1 March 1994 British Notes for a Framework Agreement Paper - (file)

This draft of the document was prepared not to be shown to the Irish but to take into a 2 March 1994 Liaison Group meeting where it was not known whether or not the Irish would have produced a paper, to give a shape for it in case it was being worked...

1 March 1994 British Notes for a Framework Agreement Paper - (file)

This draft of the document was prepared not to be shown to the Irish but to take into a 2 March 1994 Liaison Group meeting where it was not known whether or not the Irish would have produced a paper, to give a shape for it in case it was being worked...

4 March 1994 British Draft of the Framework Agreement - (file)

Again, not clear why the date of the draft is after the date of the communication. Enclosed with a covering letter from Quentin Thomas inviting comments and suggestions.

6 March 1994 British Draft of the Framework Agreement - (file)

Not immediately clear why the draft is dated after the letter but does not appear to be a mistake. Enclosed with a letter from Quentin Thomas criticising the latest Irish paper and explaining some of the elements of the British draft.

7 March 1994 British Draft of the Framework Agreement - (file)

Covering note from Quentin Thomas indicates a small change to paragraph 9, and that this will be the version discussed during the 8 March 1994 Liaison Group Meeting. Document titled 'Elements for a shared understanding between the two governments on...

14 October 1993 British Draft of the Framework Agreement - (file)

Joint Framework Document

15 April 1994 Irish Draft of the Framework Agreement - (file)

The framework agreement as submitted by the Irish Government on 15 April 1994. Titled 'Elements of a shared understanding'. Lightly annotated.

24 September 1993 British Draft of the Framework Agreement (Annotated Copy) - (file)

Joint Framework Document - heavily annotated.

Letter from John Dew to Graham Archer Recording a Conversation with Fergus Finlay on Irish Frustration - (file)

Brief note from John Dew to Graham Archer recording an informal conversation with Fergus Finlay during a DFA dinner for the Diplomatic corps. The emphasis was on the Irish government's extreme frustration over the British government's continued...

Record of a Meeting between John Major, Michael Ancram and Jim Molyneaux on 9 December 1993 at 13.15 - (file)

John Major, Patrick Mayhew, and Michael Ancram met with Molyneaux. They thanked him for his draft text "Blueprint for Stabilitiy", before turning to the Joint Declaration. They explained its purpose, with Molyneaux being pessismistic about its chances...

Record of a Ministerial Meeting on the Joint Declaration Initiative on 9 December 1993 at 09.00 - (file)

Relevant ministers and civil servants were present, including Michael Ancram who reported on his conversation with Jim Molyneaux on the 8 December 1993. Molyneaux had given him a draft document called "Blueprint for Stability". Then the meeting turned...

A Record of Communication between Sinn Féin and the British Government from October 1990 to November 1993 - (file)

A record of exchanges between Sinn Féin and the British government between October 1990 and November 1993. Written by Sinn Féin and faxed within the Northern Ireland Office.

A letter from David Trimble to Patrick Mayhew on 10 June 1996 - (link)

A letter from David Trimble to Patrick Mayhew referencing earlier meetings and correspondence. He objected to a lack of consultation on the part of the Secretary of State with regard to the procedural guidelines.

A memo from Quentin Thomas addressing matters arising from a meeting with the DUP - (link)

Quentin Thomas circulated a note addressing a number of issues arising from a meeting with the DUP: he clarified the differing legal significance of the Ground Rules and the Rules of Procedure; he advocated thinking in term of 'sufficient consensus'...

A note from Michael Ancram's office entitled 'Talks: Keeping Sinn Féin Out' - (link)

A brief note from Michael Ancram's private secretary which advised that in the light of the 28 February Communiqué, Ministers should not speak with Sinn Féin.

A note of thanks from Quentin Thomas to Chris Maccabe for smoothing over an issue with Alex Attwood - (link)

The note was written in response to Chris Maccabe's report of 19 June, and appears to refer to in an incident in which Alex Attwood was prevented from entering the Conference Room by Ian Paisley's protection officers.

A paper by the British and Irish governments, entitled, 'Substantive all-party negotiations: Scenario for the opening plenary session' - (link)

A paper by the two governments, outlining arrangements for the opening plenary and attaching an agenda for the session and terms of reference for a sub-committee on decommissioning.

A possible approach to resolving procedural difficulties - (link)

A paper produced by the two governments suggested that the opening plenary appoint the chairmen and proceed with items 1-6 of the agenda while a committee of the plenary considered changes to the procedural guidelines of 6 June.

A possible approach to resolving procedural difficulties, 11 June 1996 - (link)

A possible approach to resolving procedural difficulties: papers by the two governments and by the UUP - (link)

Two papers, entitled Annex A and Annex B circulated in an attempt to resolve the procedural problems in the talks. The first was produced by the British and Irish governments; the second, based the 1991 procedural guidelines.

A report summarising a series of meetings leading up to the appointment of the independent chairmen - (link)

This report summarises a series of meetings that took place between 10 June and 12 June leading up to the formal appointment of George Mitchell as chair of the talks. It also compromises British commentary and analysis of those events. Appended to the...

A summary from Martin Howard of the procedural difficulties in the talks on 11 June 1996 - (link)

A letter from Martin Howard to John Holmes, summarising the impasse over the appointment of the chairmen, and attaching two papers with potential ways forward. The first had been negotiated by the two governments and was reluctantly accepted by the...

Address by Albert Reynolds to the Irish Association on 10 January 1994 at 17.30 - (file)

Seemingly faxed immediately following the speech. An address to the Irish association putting the Joint Declaration in context and laying out some of its key provisions and the concessions made by both sides. Then points towards moving forwards with Talks.

