub-Committee to the Plenary Wednesday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Commission of New Model Following Sub-Committee Report to Plenary Wednesday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
This might conclude by recommending that the sub-Committee should be charged to work up a model of the kind proposed: one which would not be the property of any single Party but which each Party could support, subject to a statement of principle on the... Wednesday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
They were not willing, in advance of that point, to consider the possible elements of any such model. Wednesday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
5. Given that this seemed a sensible approach, albeit slower than might be desirable, I will explain how matters stand to Mr Close so that the Alliance Party knows what to expect tomorrow. I will also mention the need to preserve the confidentiality of... Wednesday May 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: The meeting adjourns.] Wednesday May 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
SDLP 6. Whether through a misunderstanding or not, the SDLP did not turn up at Parliament Buildings this afternoon. We made clear to the other Parties that we would be offering the SDLP an equivalent opportunity to discuss how the sub-Committee might... Wednesday May 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
14. At 11.30 am the Secretary of State saw Dr Alderdice for 10 minutes and outlined the proposed way forward. [Editor's Note: The record of this meeting comes in a memo from W R Fittall (Private Secretary to the Secretary of State) to Mr D J R Hill... Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
[Editor's Note: The meeting adjourns.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
17. Mr Hume went away to consult further with his delegation Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Signed W R FITTALL Private Secretary [Editor's Note: The meeting adjourns.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
8. The substantive exchange ended there. In the concluding pleasantries Mr Andrews thanked the Secretary of State warmly for taking the trouble to call and wished him luck with further progress. Signed DAVID FERGUSON Private Secretary Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
SIGNED WR FITTALL PS/Secretary of State OAB Extn 6462 4 June 1992 [Editor's Note: The meeting ends.] Thursday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
4. As envisaged, there were some useful informal contacts between the Minister and the parties, and between the delegations, up to lunchtime. There seemed to be a view in all the delegations that next Wednesday was a crunch point but they all also... Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
signed DAVID BROOKER D BROOKER [Editor's Note: The discussion adjourns for the day.] Friday June 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
Proposed Approach to Resolution of Impasse Wednesday May 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
They made a couple of helpful suggestions about the terms of any statement of principle on the "identities" issue. Wednesday May 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
FROM: D E SMITH Political Development Team 16 June 1992 (18.30) MR D J R HILL (L&B) POLITICAL TALKS: SUB-COMMITTEE Attached is the final version of the sub-Committee report on finance and human rights to be put to the Plenary when it next meets. 2.... Tuesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: The final report indicates that the Committee met on this day. It is also clear from the internal records that they met for most of the day in two Sub-Groups.] SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT 1. The sub-Committee met on 5 June and adjourned as a... Monday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Current state of play 2. The sub-group which considered "Westminster Links" during the course of yesterday seems to have made good progress and should be able to agree a report conducive to the achievement of these objectives. Monday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Financial Arrangements for New Institutions Tuesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Human Rights, a Bill of Rights and Cultural Expression and Diversity Tuesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Westminster Links Sub-Group Report Monday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: John Chilcot joins the Committee as Chairman of the Sub-Group on Westminster Links.] J CHILCOT Chairman, Sub-Group Monday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Westminster Links Sub-Group Report: 9 June 1992 Revision Tuesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: 'their draft reports were agreed at a full sub-Committee meeting in late afternoon'.] Tuesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: 'their draft reports were agreed at a full sub-Committee meeting in late afternoon'.] Tuesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Sub-Committee Report (16 June 1992) Tuesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Informal Consultation Among Parties Monday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Letter from Dr Paisley (15 June 1992) Monday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Reply from Dr Paisley (15 June 1992) Monday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Reply from Dr Paisley 17.06.1992 Wednesday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
The text of the reply was dictated to the Duty Officer by Rhonda Paisley at 10.00 pm last night. The letter itself is due to be delivered by hand this morning. (signed) DAVID FERGUSON Private Secretary Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
[Editor's Note: In this meeting between Mr Fell and Mr Hume, Mr Fell acts on behalf of the Secretary of State.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: After the Government delegation has left, the four parties continue to hold informal discussions. The substance of this meeting is relayed to Mr Hanley in a telephone conversation with Peter Robinson. He then reports this to the... Monday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
TALKS: NOTE OF A MEETING, TUESDAY 9 JUNE 1992 1. The Minister reported that Peter Robinson had rung him at midnight the previous evening. Mr Robinson had explained that, after the sub-Committees adjourned earlier in the evening, representatives of the... Monday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
FROM: D FELL 17 JUNE 1992 PS/SECRETARY OF STATE (B&L) - B TALKS: DISCUSSIONS WITH JOHN HUME 1. As requested by the Secretary of State at this morning's meeting on the VCR, I tracked down John Hume to his London Hotel, Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Question Regarding Implementation of Pre-Strand II and Pre-Strand III Meetings Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Messages from the DUP, UUP and Alliance to the Secretary of State Regarding Perceived Intransigence of the SDLP Monday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Consult Hume on New Political Institutions in Northern Ireland Proposal Monday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Reassurance Objective of Strand II Meeting Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
John Hume to Ensure Dublin Understand the Reassurance Objective Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: The Note from the Political Development Team includes Peter Robinson's account of his consultation with Dr Paisley and the intention of Denis Haughey to consult with Mr Hume. It is then followed by some analysis of the situation by the... Monday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
John Hume Unsighted on Irish Preferences About Level of Representation and Timing Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
[Signed D Fell] DAVID FELL [Editor's Note: The meeting adjourns.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Messages from the DUP, UUP and Alliance to the Secretary of State regarding perceived intransigence of the SDLP Tuesday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: Adding members of the civil service who author documents in the Government Team.] Thursday April 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: Adding members of the civil service who author documents in the Government Team.] Thursday April 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: Adding members of the civil service who author documents in the Government Team.] Thursday April 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: Adding members of the civil service who author documents in the Government Team.] Thursday April 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: Adding members of the civil service who author documents in the Government Team.] Thursday April 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: Adding members of the civil service who author documents in the Government Team.] Thursday April 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Pre-Briefing for Sub-Committee Meetings on 9 June Tuesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Pre-Briefing for Sub-Committee Meetings on 9 June Tuesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Sub-Committee Report Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Sub-Committee Report: Final Version 10 June Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: This is the version of the covering statement agreed to on 10 June and included in the final Sub-Committee report of that date.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Sub-Committee Report Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