Address by John Bruton at the opening of all-party negotiations on 10 June 1996 - (link)

The opening statement delivered by Taioseach John Bruton at the opening of the all-party negotations on 10 June 1996. He expressed sorrow at the loss of life, welcomed the efforts of all those present to seek for peace, regretted the absence of SInn...

Afternoon Briefing for the Media Lobby on 26 October 1993 - (file)

Main detail was on the Hume/Adams proposal and the use of talks between the British and Irish governments as the best basis for peace

Agenda for a meeting to plan the choreography of the opening day - (link)

Patrick Mayhew called for meeting with Quentin Thomas and others to plan the choreography of the opening day of negotiations.

All-party negotiations: launch of documents by the liaison group - (link)

A memo from Stephen Leach reported that documents from and papers had been approved by the Liaison Group.

All-party negotiations: launch of documents by the liaison group - (link)

Stephen Leach's memo encloses the full list of papers approved by the Liaison Group to be sent to participants in the talks.

Alliance submission on agenda item 2 regarding constitutional issues, 3 August 1996 - (link)

This document contains the Alliance submission on constitutional issues to strand one and two. The original paper does not contain a date, but the head of the document shows that it was circulated within the British Government on 3 August 1996 and 17...

Alliance submission on procedures, 14 June 1996 - (link)

This document contains a paper on rules and procedures as submitted by Alliance on 14 June 1996. It lays out a few basic principles that, it argues, should form the foundation of the guidelines that the delegates should follow. With regards to...

Alliance submission on the rules and agenda, 14 June 1996 - (link)

Alliance submission to the chairman on the rules of procedure and agenda - (link)

Allowances: research grants for parties in the talks - (link)

Under some pressure from the Irish side, the British government agreed to equal research allowances for all parties, rather than differentiating by size.

Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration (18 November 1993 Draft) - (file)

An alternative British draft of the Joint Declaration. Annex C to an unknown letter. It is stamped 'Secret and Personal - Chiffon'.

Alternative draft: Possible statement on the status of the ground rules, 20 June 1996 - (link)

Amended Draft of the 29 October 1993 Joint Statement (Annotated Copy) - (file)

Updated draft of the joint statement, with the word 'constitutional' removed from the first sentence of paragraph 7 the first time it occurs. Annotations added.

Amended draft of John Major's address to the opening of all-party talks, produced by John Holmes on 9 June 1996 - (link)

John Holmes wrote to John Major expressing concern that an earlier draft of Major's speech was considerably shorter and lacking in substance by comparison to John Bruton's speech. He attached a 'padded out' version, and he also proposed going to...

Amended version: Internal record of an opening plenary meeting on 19 June 1996 at 12.03 (INT/7) - (link)

Marked 'amended version', this is an internal minute of a brief plenary meeting on 19 June 1996. The Chairman reported acceptance of the Mitchell principles by parties absent from the earlier pleanry meeting.

Amended version: internal record of an opening plenary session on 19 June 1996 at 12.03 (INT/7) - (link)

Annex A – Possible Amendments to JD15 - (file)

Annex A of the draft briefing minute to John Major (below; final version earlier in file). A list of possible further amendments to be made to the text of JD15 as agreed by Butler and Nally on 7 December 1993.

Annex A: British and Irish government responses to questions on the rules of procedure from the Independent Chairmen - (link)

This was attached to the minute above as Annex A. It is a copy of two brief papers, one by the British and one by the Irish government, responding to questions from the Independent Chairmen on the purpose and status of the rules of procedure.

Annex A: Draft Speech by the Secretary of State - (file)

The 'green speech' enclosed in the above; highlights the self-determination and parity of esteem parts of the Joint Declaration, and the support of the Taoiseach and John Hume for the concessions made by the British in drafting it. Puts pressure on...

Annex A: Draft paper entitled 'Decommissioning: the way ahead' - (link)

Annex A: Extract from Speech by Albert Reynolds to Stonehill College, Boston, on 14 September 1993 - (file)

Annex A: an extract from a speech given by the Taoiseach, Albert Reynolds, on the occasion of the conferral of an honorary degree at Stonehill College Boston. The speech deals with Irish Government participation in the Talks process, and the role of...

Annex A: Letter to Roderic Lyne Enclosing Documents and Outlining Schedule - (file)

Annex A to P N Bell's letter to the SoS. Includes a comprehensive draft schedule for meetings on 15 December 1993.

Annex A: Speaking Notes on the Joint Declaration for the EC Summit on 10 /11 December 1993 - (file)

Annex A to the above. Points to make on text, next meeting, and press line.

Annex A: Statement by the IRA Army Council - (file)

A statement by the IRA Army Council in advance of the forthcoming Sinn Féin delegate conference. States their 'positive and flexible attitude to developments in the peace process'.

Annex A: Statement by the IRA Army Council - (file)

Duplicate of above (02).

Annex B: An Interview with Albert Reynolds for RTE Radio 1 (Morning Ireland) on 15 September 1993 - (file)

Possibly incomplete: a middle page seems to be missing. Annex B: an interview with Albert Reynolds on RTE Radio 1 – Morning Ireland: 15 September 1993. The interview discusses Articles 2 & 3 and its role in the political process as a whole. Also...

Annex B: Draft Statement on Sinn Féin's Response to the Joint Declaration - (file)

A draft statement to be confirmed with the NIO once details are known. Contains text for multiple eventualities but assumes no permanent ceasefire will be called. Restates parts of 29 October 1993 Brussels Statement and Joint Declaration.

Annex B: Draft Statement on Sinn Féin's Response to the Joint Declaration - (file)

Longer earlier draft of above (03).

Annex B: Notes on JD15 and JD15B for the EC Summit on 10/11 December 1993 - (file)

Annex B to the above. A detailed note on the text of JD15 and JD15B (not attached). Explains the reasoning behind the British amendments included in JD15B and attributes them to Mayhew.