New Political Institutions in Northern Ireland Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
New Political Institutions in Northern Ireland: Final Version Annex A Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: This is version of the report agreed on 10 June and included in the report of the Sub-Committee of that date as Annex A.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Code of Practice Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
HMG Paper: Ensuring an Appropriate, Fair and Significant Role for Representatives of All Main Traditions Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Alliance Paper: Weighted Majorities and Thresholds Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
SDLP Paper: A Possible Form of Weighted Voting Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
DUP Paper: Weighted Majorities and Thresholds Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
UUP Paper: Possible Safeguard Mechanisms Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Westminster Links Sub-Group Report: Final Version Annex D Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Compilation of Final Report Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Sub-Committee Report 10 June 1992 Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Relations between New Institutions and the European Community Wednesday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
[Editor's Note: We do not currently have the minutes of this 15-minute plenary meeting.] 3. The plenary duly met for a quarter of an hour from 11.50 am. The record of that discussion has been produced separately by the Talks Secretariat. Thursday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
Sub-Committee Report 10 June 1992 Thursday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
SDLP Delegation 4. The Secretary of State started his round of consultations with the parties at 12.10 p.m. Thursday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
The Secretary of State was accompanied by Mr Hanley, Mr Chilcot, Mr Fell and myself. The SDLP team consisted of Mr Hume, Mr Mallon, Mr Durkin, Mr Farren and Mr Haughey. Thursday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
Bilateral Consultation Thursday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
Proposal to Move to Strand II Thursday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
[Editor's Note: The plenary adjourned at this point to allow the Secretary of State to consult the parties bilaterally.] Thursday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Sub-Committee Report 10 June 1992 Thursday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Proposal to Move to Strand II Thursday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
5. The Secretary of State opened the discussion by saying that he needed the help of the SDLP to ascertain the best way forward. He had not yet talked to the Unionists, but in the light of what the SDLP said, wanted to get on. Thursday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
8. Mr Hume said that the only way out of this situation was to take the unionists at their word when they said that they had interesting ideas to put forward in Strand II. The SDLP certainly wanted to hear those so that they could judge whether their... Thursday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Request for the Secretary of State to State His Position Thursday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
But his feeling, as he approached the round of consultations with the parties had been, contingently, that a basis did now exist for moving to Strand II. He certainly did not believe that further convergence would emerge from continued sub-committee... Thursday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
7. Mr Hume said that none of the Unionist parties had yet got even as far as the position of Brian Faulkner. There was no agreement among the parties as to how executive power should be wielded. The only common ground was that there should be an 85... Thursday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
12. The meeting ended just before 12.30 pm. [Editor's Note: The Secretary of State continued with the bilateral meetings, next speaking to the Unionist leaders.] Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: This meeting took place following the bilateral meeting with the SDLP, which ended 'just before 12.30pm'.] Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Unionist Leaders 13. The Secretary of State, accompanied as before, then met Dr Paisley and Mr Molyneaux. Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Proposal to Move to Strand II Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Request for the Secretary of State to Comment on the Suitability of SDLP Proposals Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
22. The meeting concluded at 1.20 pm. [Editor's Note: The UK Government delegation continued the bilateral meetings, meeting next with the Alliance party. They then held an internal meeting to discuss the impasse before returning to the Unionists.] Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
[Editor's Note: This meeting took place following the bilateral meeting with the Unionist leaders, which 'concluded at 1.20pm'.] Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
Alliance Party 23. The Secretary of State then saw Dr Alderdice for 20 minutes. [Editor's Note: We have assumed that the UK Government Delegation remained the same as it had been for the two previous bilateral meetings.] Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
The question was whether it was now sensible to go to Strand II to enable the Unionists to unfold the proposals which they said they had or whether the SDLP reservations were too great. 14. In response Mr Molyneaux said that Mr Hume appeared to have... Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
14. In response Mr Molyneaux said that Mr Hume appeared to have oversold what the Unionists were likely to offer in Strand II. One throwaway line by Mr Empey had been over interpreted. The Unionists were talking about links between the institutions in... Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
Proposal to Move to Strand II Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
He explained to Dr Alderdice the stand off between the SDLP and the Unionists. 24. Dr Alderdice said that he shared the Secretary of State's disappointment. So much good work had been done yet the SDLP had been unwilling to commit themselves to... Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
Government to Give Its Own View of the Position and Possibly Endorse the Unionists Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
Dr Alderdice said that he saw no difficulty about the Government appearing to side with the Unionists. After all the SDLP had no inhibitions about Dublin lining up with them. Admittedly this would put a strain on the Anglo-Irish process and would need... Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
26. The meeting concluded at 1.40 pm. [Editor's Note: At this point, the UK Government delegation reconvened to consider a way forward.] Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: At this point the meeting adjourned. A plenary meeting was then held, followed by bilateral meetings with the SDLP, the Unionist Leaders, and the Alliance Party.] Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: We have assumed that the members of the UK Government delegation present for the bilateral meetings were also present at this internal consideration meeting.] Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
That the Secretary of State Give His Own Position on the Outline Framework Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Bilateral Consultations to Resume at 3.00pm Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Statement of the UK Government Position on the 'New Institutions in Northern Ireland' Document Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Unionist Leaders 29. At 3.50 pm, Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Statement of the UK Government Position on the 'New Institutions in Northern Ireland' Document Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
With the Secretary of State's agreement Dr Paisley and Mr Molyneaux withdrew for 5 minutes to an adjacent room to consider the test [sic] privately. Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
30. On their return they said that they were not attracted to it. Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Further Work on the Outline Framework Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
31. Continuing, Dr Paisley said that the document which the Government had prepared (and which Dr Paisley and Mr Molyneaux, at the Secretary of State's request, handed back to him) would damn the two Unionists leaders completely since it stated they... Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
32. The Secretary of State said that if the Unionists leaders were unhappy about the Government's proposed formulation he said he would be interested to see the results of the further work which the Unionists were proposing Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Message from Molyneaux and Paisley to the Secretary of State Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
The Secretary of State immediately held further consultations with officials (Mr Hanley having had to leave for London in the meantime for an Adjournment Debate). Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Invitation to Unionist Leaders to Explain Their Message Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Unionist Leaders 38. The Secretary of State saw Mr Molyneaux and Dr Paisley again at 6.45pm. Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Mr Chilcot, Mr Fell and I were also present. Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Message from Molyneaux and Paisley to the Secretary of State Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
The Secretary of State began by remarking that what he had received had been rather different than what he had expected. Mr Molyneaux said that there was other work going on in parallel which was nearly ready. The Secretary of State observed that he... Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
39. Dr Paisley then said that the paper which the Secretary of State had shown the two leaders this afternoon had been an insult. To say that the Unionist leaders should contemplate an elected panel when the SDLP had made it clear that they were not... Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Unionists to Report Back on the Consultation Process Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: At 8.15pm, the Party Leaders arrive to speak to the Secretary of State. This meeting is recorded in the Party Leaders Committee.] Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: The meeting adjourned. The UK Government team then met with the Unionist leaders again. At the meeting, they agreed to consult the other party leaders, and suggested they would come back to the Secretary of State 'within an hour' – ie... Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: At this point, the meeting adjourns, and a bilateral meeting with the Union leaders is held between 6.45pm and 7.10pm.] Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
He added that he and Mr Molyneaux had been affronted by the way in which they had been treated at the earlier meeting. They had not objected to the Secretary of State insisting on recovering copies of the papers but they had been unhappy at the way in... Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Briefing from the Secretary of State to the Prime Minister for His Meeting with the Taoiseach Thursday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: This meeting takes place following the Secretary of State's briefing to the Prime Minister for his meeting with the Taoiseach.] 44. Just after 8.15 pm Dr Paisley, Mr Hume and Dr Alderdice arrived unannounced to see the Secretary of... Thursday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Mr Chilcot and I were also present. Thursday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Postpone Plenary Meeting Thursday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
This would allow for further deliberations in the course of the evening and again in the morning. These might identify a way forward. There was 'not a bright hope' but the possibility was there. New thinking had emerged from Mr Molyneaux. Dr Paisley... Thursday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
The important thing was that everybody understood that it was now a matter of 'make or break'. If there was no progress the Secretary of State might possibly suspend the process for a few days for a period of reflection but if the process came to an... Thursday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Press Statement 11 June 2022 Thursday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: The meeting adjourns.] Thursday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
3. A message was then received that Dr Paisley, Mr Molyneaux and Dr Alderdice wished to see the Secretary of State. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
He received them, with Mr Hanley, Mr Chilcot, Mr Fell and myself present. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Short Plenary Followed by Meeting of Party Leaders Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: The meeting adjourned.] Friday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
[Editor's Note: We have not located this record to date. According to Mr Fittall's memo, the purpose of the 11.40 meeting is merely to inform the Plenary that the Party leaders are meeting and will continue their discussions.] A short plenary was,... Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Mr Hanley, Mr Chilcot, Mr Fell and I were also present. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Party Leaders' Proposal for Transition to Strands II and III Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
7. Mr Hume said that he was in complete agreement with this and there could now be an announcement to plenary of the agreement. The consultations envisaged by the 26 March statement had taken place. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
9. The Secretary of State said that he congratulated the leaders very warmly on the agreement they had reached. But it was important to be clear about what was envisaged for Strand II since he was not entirely the master of his own destiny. 10. Dr... Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Statement to the Plenary (12 June 1992) Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
15. Dr Alderdice and Dr Paisley asked whether the Secretary of State envisaged any difficulties over the Parties having observer status at at least some of the Strand III discussions. Dr Paisley said that this would help the DUP to allow the different... Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Further Work on Form of Words Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
The meeting concluded just before 1.10 pm. Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
FROM: WR FITTALL PS/Secretary of State 12 June 1992 DESK IMMEDIATE cc PS/Secretary of State (B&L) - B PS/Mr Hanley (B&L) - B PS/PUS (B&L) - B PS/Mr Fell - B Mr Thomas (B&L) - B Mr Alston - B Mr Bell (B&L) - B Mr Watkins - B Mr Cooke - B Mr Dodds -... Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Update on Previous Evening Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: '...the Secretary of State was briefed by Mr Chilcot, Mr Fell and Mr Thomas'.] Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: It is not clear which officials are present in addition to the Secretary of State and Mr Hanley.] Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Letter from the Secretary of State to the Four Party Leaders on the Transition to Strand II Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Statement from the Secretary of State on the Transition to Strand II Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: The meeting adjourns.] Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Statement to the Plenary (12 June 1992) Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Statement to the Plenary: 13.50 Revised Version Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Mr Hanley, Mr Chilcot, Mr Fell and I were present. Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: 'After further amendment'.] Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
were given to the parties. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Statement to the Plenary (12 June 1992) Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Make Statement Concerning Strand II More Positive Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Mr Hume said that he very much agreed. It was important to avoid the negative. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Amendment to Statement Concerning Strand II Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
There was agreement to this. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: At this point, everyone seems to be content with the phrasing regarding Strand II.] Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Statement Concerning Strand III Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: 'and others agreed'. No further objection was raised to this form of words.] Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Meeting to Be Informal and Not Chaired by Sir Ninian Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Sir Ninian was going to be the Chairman for Strand II and if the meeting was to discuss the possible agenda it was important that he should be there. Moreover the Secretary of State did not think that a co-chairmanship arrangement, which was the only... Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