Annex B: Suggested conclusions to the plenary address to decommissioning - (link)

Annex C: Revised Briefing Notes on the Joint Declaration - (file)

Annex C to P N Bell's letter to the SoS. Outlines Key points of the Joint Declaration

Annex: Amendments Proposed to JD14 on 3 December 1993 at Anglo-Irish Summit - (file)

Annex to the above. A list of amendments proposed by both sides during the meeting.

Annex: Comparison of Basic Principles in Adams' 13 January 1994 Press Release and the Joint Declaration - (file)

A paper comparing Adams' principles in the press release with the joint declaration and concluding that (a) the only real point of contention is whether the British government should join the persuaders and that the statements Adams makes about the...

Annotated Briefing by Stephen Wall for John Major on the Points to Cover in His Meeting with Charles Haughey on 4 December 1991 - (file)

Briefing on IGCs, the GATT, Northern Ireland and cross-border cooperation for John Major's meeting with Charles Haughey. Encloses material for the joint press conferece on 4 December 1991 (not attached to this item, but available elsewhere in this...

Annotated Draft Statement from British and Irish Governments for an Upcoming Meeting in Brussels at the European Council - (file)

Draft statement for the Prime Minister and Taoiseach with annotations from British goverment figures. Also contains a page of supplementary notes addressing the impact of the Hume/Adams talks on the peace process

Annotated Guest List for Unknown Event Dated 24/26 October 1986 - (file)

This document contains a guest list with names of and brief descriptions about each individual. Annotations suggest that the date is 24 or 26 October 1986. It is unclear for whom or for what purpose this guest list is intended.

Annotated Irish Press Clipping On Challenges In The Priority In Talks from the 9 November 1993 - (file)

Report suggests there is a divergence in priorities between the British and Irish as Reynolds puts the cessation of violence first, whilst Mayhew thinks this should run alongside the peace process.

Annotated Irish Press Clipping on the Joint Declaration Negotiations - (file)

Reports suggest that negotiations for a Joint Declaration are still continuing despite John Major's opposition to the John Humes/Gerry Adams document.

Annotated Irish Press Clipping on the Joint Declaration Talks from the 12 November 1993 - (file)

Reports that Albert Reynolds may leave talks and pursue a statement on his own if an agreement isn't reached at a summit in Dublin the following month.

Annotated Irish Press Clipping on the Leak of a Draft Framework Document from 19 November 1993 - (file)

Clippings report the leaking of a draft of the Joint Declaration, where the language implies that the British would support a united Ireland. Annotations on the document summarise key points from the article and highlight the text.

Annotated Joint Declaration (JD11 – 6 October 1993) - (file)

Annotations slim down wordy passage on the European Community and adds a consent qualification to the idea of a united Ireland. Whilst the specific author of these annotations is unknown, they are most likely British and thus offer an insight into the...

Annotated Letter from Simon Rogers to Roderic Lyne Regarding the IRA Response to the Joint Declaration - (file)

A note from Lyne to the Prime Minister at the top of the first page indicates that this has been passed on to John Major. Rogers reports the comments that Gerry Adams made regarding the Joint Declaration, which Rogers considers to be a summary of Sinn...

Annotated Memo from Danny McNeill to Joseph Pilling Regarding Possible Political Movements and Developments 1991 with Timeline Enclosed - (file)

This memo summarizes the key potential dates and events of 1991 related to the political development and political movement processes. It recommends that the British Government adopts a systematic approach to develop, monitor, and coordinate...

Annotated Note on the Key Questions at a Meeting on Northern Ireland - (file)

Exact date unknown. Lists the various questions and themes for discussion.

Approved Description of Archbishop Eames' Positions - (file)

Unclear when this was produced.

Approved Description of Robin Eames' Position on the Joint Declaration for the Anglo-Irish Summit on 3 December 1993 - (file)

Standing by his previous amendments, concerned about the Conference, Reynolds going futher than previous Taoisigh in recognising Northern traditions

Arrangements for the arrival of the three chairmen - (link)

The Anglo-Irish Secretariat was responsible for arrangements for receiving and accommodating the three chairmen, as outlined in this memo.

Article by Monica McWilliams on the possibility of collapse of the Forum, October 1996 - (link)

This document contains an article written by Monica McWilliams which featured in Fortnight in October 1996. In the article, McWilliams explained the controversy around the rules of procedure of the Forum, specifically with regards to the scope of...

Assessment of Seamus Mallon's mood in meetings on 24 July 1996 - (link)

Back cover of file - (link)

Background Note on the Joint Declaration's Role within the Talks Process - (file)

Date unknown, but could be early December 1993 due to how it relates directly to the actual making of the Joint Declaration. It makes an argument about how the cessation of violence objective is complimentary with the overall aim of a lasting...

Belfast Newsletter Article Written by John Major - (file)

Appeal to Sinn Féin to accept the Downing Street Declaration and join the political process. Setting out the three-stranded framework for Talks. Emphasising the economic benefits of peace. Restating the constitutional guarantee.

Biography of Albert Reynolds - (file)

Summarises Albert Reynolds' business and political career up to February 1992, with his spell as Minister of Finance added in pen. Also includes some notes on his personality and personal life, including his skills and health conditions. Adds that he...

Biography of Mary Robinson - (file)

Summarises Mary Robinson's career in law and politics. Also includes some notes on her personality and personal life. Adds that she has broad support across many constituencies, and that she opposed the Anglo-Irish Agreement.

Brief Speaking Note on Claims Surrounding PIRA Messages - (file)

A brief note in response to Rev. McCrea's claim that the Prime Minister told him they were not in contact with the IRA, denying this was said in the meeting with the DUP.