23. Dr Paisley said that he still had a big problem about what was proposed but "big problems were for getting over". Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Ian Paisley to Speak to the Secretary of State in Private Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: No objection is made to this proposal.] Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Just before 3.25 pm the Secretary of State saw Dr Paisley in Mr Hanley's room. Mr Hanley and I were also present. Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: This meeting takes place immediately following a meeting of the Party leaders (s14298), after Dr Paisley asks to speak to the Secretary of State in private.] Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Statement to the Plenary (12 June 1992) Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Dr Paisley said that he had a problem because he had hoped that the earlier work which Mr Robinson and Mr Empey had been doing in order to secure some further commitment to the work of the sub-Committee could be played into the new proposition which Mr... Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Emphasise That the Meeting is Only in Preparation for Strand II Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: At this point, Dr Paisley agrees the amendment. However, the amendment must be agreed by all the leaders before it can be incorporated into the document.] Dr Paisley said that that would be helpful... Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Amended Statement to Be Circulated Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: Dr Paisley agrees to 'talk to his delegation' about the statement as amended, and the Secretary of State must make sure that the amendment is agreed by all the leaders before it can be incorporated into the document.] Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
27. At 3.30 pm Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
28. The meeting then adjourned to await Dr Paisley's reporting back from his party delegation. Friday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
Given the passage of time the Secretary of State decided to ring Mr Andrews at 4.00 pm in order to clear the way for tying up all the loose ends at a short plenary assuming that Dr Paisley came back with agreement to the proposed package. Friday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
It was not possible to monitor the call directly but Mr Chilcot, Mr Ferguson and I were present when the Secretary of State spoke to Mr Andrews. [Editor's Note: As only the Secretary of State is actually on the call, we have not marked the others... Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: The meeting adjourned.] Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Letter from Dr Paisley Rejecting the Proposed Package Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Letter from Dr Paisley Rejecting the Proposed Package Friday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
The Secretary of state started to take stock of the situation with officials but broke off at 4.37 pm to see Mr Hume who was in a state of considerable agitation. [Editor's Note: This meeting takes place just as the Secretary of State has received Dr... Friday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Mr Hanley, Mr Chilcot, Mr Fell and I were also present. Friday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
33. At 4.55 pm the Secretary of State saw Mr Molyneaux in Mr Hanley's room. Mr Chilcot was present. Mr Hume remained with Mr Hanley and Mr Fell in the Secretary of State's office. Friday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Message from Mr Andrews to Confirm Acceptance of the Package Friday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Mr Hume to Consult His Delegation Friday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
[Editor's Note: 'Mr Hume agreed'.] Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
33. At 4.55 pm the Secretary of State saw Mr Molyneaux in Mr Hanley's room. Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Mr Chilcot was present. Mr Hume remained with Mr Hanley and Mr Fell in the Secretary of State's office. Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: The meeting adjourns.] Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Dr Paisley came to see the Secretary of State, Mr Hanley, Mr Chilcot and Mr Fell with 6 members of his delegation (Mr Robinson, Mr Vittey, Mr Wilson, Mr Campbell, Mr Gibson and Miss Paisley). Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Adjournment until Monday Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
DUP to Consider New Form of Words Proposed by the Other Leaders Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Mr Hanley, Mr Chilcot, Mr Fell and I were also present. It was reported that Mr Molyneaux had now left the building and was not available. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Letter from Dr Paisley Rejecting the Proposed Package Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Mr Hume said that he was bemused by the turn of events. The initiative had come from the four party leaders. Then while his own delegation were waiting for the plenary which was due to take place as sson [sic] as the DUP had agreed the package the DUP... Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Adjournment to Monday Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Letter from Dr Paisley Rejecting the Proposed Package Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
39. The DUP were particularly interested in what HMG's attitude to Articles 2 and 3 would be in Strand III. Mr Brooke's line that he would be an "interested observer" to the debate was not acceptable. The "Berlin Wall" that had been erected between the... Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
46. Endorsing this Dr Paisley said that the great mistake which the four leaders had made had been not to draft a form of words before coming to see the Secretary of State with their proposal. There had been a misunderstanding between him and Mr Hume... Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: The meeting adjourned.] Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
53. At 6.05 pm after Mr Hume and Dr Alderdice had left a UUP Delegation came to see the Secretary of State [Editor's Note: See S14298 for previous meeting.] Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
(Mr Hanley, Mr Chilcot, Mr Fell and I were also present). The DUP Delegation consisted of Hazel Bradford, Reg Empey, Jim Nicholson and Geoffrey Donaldson. Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: Hazel Bradford joins the meeting at this point.] Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Discuss the Situation with the DUP Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
At 6.20 pm the Secretary of State took stock of the position Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Proposal to Adjourn Talks Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Leaders Meeting at 19:00 Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Mr Empey and Mr Nicholson attended in the absence of Mr Molyneaux. Mr Hanley, Mr Chilcot, Mr Fell and I were also present. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: Mr Empey and Mr Nicholson attended the meeting in place of Mr Molyneaux.] Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: Mr Empey and Mr Nicholson attended the meeting in place of Mr Molyneaux.] Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: This meeting was convened at 7pm.] Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Proposal to Adjourn Talks Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
In response to a request the clarification [sic] the Secretary of State confirmed that he was envisaging adjourning the talks without setting a date for their resumption. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Adjourn and Issue Press Statement Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
59. Mr Nicholson said that the only reason for his party's refusal of a plenary was that their leader was absent. Dr Paisley said that his reason for refusing to come was because he had been told that another party leader could not be there on... Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
64. Dissenting, Mr Empey said that this would inevitably be seen by the Press as a break down. The vultures would then descend and everything would be lost. 65. Agreeing Mr Hume said that the three other parties had agreed a further formulation in... Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Further Consultation Between the Parties Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
68. The parties met in the Secretary of State's room without Ministers or officials being present. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Call the Plenary Meeting Friday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
[Editor's Note: The next meeting is between the party leaders, who have agreed on a proposal (s14298). However, their agreement proves shaky; further meetings continue to be held throughout the day, and no further plenary meeting is held until after 9pm.] Friday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
but the DUP delegation did not appear. Friday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
Private Meeting between Dr Paisley and the Secretary of State Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: The Secretary of State then phones Sir Ninian Stephen to update him on the day's events.] Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Secretary of State Updates Sir Ninian Stephen Friday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
71. At 11.00 pm the Secretary of State spoke to Mr Andrews on the phone. Friday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
Update on Difficulties Friday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
Confidentiality and the Press Friday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
77. The Secretary of State concluded by saying that it might well be that he had merely succeeded in putting off the final breakdown for a little longer. But at least we were still in play. Friday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
The conversation concluded at 11.15 pm. Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: The conversation ends.] Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Agenda for Internal Meeting Suggesting Strategy for Upcoming Meetings Sunday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: A paper authored by Ms Lodge is circulated to the British Government delegation.] Tuesday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Signed W R Fittall Private Secretary Monday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
The Secretary of State took stock with Mr Hanley and officials at 9.25 am today in the light of yesterday's marathon sub-committee meeting. Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Proposal for Sub-Committee to Continue its Work (for Plenary Meeting on 3 June): SDLP Counter-Proposal Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
The Secretary of State said that he was clear that under the terms of the 26 March statement it was an issue which needed to be addressed in Strand I. Wednesday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
British Government: Successor to the Agreement Tuesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Mr Hume said that he could see that as more work was done on the model which was emerging and as the relationship with Westminster was addressed very sensitive issues would come to the fore such as how security was tackled. Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
Sub-Committee Proposals 29 May 1992 18.25 Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
[Editor's note: Dr Alderdice made no objection to the Secretary of State's proposal.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
and reported back a few minutes later that they were now content to move into plenary on the basis proposed Wednesday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's note: The meeting adjourns.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Checklist of Points Touched on in the Sub-Committee 1 June 1992 Monday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's note: This document appears in D J R Hill's 4 June briefing notes for the 5 June Sub-Committee meeting.] Monday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Checklist of Points Touched on in the Sub-Committee 1 June 1992 Thursday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
Checklist of Points Touched on in the Sub-Committee 1 June 1992 Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
SIGNED W R FITTALL PS/SECRETARY OF SSTATE OAB EXTN 6462 4 JUNE 1992 [Editor's note: The telephone call[s] end[s].] Thursday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
New Political Institutions in Northern Ireland: Committee Chairmen Would Be Heads of Departments Monday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's note: The SDLP refused to concede this.] Monday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
New Political Institutions in Northern Ireland: Assembly Would Be Sole Source of Legislation Monday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's note: The SDLP refused to concede this.] Monday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
3. The other sub-group has seen a sustained attempt by Peter Robinson to expand the amount of common ground on the "Possible Outline Framework" in ways which would boost the role of the Assembly and, if possible, secure agreement that Committee... Monday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
The two Unionist parties and the Alliance Party had become progressively frustrated during the day about the SDLP's unwillingness to be flexible on the 3 June document. Denis Haughey had made it clear that the SDLP hierarchy did not operate on the... Monday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's note: At this point the meeting seems to have adjourned.] Monday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: This is the version of the covering statement agreed to on 10 June and included in the final Sub-Committee report of that date.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: This is the version of the report agreed on 10 June and included in the report of the Sub-Committee of that date as Annex A.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
CONFIDENTIAL DESK IMMEDIATE FROM: PS/Secretary of State 11 June 1992 cc: PS/SofS (B&L) - B PS/Mr Hanley (B&L) - B PS/PUS (B&L) - B PS/Mr Fell - B Mr Thomas (B&L) - B Mr Alston - B Mr Bell - B Mr Watkins - B Mr Cooke - B Mr Dodds - B Mr D A Hill -... Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's note: The Sub-Committee met and produced a complete report during this time.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Statement on the Transition to Strand II Wednesday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Sub-Committee Report 10 June 1992 Wednesday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's note: The Secretary of State 'met with Mr Hanley and officials at 11.00 a.m. in Parliament Buildings to discuss the tactics for the day'. It is not clear who the other officials were.] Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
2. Overnight the Secretary of State had considered the sub-committee report circulated under cover of your note of yesterday and Mr Thomas' note attaching a possible draft statement to be made upon the transition to Strand II. The Secretary of State... Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: This meeting took place following the bilateral meeting with Dr Alderdice, which 'concluded at 1.40pm'.] Thursday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
[Editor's Note: The meeting adjourned, and the Secretary of State began a series of bilateral meetings, beginning with the SDLP.] Thursday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
6. Mr Hume said that he shared the Secretary of State's uncertainty about what was next to be done. The fact was that the SDLP position had been consistently misrepresented throughout the talks. Others had not accepted that the underlying issue was... Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Sub-Committee Report 10 June 1992 Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
The Secretary of State said that he wanted the Unionist advice on what to do next. The paper which had emerged from the sub-committee embodied ideas which were not anybody's first preference. They also included significant reservations from the SDLP. Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
The central problem was that possibilities for new arrangements for devolved government had been identified by three parties and could be developed further but the SDLP were simply not interested. Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
15. Endorsing this Dr Paisley said that Mr Hume seemed to have entirely different views about Strand II from the other three leaders. He was clearly hankering for the two governments to be able to amend and endorse the structural proposals in Strand... Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Request for the Secretary of State to Endorse the Model of Devolved Government despite SDLP Reservations Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Request for the Unionist Leaders to State Their Requirements from the SDLP for Transition to Strand II Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
In response Mr Molyneaux said that the key requirement was for Mr Hume to say that he was willing to sign up to a real model. Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
17. The Secretary of State said that he would reflect on what the Unionist leaders had said. Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
The Secretary of State said that this was very difficult because he did not believe that Mr Hume would do so. 18. Was there not a case for the Unionists agreeing to go to Strand II so that they could show that they were willing to move from their... Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Sub-Committee Report 10 June 1992: New Institutions Amendment: Panel to Consist of MEP's Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Dr Paisley said that he saw attractions to this. Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
Sub-Committee Report 10 June 1992 Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Alliance Talks
For its part the Alliance had no difficulty about moving to Strand II. Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
the Secretary of State with Mr Hanley, Mr Chilcot, Mr Fell and myself saw Dr Paisley and Mr Molyneaux again. Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
36. The 10 minute discussion concluded with Dr Paisley saying that he hoped to be able to come back to the Secretary of State within an hour in the light of the work consultations with the other parties which he envisaged. [Editor's Note: The UK... Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
but he would not be willing to commit the Government beyond saying that they could go along with whatever the four other parties would agree to. Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