Brief Summary Record of the Anglo-Irish Summit on 3 December 1993 - (file)

A letter from Roderic Lyne to Jonathan Stephens giving a brief two-page summary of the fairly contentious Anglo-Irish Summit on 3 December 1993. which goes through the different meetings that were held and briefly states the conclusions they came to....

Brief by David Blatherwick for John Major's Meeting with Charles Haughey on 4 December 1991 - (file)

Makes note of Irish press reports that Charles Haughey will urge John Major in the direction of a new joint political initiative and that the British-Irish Parliamentary Body was going to adopt the report on freight transport which recommended...

Brief for a Meeting with Jim Molyneaux - (file)

Exact date unknown. Note provides points to make and questions to ask Jim Molyneaux in a meeting with John Major.

Brief from Roderic Lyne to the Prime Minister for Cabinet - (file)

Provides some lines for the Prime Minister's use in cabinet focused on the Joint Declaration, reactions to it, and what happens next.

Brief internal record of meetings involving the British Government on 2 July 1996 enclosing British Government amendments to rules 15 and 30 - (link)

Brief internal record of meetings involving the British Government on 22 July 1996 - (link)

Brief note on Geroge Mitchell's meeting with the SDLP on 16 July 1996 - (link)

This document provides a brief account of a meeting between George Mitchell and the SDLP that took place on 16 July 1996, where Mitchell persuaded the SDLP to let him brokr a deal between the SDLP and the UUP.

Brief on Cross-Border Security Co-operation for Anglo-Irish Talks on 3 December 1993 - (file)

Outlines the points and a background note for the British delegation for their meeting with the Irish delegation with regards to cross-border security cooperation. Encloses the Chilcot/Dalton Group Report, a list of recent incidents with cross-border...

Brief on Social and Economic Issues for Anglo-Irish Talks on 3 December 1993 - (file)

Outlines the cooperation taking place between the British and Irish Governments in various social and economic issues.

Brief on the Mood of the Northern Ireland Parties Regarding the Talks - (file)

Provides an assessment of the current position of the major Northern Ireland parties on the talks process.

Brief record of an informal discussion among all the talks participants on the Drumcree crisis on 9 July 1996, enclosing Michael Ancram's statement from the same day - (link)

Brief record of the informal meeting on procedural guidelines and the agenda on 1 July 1996, enclosing the joint Government amendments A1 and A2 - (link)

This document provides a very brief note on the informal meeting on procedural guidelines and the agenda that took place on 1 July 1996. The document encloses the text of the amendments that were jointly tabled by the British and Irish Governments...

Brief record of the informal meeting on procedural guidelines and the agenda on 22 July 1996 - (link)

This document provides a brief account of the talks that took place on 22 July 1996, including the informal meeting on procedural guidelines and the agenda.

Brief record of the meetings involving the British Government on the afternoon of 3 July and the morning of 4 July 1996 - (link)

Briefing Letter from Jonathan Stephens to Roderic Lyne Regarding the Meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds at the EC Summit on 10/11 December 1993 - (file)

Describes the objectives of the meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds at the margins of the EC Summit and lays down the major points of discussion. Encloses a note with detailed points on the topics to be covered and another note with the...

Briefing Letter from Jonathan Stephens to Roderic Lyne Regarding the Meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds at the EC Summit on 10/11 December 1993 - (file)

Describes the objectives of the meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds at the margins of the EC Summit and lays down the major points of discussion. Encloses a note with detailed points on the topics to be covered and another note with the...

Briefing Letter from Roderic Lyne to Cabinet Ministers on the Joint Declaration, 14 December 1993 - (file)

Provides a background of the Joint Declaration for all the Private Secretaries of all Cabinet Ministers and some information about the making of it on the 15 December 1993. Sets out what the Ministers should then do and be prepared to say to the...

Briefing Material from Jonathan Stephens to Roderic Lyne Regarding a Proposed Meeting between John Major and Jim Molyneaux, 8 December 1993 - (file)

Outlines the objectives for John Major's meeting with James Molyneaux. Encloses a speaking note and a separate note from Michael Ancram, and two copies of the JD15 (one with the amendments underlined and one without). Highlighted.

Briefing Minute from Patrick Mayhew to John Major in Preparation for a Ministerial Meeting on 9 December 1993, 8 December 1993 - (file)

Outlines the developments that have taken place in the Joint Declaration Initiative since the Ministerial Group meeting and provides an assessment of the consequences of releasing the statement. Encloses the text of the JD 15 with the amendments...

Briefing Note for a Meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds on 3 December 1993 - (file)

This document is a briefing/speaking note for a tête-à-tête meeting betwen Albert Reynolds and John Major. The inclusion of the alternative British government draft suggests that this was the meeting on 3 December 1993.

Briefing Note for a Telephone Call between John Major and Albert Reynolds on 13 December 1993 - (file)

Sets out the points the Prime Minister should make. Thet are regarding the new paragraph 11, the continuing difficulty of paragraph 4 (particularly the fifth sentence), and finally the Irish proposal to establish a "Forum for Peace and Reconciliation".

Briefing Note from Jonathan Stephens to Roderic Lyne, 10 December 1993 - (file)

Encloses a more detailed brief. Stephens offers two possible explanations for the Irish Government "playing hard" at the very end of the Joint Declaration process. The first is that they simply want to see what they can get last minute, the second is...

Briefing Note from Nicholas Fenn to Peter Brooke for Brooke's Meeting with Charles Haughey Dated 31 January 1991 - (file)

This note, sent by Nicholas Fenn to Peter Brooke, relays Fenn's conversation with Dermot Nally and Noel Dorr about Taoiseach Charles Haughey's views on the on-going political development process. Fenn also gave his own assessment of Haughey's...

Briefing Note from Roderic Lyne to John Major Noting Jim Molyneaux's Objections, 13 December 1993 - (file)

Speaks about Molyneaux's concern over the "as of right" sentence, before setting out some of the arrangements for meetings on the 14 December 1993.

Briefing Note from Roderic Lyne to John Major Outlining His Strategy for Meetings on 11 December 1993 - (file)

NIO conceding that the text should mention the Irish Convention in some way, though begrudgingly. Lyne then sets out the negotiating strategy at the upcoming Brussels summit, most of which involves trade-offs. He remains confident, however, that there...

Briefing Note from Stephen Wall to John Major for the Working Dinner with the Irish Government on 26 February 1992 - (file)

Briefs John Major for his meeting with the newly appointed Irish Taoiseach Albert Reynolds and his team. Topics cover the breakdown of all-party talks, the Joint Declaration initiative, security, economic co-operation, EC issues, and points for the...

Briefing Note on the Talks Process - (file)

Unclear when this was produced, yet its contents suggest that it was not long after the leaking of a draft Joint Declaration on the 19 November as this concerns much of the note.

Briefing Notes on JD14 and the Alternative British Draft in Preparation for the Anglo-Irish Summit on 3 December 1993. Copy Annotated by Quentin Thomas. - (file)

Duplicate of CJ410894_11 without any contextual material. Annotations in biro and note 'QT' in top right hand corner. Does not include the texts. Focuses on the consent principle and the removal of the Irish constitutional claim.

Briefing and Speaking Notes for a Meeting with Jim Molyneaux - (file)

Date approximated from references to leak 'in last Friday's Irish Press' and comparison with CJ410560_48_Enclosed Briefing With James Molyneaux Regarding Joint Declaration - 23 November 1993. Speaking note aims to reassure Molyneaux after Hume/Adams...

Briefing by Chris Maccabe regarding the outcome of the 30 May elections, enclosing lists of delegates elected from constituencies and from regional lists, 31 May 1996 - (link)

Briefing by Chris Maccabe regarding the results of the local government elections on 21 May, 23 May 1997 - (link)

Briefing by David Hill on how to approach decommissioning with the UUP and the Irish Government with enclosed speaking points to use with the UUP, 27 September 1996 - (link)

Briefing by Martin Howard regarding the next steps in the multi-party talks, 14 June 1996 - (link)

Briefing by Stephen Leach on preperations for the next trilateral enclosing a joint paper with suggested conclusions to the Plenary address to decommissioning and a draft speech by the British Government on decommissioning, 25 September 1996 - (link)

Briefing for Approaching Telephone Conversation between Charles Haughey and John Major - (file)

Informs John Major of his call with Charles Haughey and briefs him on how to address the PIRA ceasefire and the Joint Declaration initiative. Includes three copies of the same document, and the last one has some annotations. Also encloses a minute...

Briefing for John Major's Meeting with Albert Reynolds on 26 February 1992 - (file)

Briefing for John Major's meeting with the newly appointed Irish Taoiseach Albert Reynolds and his team. The document gives an outline of the agenda, background to the new Irish team and potential goals for the coming year working together. Topics...

Briefing for a Private Member's Motion on Northern Ireland Scheduled for 21 January 1994 - (file)

Annotated with developments in red pen. An index to the overall briefing, and those parts of it which have been written by CPL. Includes bullet points on the political talks; notes for supplementaries on political talks, establishment of a Northern...

Briefing for a possible meeting or telephone conversation between Patrick Mayhew and David Trimble on 10 June 1996 at 11.00 - (link)

Briefing for informal meetings to discuss the rules of procedure and agenda, 13 June 1996 - (link)

Briefing from Alan Whysall regarding Michael Ancram's meetings with the DUP and Alliance on 5 September and 6 September 1996 - (link)

This document contains a briefing that Alan Whysall was preparing for Michael Ancram in advance of Ancram's meeting with the DUP on 5 September 1996 and with Alliance on 6 September 1996. It encloses a speaking note for Ancram on the issue of the...

Briefing from Christopher Prentice to Stephen Wall for a Meeting between John Bruton and John Major - (file)

Provides details about John Major's meeting with John Bruton, scheduled for 27 January 1992 at Downing Street. Also sets out pointers for the key issues that are likely to be discussed in the meeting, including EC matters and Northern Ireland. Highlighted.

Briefing from David Hill enclosing an annotated paper on the prospects of resolving decommissioning before the May election, 16 January 1996 - (link)

Briefing from David Hill on the rules of procedure and the agenda for the opening plenary, 14 June 1996 - (link)

Briefing from David Hill regarding the dispute within the Labour Coalition, 8 July 1996 - (link)

This document contains a briefing by David Hill regarding the dispute that was taking place within the Labour Coalition in early August. It describes Mark Langhammer's letter of 3 July to Patrick Mayhew, where Langhammer stated his intention to...

Briefing from Gillian Harrison on contingency planning in case of the failure of talks, 15 July 1996 - (link)

This document contains a briefing prepared by Gillian Harrison on the steps that the British Government would have to take in case the Drumcree crisis led to a breakup of the talks. The document encloses a tentative timetable for the preparation and...

Briefing from John Chilcot for Peter Brooke's Meeting with John Major on 13 February 1991 - (file)

This note, written by John Chilcot, outlines the key objective for Peter Brooke to keep in mind for his meeting with John Major on 13 February 1991. Chilcot provided Brooke with some points that could be used to reassure Major regarding political...

Briefing note for Martin Howard regarding the rules of procedure for the Forum dated 23 July 1996, enclosing a draft reply to Bronagh Hinds - (link)

This document contains a briefing from David Lavery for Martin Howard regarding the concerns raised by Bronagh Hinds in her meeting with Patrick Mayhew on 22 July 1996. Hinds' concerns were regarding the rules of procedure for the Forum, which, she...