33. Dr Paisley said that that was no unhelpful because it continued to give Dublin and the SDLP a veto in the affairs of Northern Ireland. 34. The Secretary of State said that his position remained that the Government would either facilitate what the... Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: Mr. Hanley left the meeting at this point.] Thursday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: The meeting adjourned, and the UK Government delegation took stock again.] Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Stocktaking Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
the Secretary of State left Parliament Buildings just after 9.00 pm. Signed WR FITTALL Private Secretary Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Report on Revised Draft Statement Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: The meeting adjourned.] Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
The Secretary of State subsequently gathered with Mr Hanley and officials at 11.20 am to take stock of progress. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
A short plenary was, therefore, held at 11.40am. The Talks Secretariat have recorded that separately. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
5. The four party leaders came to see the Secretary of State at 12.45 pm. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
8. Dr Alderdice said that the proposal was influenced by the understanding that the Dublin Government was going to be very busy next week. Establishing a Business Committee would enable the momentum to be sustained. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Strand II Not Starting Immediately Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
11. "Yes but" said Mr Molyneaux. It was important not to be as negative as that. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Wording of 26 March Statement Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
13. The Secretary of State said that he did not wish to be pernickety but he was not entirely clear how the agenda for Strand II could be discussed before the transition was made. Agreeing, Mr Hume said that as he saw it this was the transition. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Meetings as Part of Consultations Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Proposing the Transition to Strand II Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
13. Dr Alderdice said that the Secretary of State had already envisaged that there should be discussions between the Parties and Sir Ninian in order to prepare properly for Strand II. What the Parties were now envisaging was a way of easing the passage... Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
No Public Interviews Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Consultation with Irish Government Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: The UK Government delegation reconvened and prepared a form of words.] Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
19. At 3.08 pm the four leaders came to meet the Secretary of State. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Mr Hume said that he was also happy to beef up the reference in the proposed paragraph 3 to Strand III. 20. Dr Paisley wondered whether it would be possible to start Strand III before Strand II. The Secretary of State said that he saw a problem of... Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
The Secretary of State said this was possible but he doubted whether it was practicable. Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
...but wondered whether he could not also have the reassurance which Mr Robinson and Mr Empey had been trying to secure. In response the Secretary of State said that he was not prepared to enter into secret understandings with any of the parties. But... Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
26. Dr Paisley also referred to his continuing difficulties over Sir Ninian Stephen. He had given up, under extreme pressure, his earlier doubts about having Sir Ninian as Chairman or Strand II. He was not going to return to those. But his involvement... Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
He departed in what we all judged to be a hopeful frame of mind. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Statement to the Plenary (12 June 1992) Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
The others declared themselves well content with that. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: This amended version of the statement was shared with Mr Andrews.] Friday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
Statement to the Plenary (12 June 1992) Friday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
29. Mr Andrews (who was at home) confirmed that he had already had an advanced indication from the DFA of what was emerging but asked the Secretary of State to arrange for the proposed text to be faxed to his office. Subject to that he said that he was... Friday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
[Editor's Note: The call ended here.] Friday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
[Editor's Note: Having secured Mr Andrews' agreement to the package, the Secretary of State took it back to his office to await the DUP response.] Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Statement to the Plenary (12 June 1992) Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Outline Statement on Government Position Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: The statement continued to be discussed and amended as the day progressed.] Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: This amendment was shown to multiple parties by the Secretary of State.] Friday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Statement to the Plenary (12 June 1992) Friday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
The difficulty was that it would become public and then all sorts of questions would be raised about the details of the scheme. The Secretary of State said that he would certainly be willing for it to be a statement to plenary rather than a public... Friday June 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
32. Mr Hume agreed to think about this but said that he was not very happy about it. Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Statement to the Plenary (12 June 1992) Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Mr Molyneaux said that it rather stated the obvious and he was not sure that it would greatly help. He confirmed that he could live with it if it was a way of securing agreement to the proposed package. He understood why there was unease among those... Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
41. Continuing the Secretary of State said that he saw no prospect of the SDLP withdrawing their reservation so the question was whether the Government could provide some further reassurance. There was not going to be any secret dealing but he was... Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
42. Mr Robinson said that he did not believe that this was helpful. What the DUP was seeking was not whether the Government would be willing to implement the final outcome but whether they had any commitment to the outline structure which had been... Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
51. At 5.55 pm Mr Hume and Dr Alderdice came to see the Secretary of State. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Statement to the Plenary (12 June 1992) Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: We know that the three other party leaders were present.] Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Government Endorsement of Common Ground Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: This amendment is sent to Dr Paisley whilst he is meeting with the Secretary of State.] Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: Since this amendment was only introduced in an attempt to pacify the DUP, their lukewarm reaction to it means it was effectively dropped, and not further considered.] Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: 'The meeting ended at 5.50 pm'.] Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
54. Mr Empey said that he shared a good deal of the DUP disappointment about the Government's unwillingness to declare itself for the scheme which the sub-Committee had worked up. Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Nevertheless if the DUP could accept the amendment which the other three party leaders had accepted progress could be made. If not the UUP were not mandated to agree to anything else that night. It was, in Mr Empey's view extremely important for... Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
55. The Secretary of State said that he was perfectly happy to endorse the report for what it was but not to express himself in support of a framework which one of the parties would not agree. He would have a different role in Strand II but for the... Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: 'The meeting adjourned at 6.15 pm'.] Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
57. The Secretary of State said that there was serious risk of proceedings ending in confusion. The proposition which had emerged in the course of the morning had not come from the Government. It had been a Unionist proposition which had appeared to... Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