Briefing note for a phone call between Ken Lindsay and John Holmes on 10 September 1996 - (link)

Briefing note from Edward Oakden to John Major following the Manchester bombing and media appearances from John Bruton - (link)

Edward Oakden reported to the Prime Minister on media appearances by John Bruton, Dick Spring, and Michael Howard, condemning the Manchester bombing. A draft statement was also suggested for sending to the Manchester Evening Press.

Briefing note from John Holmes for John Major regarding Major's meeting with Patrick Mayhew, 3 July 1996 - (link)

This document contains a briefing written by John Holmes for John Major's reference in preperation for Major's meeting with Patrick Mayhew. The briefing discusses possible approaches that Major could take with regards to the Hume/Adams initiative as...

Briefing note from John Holmes to John Major following the Manchester bombing - (link)

John Holmes briefed John Major on the implications of the Manchester bombing for government policy. He advocated maintaining 'the political and moral high ground'. He advised that there should be no lurch in policy, rather that it emphasised the need...

Briefing note from Martin Howard for John Holmes – 'Northern Ireland Negotiations: Next Steps'. Faxed and annotated copy. - (link)

Martin Howard updated John Holmes on the negotiations and potential next steps. He outlined the main stumbling blocks around the extent of the Chairman's powers and the Ground Rules. This faxed copy was annotated by Holmes who highlighted key points...

Briefing note from Martin Howard for John Holmes – 'Northern Ireland Negotiations: Next Steps' - (link)

Martin Howard updated John Holmes on the negotiations and potential next steps. He outlined the main stumbling blocks around the extent of the Chairman's powers and the Ground Rules.

Briefing note from Quentin Thomas on a potential speech by Patrick Mayhew, 17 July 1996 - (link)

This document contains a memo from Quentin Thomas where he provides his thoughts on the idea of having an 'end of term' speech from Patrick Mayhew, and also suggests points that the speech could potentially cover.

Briefing note on the NIWC's request to meet Patrick Mayhew, dated 19 July 1996 - (link)

This document contains a briefing by Keith Jagelman following a request by the NIWC for a meeting with Patrick Mayhew. Jagelman explained that the NIWC had requested this meeting in order to discuss the rules of procedure for the Forum, which a...

Briefing note on the NIWC, dated June 1996 - (link)

This document contains a briefing note on the NIWC and on two of its prominent members, namely Monica McWilliams and Pearl Sagar. The note elaborates on the NIWC's aims, membership and performance in the 30 May 1996 elections.

Briefing on Cross-Border Security Co-Operation for the Anglo-Irish Summit on 3 December 1993 - (file)

Emphasise the threat of all terrorism to both sides; welcome Chilcot/Dalton report; police structures and liaison arrangements; border flight safety zones. Suggests possible communiqué language.

Briefing on JD14, JD14A and the Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration in Preparation for the Anglo-Irish Summit on 3 December 1993 - (file)

Introduces three copies of the Joint Declaration: JD14, JD14A (JD14 as annotated after the meeting with Molyneaux) and the 25 November 1993 alternative British version which was rejected by the Taoiseach but they suggest can be mined for helpful...

Briefing on Northern Ireland Points by Jonathan Margetts for John Major’s Meeting with Charles Haughey on 4 December 1991 - (file)

Elaborates on two points on the developments in Northern Ireland that could be relevant for John Major's meeting with Charles Haughey. Encloses an opening statement and some supplementary material on Northern Ireland for the joint press conference...

Briefing on Social and Economic Issues for the Anglo-Irish Summit on 3 December 1993 - (file)

Belfast-Dublin railway link; cross-border trade;

Briefing on Tom King's Visit to Dublin - (file)

Provides an account of Tom King's visit to Dublin and his interactions with Irish officials. Addressed to Roderic Lyne.

Briefing on the Northern Ireland Political Parties for the Anglo-Irish Summit on 3 December 1993 - (file)

Outlines the mood of the four parties involved in Talks. UUP increasingly uncertain; DUP complaining about exclusion; SDLP focused on Hume/Adams and not keen on all-party talks; Alliance party deeply committee to all-party talks.

Briefing on the Press Line Regarding Albert Reynolds' 10 January 1994 Submission - (file)

A note indicating a press line that supports the Taoiseach's 10 January 1994 comments to avoid any sense of a breach between Governments, whilst emphasising that the Joint Declaration speaks for itself. Seems to be an enclosure of the document below.

Briefing on the Schedule and Agenda of the Anglo-Irish Talks on 3 December 1993 - (file)

Comprises important points about the meeting and the objectives of the British Government for the Anglo-Irish Talks planned for 3 December 1993. Annotated.

Briefing on the Talks Process for the Anglo-Irish Summit on 3 December 1993 - (file)

Objective is to secure re-dedication to the Talks process. Discusses difficulties with Joint Framework Document following Irish press leak. Necessity of the Joint Framework Document to furthering the Talks process.

Briefing paper on the informal discussions on the rules of procedure and the agenda - (link)

British Government handling plan for 23 July 1996 - (link)

This document contains a plan created by the British Government for dealing with the main issues of the day. These issues included extending support to the Chairmen in their work to produce a draft of the rules of procedure, and engaging with the...

British Government progress report enclosing alternative text to the UUP amendment, 2 July 1996 - (link)

This document provides a brief account of the informal meeting on procedural guidelines and the agenda that took place on 2 July 1996. The note records that the delegates discussed the remaining amendments and then began the debate on the status of...

British Government record of meetings on 18 and 19 June 1996 (INT/6) - (link)

This minute records a series of meetings on 18 and 19 June 1996, covering only material relating to the ground rules and not the agenda. It describes the creation of a composite set of draft procedural guidelines. It then describes an informal meeting...