66. Dr Paisley said that his difficulty was that the form of words offered merely referred to the Government endorsing the common ground. That meant that most of the sub-Committees [sic] report was not being endorsed by the Government. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
Government Endorsement of Sub-Committee Progress Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: It appears that, after the adjournment, the SDLP agreed to the DUP's new form of words.] Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: It seems that section 5 was then accepted as amended.] Friday June 1992Committee: All-Party Negotiations
The official team and three other delegations gathered in the conference room at about 9.30 pm Friday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
Statement to the Plenary (12 June 1992) Friday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
Mr Andrews declared himself content with it and congratulated the Secretary of State on his achievement. Friday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
Additional Press Statement Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: At this point, a meeting is held with the Unionist and Alliance Party leaders (s14298), followed by a short plenary meeting, and then a meeting of all four Party leaders.] Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
17. In a short debrief meeting Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
with the official team Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: In the interim period, meetings of the party leaders take place (s14298), as well as a meeting with Dr Paisley (s14344) and a phone call with Mr Andrews (s14362).] Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
In the interim period, the Secretary of State holds meetings with party leaders and delegations. Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
with the in-house team. Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Soundings of the parties revealed that the DUP were not prepared to come to a plenary meeting. The UUP also declared themselves unwilling but said that they might be prepared to consider a business committee meeting under Mr Hanley's chairmanship. The... Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: The meeting adjourns.] Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: In the intervening period, the Secretary of State met with Dr Paisley (s14344).] Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
the Secretary of State briefly returned to the other three leaders who had remained with Mr Chilcot and Mr Fell Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: In the intervening period, the Secretary of State decided to share the document with Mr Andrews to secure his agreement pending Dr Paisley's decision (s14362). A letter from Dr Paisley then made it clear that the DUP would not agree the... Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: We do not have a detailed record of this meeting, but we know that it took place whilst Dr Paisley was discussing his objections to the statement with the Secretary of State (s14344).] Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: The meeting adjourned.] Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: In the intervening period, the Secretary of State meets with a UUP delegation (s14344). He then attempted to convene a plenary meeting, but without success, so he convened a leaders' meeting instead (s14319).] Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: The Party leaders (with Mr Empey and Mr Nicholson still standing in for Mr Molyneaux) then met privately.] Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
After a lengthy discussion, Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
they adjourned, Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
After further discussion, Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
there was then a further adjournment for the SDLP to consider their position. Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
At 9.15pm the Secretary of State was informed Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: The meeting adjourned.] Friday June 1992Committee: Party Leaders
that the party representatives had agreed a text. Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: In the intervening period, the Secretary of State secures the agreement of the other Party leaders to the amendment (s14298) and then agrees the overall package with Mr Andrews (s14362).] Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: In the intervening period, the Secretary of State meets with Mr Hume to discuss the DUP's objections to the statement (s14367).] Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: The Secretary of State then returns to his own office and his conversation with Mr Hume (s14367).] Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
36. At 5.15 pm Friday June 1992Committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: The meeting adjourned.] Tuesday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
Council of Ministers Friday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
SDLP Position on Sub-Committee Report Friday June 1992Committee: British-Irish Bilateral Talks
Neutrality and British Government Position on European Commissioner Friday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
David Hill: Comments on Successor to the Agreement Paper 17.06.1992 Wednesday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
David Blatherwick: Comments on Successor to the Agreement Paper 17.06.1992 Wednesday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Graham Archer: Comments on Successor to the Agreement Paper 17.06.1992 Wednesday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
David Fell: Comments on Successor to the Agreement Paper 18.06.1992 Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: At this point Derek Hill comments on Bryony Lodge's paper.] Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
[Editor's Note: At some point in the day, David Blatherwick, Graham Archer and David Hill all submitted responses to Bryony Lodge's 'Successor to the Agreement' paper.] Wednesday June 1992Committee: Strand 2 Sub-Committee
The following two paras have not been discussed Read the next two paragraphs as they stand Wednesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: Jeremy Hanley and Peter Robinson were the only two present at the meeting.] Tuesday September 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Peter Bell: Comments on Successor to the Agreement Paper 18.06.1992 Thursday June 1992Committee: Strand 2 Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: The agenda went on to be discussed in other meetings.] Thursday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Sub-Committee on Agenda Item 6 Agenda (03.09.1992) Tuesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
DUP to Withdraw from the Talks Tuesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
This might be sustainable, he believed, until the trip to Dublin, when he felt that at present no UDUP delegation would make the journey as insufficient progress would have been made on the constitutional argument. I argued that unless there was a... Tuesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Peter Robinson said that his party felt that if it were to be seen that Articles 2 and 3 alone had caused the breakup of the talks, the pressure would be upon the Irish Government from all sides, not least in the Dail itself, for a unilateral amendment... Tuesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Conversation with Ian Paisley Regarding Articles 2 and 3 Tuesday September 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Derek Hill: Comments on Successor to the Agreement Paper 18.06.1992 Thursday June 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
Possible Introduction to a Formal Proposal to Launch the Later Strands of the Talks Wednesday July 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
FROM: MR HANLEY 9 September 1992 cc: PS/SofS (B&L) – B PS/PUS (B&L) – B PS/Mr Fell – B Mr Thomas (B&L) – B Mr Alston – B Mr Bell (B&L) – B Mr Watkins – B Mr Cooke – B Mr Dodds – B Mr D A Hill – B MR D J R Hill (B&L) – B Mr Maccabe – B Mr Petch – B Mr... Tuesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Strand III Meeting on Friday 12 September Tuesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: Hugh John Simpson Gibson telephones Peter Robinson during this meeting.] Tuesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
4. Paisley is agonising. Robinson says that he trusts the Secretary of State and holds him in great respect. Thereby might be the way on Thursday prior to the Plenary Session for a conversation between the two. Robinson feels that his leader needs... Tuesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
In the meantime we should continue with Sir Ninian's agenda, devise the Strand II institutions to which the UDUP could return "after we have made enough reservations to be able to trade them with the SDLP back in Strand I" said Robinson. Tuesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
signed J Hanley JEREMY HANLEY RM/1343 Tuesday September 1992Committee: Office of the Strand 1 Chairman (British Government Delegation)