British Government record of meetings on 18 and 19 June 1996 (INT/6) - (link)

This minute records a series of meetings on 18 and 19 June 1996, covering only material relating to the ground rules and not the agenda. It describes the creation of a composite set of draft procedural guidelines. It then describes an informal meeting...

British Government submission letter, 14 June 1996 - (link)

British Government submission on the rules and agenda, 14 June 1996 [draft] - (link)

British Government summary record of meetings on 1 July 1996 enclosing amendments proposed by the British Government - (link)

British Government's handling plan for 25 September 1996, enclosing a joint paper with suggested conclusions to the Plenary address to decommissioning - (link)

British draft of the procedural guidelines and agenda for the talks on 5 June 1996 - (link)

The British draft of the procedural rules and agenda for the talks is circulated before it is shown to the Irish delegation.

British government progress report on 2 July 1996 - (link)

British government progress report on the afternoon of 3 July 1996 and the morning of 4 July 1996 - (link)

British government progress report on the afternoon of 3 July 1996 and the morning of 4 July 1996 - (link)

This document provides brief accounts of bilateral meetings from 3 and 4 July 1996.

British government record of afternoon and evening meetings on 25 July 1996 - (link)

British government record of evening meetings on 10 June 1996 - (link)

This minute briefly summarises a series of meetings after 17.30. Patrick Mayhew and Michael Ancram met with Senator Mitchell; the UUP; the Irish government; the DUP and UKUP; and the SDLP – in many cases more than once. The issue was the resolution of...

British government record of informal meetings on procedural guidelines and agenda on 2 July 1996 - (link)

British government record of meetings on 1 July 1996 - (link)

British government record of meetings on 3 July 1996 - (link)

British government record of meetings on 4 July 1996 - (link)

British government record of meetings on 9 July 1996 - (link)

British government record of meetings on 16 July 1996 - (link)

British government record of meetings on 17 July 1996 - (link)

British government record of meetings on 22 July 1996 - (link)

British government record of meetings on 23 July 1996 - (link)

British government record of meetings on 24 July 1996 - (link)

British government record of meetings on 27 June 1996 - (link)

This minute reports on an informal meeting on procedural guidelines and agenda, and on multilateral meetings between the British government, the Irish government, the Chairmen and the UUP preceding it.

British government record of meetings on 29 July 1996 - (link)

British government record of morning meetings on 18 July 1996 - (link)

British government record of morning meetings on 25 July 1996 - (link)

British government record of the first 36 hours of the talks, 13 June 1996 - (link)

This minute records the first 36 hours of the multi-party talks and the launch of the plenary session under Mitchell's chairmanship. It has two Annexes, which are both drafts of 'A Possible Approach to Resolving Procedural Difficulties' – the first...

British government record of two talks bilaterals between the British and Irish governments during the IGC on 18 July 1996 - (link)

British government revised draft rules of procedure, 20 June 1996 - (link)

British government submission letter to the chairman on the rules of procedure and agenda - (link)

British government summary record of afternoon and evening meetings on 25 July 1996 - (link)

British government summary record of meetings on 9 July 1996 - (link)

British government summary record of meetings on 23 July 1996 - (link)

British government summary record of meetings until 15.00 on 24 July 1996 - (link)

British government summary record of meetings until 15.00 on 25 July 1996 - (link)

British government summary record of morning meetings on 3 July 1996 including British government proposed replacement for rule 1 - (link)

British record of afternoon meetings on 24 June 1996 at 14.20 - (link)

This document records a series of afternoon and evening meetings. These include bilateral meetings between the British government and the UUP, the Irish government and the DUP and UKUP, all exchanging views on amendments to the draft rules of...

British record of an informal meeting on procedural guidelines and agenda on 24 June 1996 at 10.05 - (link)

This is an internal record of a brief informal meeting to discuss procedural guidelines and the agenda, held to announce the circulation of a revised draft of the rules of procedure.

British record of morning meetings on 24 June 1996 at 10.00 - (link)

This document records a series of morning meetings. These include a multilateral meeting between the British government, the Independent Chairmen and the Irish government; a brief informal meeting to circulate the revised rules; two bilateral meetings...

Chairman's compromise text of the Rules of Procedure and a revised agenda from the two governments - (link)

Choreography for opening plenary session, 10 June 1996 (09.00) - (link)

Choreography/Scenario for 10 June 1996 and Statement by Chairman - Draft - (link)

Internal notes on the timetable for managing the first day of talks and a copy of the statement to be delivered by the Chairman. A later copy is dated 09:00 on 10 June, so this version probably dates from 9 June.

Choreography/Scenario for 10 June as at 09.00 on 10 June 1996 - (link)

Internal notes on the timetable for managing the first day of talks.

Comment on the Implications of the Concept of Irish Self-Determination - (file)

Relays David Blatherwick's views on the possible implications that could emerge from committing to a Joint Declaration text with a nationalist leaning. Highlighted.

Comment on the Irish Position on the Eve of the Anglo-Irish Talks on 3 December 1993 - (file)

Notes the comments made by Albert Reynolds and identifies the risks in a change in position. Highlighted and annotated.

Comment on the Outcome of the Anglo-Irish Talks of 3 December 1993 - (file)

Comments on the outcome of the 3 December 1993 talks, including an assessment of the reaction of Irish officials and press. Highlighted.

Commentary on the Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration - (file)

Makes a direct comparison with the latest Irish draft (JD14) and explains how things have been reorganized. Makes the connection to the Talks process more explicit, and the British Government's commitment to support Northern Ireland as part of the...