British Government: Successor to the Agreement 19.06.1992 Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
2. Peter Robinson was friendly and constructive throughout our meeting and all comments should be seen in the light of his efforts to make progress and and to keep the UDUP within the talks process. He started by stating that on the previous Thursday... Tuesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
FROM: C G MACCABE POLITICAL AFFAIRS DIVISION 9 SEPTEMBER 1992 DESK IMMEDIATE cc PS/Secretary of State (B&L) – B PS/PUS (B&L) – B PS/Mr Fell – B Mr Thomas – B Mr Alston O/R – B Mr Bell (B&L) – B Mr Watkins – B Mr Wood (B&L) – B Mr Cooke – B Mr Dodds... Wednesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: Chris Maccabe was present at the meeting.] Wednesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: Jim Wilson was present at the meeting.] Wednesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: Chris Maccabe, Reginald Empey, and Jim Wilson were present at the meeting.] Wednesday September 1992Committee: Strand 2 Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: This statement goes on to be discussed in other meetings.] Wednesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
DUP Statement (09.09.1992) Wednesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
2. They were scathing about the DUP, particularly Dr Paisley. They said the Party is tearing itself apart and Paisley's grip is failing under the pressure. The walk-out was a farce – neither one thing or the other – and confirmed that Paisley no longer... Wednesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Peter Robinson argued on that occasion that they should not actually leave but remain, entering the debate when Articles 2 and 3 resurfaced. It seems that there were insufficient members of his party present to make a definitive judgement and therefore... Tuesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
3. Robinson will fight hard to keep the talks going. He has no idea how Ian Paisley will react this week particularly since the Reverend Dr has a crushing schedule of religious vigils and all-night prayer sessions coupled with an AGM in his party... Tuesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Criticism of the Irish Delegation Wednesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
The British Government to Take an Authoritative Stance Wednesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Grassroots Opposition Wednesday September 1992Committee: Party Leaders
[Editor's Note: This document is discussed in later meetings.] Friday June 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Party Leaders' Proposal for Transition to Strands II and III Wednesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Notice of a Demand for a Strand 3 Liaison Meeting Wednesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: This was noted.] Wednesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
He also told me that if, as expected, the Talks move to Dublin later in the month and assuming at least one of the sessions will be a plenary, Mr Molyneaux would lead his delegation. In these circumstances he was confident that Dr Paisley would also... Wednesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Comment 4. This was a frank exchange but despite some hard words being spoken I was left with the impression that the UUP delegation is fairly buoyant, with a lot of negotiating power in reserve. No doubt UUP annoyance with the DUP and Irish... Wednesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
HCS/795/92 FROM: D FELL 14 SEPTMEBER 1992 cc PS/Secretary of State (B&L) – B PS/Mr Hanley (B&L) – B PS/PUS (B&L) – B Mr Bell – B Mr Alston (o/r) – B Mr Watkins – B Mr D J R Hill – B Mr Maccabe – B Mr Cooke – B Mr Dodds – B Mr Quinn – B Mr Archer HMA... Monday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
[Editor's Note: The conversation was between David Fell and Reginald Empey.] Monday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
While making the obvious point that I could not commit HMG on the point, and that it was indeed a matter for both Governments to consider, Monday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
While making the obvious point that I could not commit HMG on the point, and that it was indeed a matter for both Governments to consider, I nevertheless asked Mr Empey what time-frame he might have in mind. He told me that a month was too short, and... Monday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Set a Final Deadline for the Talks and Postpone the IGC until Afterwards Monday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
In spite of the frisson over last week's HMG paper, I found Reg Empey in friendly mood, and willing to talk fairly expansively about other Talks issues. For example, he volunteered the view that Dr Paisley's walk-out on Articles 2 and 3 was a stunt... Monday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
In Empey's view, if the excuse had not been Articles 2 and 3, Paisley would have found another excuse for not going to Dublin. Empey accepted that this was not a universally held view. He went on to add that his continuing expectation was that Mr... Monday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Mr Molyneaux's Radio Interview on Articles 2 and 3 Monday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Finally, Mr Empey drew my attention to a front-page article in the local Sunday News yesterday which reported that Glengall Street had been inundated by calls from irate Unionist Councillors, and Unionist businessmen, urging the Party to follow the DUP... Monday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Overall, the friendly and constructive tone adopted by Reg Empey (even discounting for the fact that he is among the most mild-mannered and moderate of the Unionists) encourages me to believe that no lasting damage has been done to relationships as a... Monday September 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
FROM: PUS 14 SEPTEMBER 1992 cc. PS/Secretary of State (L&B) – B PS/Mr Hanley – B PS/Mr Fell – B Mr Thomas – B Mr Alston – B Mr Bell – B Mr Watkins – B Mr Cooke – B Mr Dodds – B Mr D A Hill – B Mr D J R Hill – B Mr Maccabe – B Mr Petch – B Mr Brooker... Thursday September 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Proposal to Defer the IGC Thursday September 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Hume to Speak to the Taoiseach about Postponing the IGC Thursday September 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Mr Hume undertook to speak to the Taoiseach on these lines. Thursday September 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
4. On the prospects, Mr Hume offered no particular view but was sufficiently supportive to agree to the arguments put by the Secretary of State that it would be desirable to defer the next IGC for a limited period to give Strand II (and Strand III) the... Thursday September 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Political Ambitions of the IRA Thursday September 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Mr Hume 6. 7. The discussion over dinner took place in a most amicable atmosphere (we were favoured with the account of John Hume's early life and achievements: certainly a good sign). There was a genuine rapproachement [sic], and while Mr Hume is... Thursday September 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
Strand 1 Thursday September 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
[Mr Hume telephoned me on Saturday, 12 September to confirm that he had spoken to the Taoiseach that morning. Saturday September 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
[Editor's Note: The conversation was between John Chilcot and John Hume.] Saturday September 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
The Taoiseach has been very resistive to the notion of a further deferral of the IGC but Mr Hume had put to him the arguments – not I think necessarily advocating them strongly – and the Taoiseach had undertaken to give them further consideration. This... Saturday September 1992Committee: British-SDLP Talks
[Editor's Note: The record of the phone call ends here.] Saturday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Exchange of Letters Regarding 9 September 1992 British Government Paper: Letter from Jim Molyneaux to Patrick Mayhew Wednesday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Exchange of Letters Regarding 9 September 1992 British Government Paper: Letter from Ian Paisley to Patrick Mayhew Thursday September 1992Committee: British-Unionist Talks
Exchange of Letters Regarding 9 September 1992 British Government Paper: Second Letter from Ian Paisley to Patrick Mayhew Thursday September 1992Committee: Strand 2 Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: This brief description of events is recorded in a letter from Ian Paisley to Patrick Mayhew. 'Our' therefore refers to the DUP.] Our record shows the following:– Sir Ninian:– on the last point of the list on P.4 (HMG paper) "capable... Wednesday September 1992Committee: Strand 2 Sub-Committee
[Editor's Note: This brief description of events is recorded in a letter from Ian Paisley to Patrick Mayhew. 'Our' therefore refers to the DUP.] Our record shows the following:– [...] Mr Fell:– yes, we see Seamus' logic and therefore we omit it. Wednesday September 1992