Comments - (file)

Notes on copies with names associated. "MS comments" and dated 23/11/1997

Comments from Peter Bell on "Common Interests and Themes" paper, 5 July 1996 - (link)

This document contains a note from Peter Bell with comments on the "Common Interests and Themes" paper drafted by Keith Jagelman on 4 July 1996. Bell outlines further points of common history and interest between the two parts of Ireland, and suggests...

Committee on decommissioning working agenda - (link)

Comprehensive Briefing and Talking Points for John Major's Meeting with Albert Reynolds - (file)

Contains (1) an overview of the arrangements made for the Anglo-Irish talks and the people participating in it, (2) an agenda of the points that the talks should cover, (3) an outline of Irish and UK objectives, (4) an overview of the political...

Contingency Brief on THORP for John Major's Meeting with Albert Reynolds on 3 December 1993 - (file)

Outlines the points for the British delegation for their meeting with the Irish delegation with regards to the new Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant at Sellafield in 1992.

Conversation between Roderic Lyne and Raymond Seitz Regarding a Message from Bill Clinton - (file)

Notes the conversations between Roderic Lyne and Raymond Seitz where Seitz conveyed Bill Clinton's message meant for the British and Irish Governments.

Copy of Telegram from David Blatherwick Setting the Scene for a Meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds on 25 September 1992 - (file)

Expresses Irish concerns regarding the erosion of the Anglo-Irish Agreement, highlighting the considerable delays in the upcoming IGC and the apparent lack of Unionist commitment to engage in meaningful talks. Matters concerning the European...

Copy of a letter from Patrick Mayhew to John Hume with arrangements for the Forum - (link)

A faxed copy of a letter sent to John Hume inviting the SDLP to participate in the Forum for Political Dialogue and enclosing the Rules of Procedure.

Copylist - (file)

A copylist likely to have been attached to the notes for the record of the Anglo-Irish Summit meetings.]

Copylist - (file)

Notes on copies

Correction to an internal record of a pre-plenary meeting on 10 June 1996 at 14.05 - (link)

This is a brief note from David Lavery to Chris Maccabe making a correction to the record of the informal pre-plenary meeting on 10 June 1996 at 14.05. It clarifies that Patrick Mayhew did not refuse further consultations with the DUP.

Correspondence between John Holmes and Andrew Hunter MP on 12 and 14 June 1996 - (link)

A letter from John Holmes to Andrew Hunter MP, noting his analysis of the situation in Northern Ireland and offering to brief him on the progress of the talks.

Correspondence between the Peter Westmacott and John Holmes regarding lobbying the US to designate PIRA as a terrorist organisation - (link)

A series of memos and telegrams between the British Embassy in the US, John Holmes and the FCO discussing whether the US might be persuaded to designate of the PIRA as a terrorist group. It was felt that peruading the US to take this step would have...

Cover Fax from Jonathan Stephens to Roderic Lyne Enclosing Several Documents Regarding the Joint Declaration - (file)

Lists the documents it encloses, emphasising the particular importance of Patrick Mayhew's letter Then sets out a schedule for the day of the Declaration.

Cover Letter Enclosing Gerry Adam's Response to Peter Brooke's Whitbread Speech on 9 November 1990 - (file)

This cover letter encloses the transcript of Gerry Adams' response to Peter Brooke's Whitbread speech from 9 November 1990, and offers brief comments on the nature of the response. Parts of the text are annotated.

Cover Letter from Anthony Pawson to Peter May Enclosing Charles Powell's Minute Dated 5 February 1991 - (file)

This cover letter, sent by Anthony Pawson to Peter May, encloses a minute from Charles Powell in response to a previous note from Peter Brooke to John Major, and relays the General Officer Commanding's comments on it. Pawson requested John Chilcot for...

Cover Letter from Anthony Pawson to Simon Marsh Enclosing the Final Draft of the Whitbread Speech on 9 November 1990 - (file)

This letter encloses the final draft of the Whitbread speech given by Peter Brooke on 9 November 1990. Parts of the text are annotated.

Cover Letter from Danny McNeill to Joseph Pilling Enclosing Draft Submission on Request from Cahal Daly and Robin Eames for Meeting Dated 4 February 1991 - (file)

This cover letter, sent by Danny McNeill, encloses a draft submission to Anthony Pawson with a request from Archbishop Cahal Daly and Archbishop Robin Eames for a meeting John Major and Peter Brooke.

Cover Letter from Danny McNeill to Peter May Enclosing a Review Paper on Political Movement and PIRA Dated 22 March 1991 - (file)

This is the cover letter for a paper written by Simon Marsh on the state of political movement and PIRA, which concludes that no change will take place over the next few weeks on the British position regarding Sinn Féin/IRA. However, it notes that the...

Cover Letter from David Hill Enclosing a Revised Line on Ken Maginnis's Comments Dated 4 February 1991 - (file)

This cover letter, sent by David Hill, encloses a revised line on Kenneth Maginnis's response to Gerry Adams' speech in the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis on 2 February 1991. Hill mentions that the line was modified at John Chilcot's suggestion.

Cover Letter from David Hill to Danny McNeill Enclosing a Line on Ken Maginnis's Comments Dated 4 February 1991 - (file)

This cover letter from David Hill encloses a draft line on Kenneth Maginnis's response to Gerry Adams' speech in the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis on 2 February 1991.

Cover Letter from Giacomo Attolico To Roderic Lyne Regarding a Press Release by the Italian Prime Minister on the Joint Declaration - (file)

Attolico was the Italian Ambassador to London. The attached document is a translation.

Cover Letter from John Chilcot to Anthony Pawson Enclosing a Review of the Current State of Political Movement and PIRA Dated 3 April 1991 - (file)

This is the cover letter for an enclosed paper on the state of political movement and PIRA, which concludes that the British Government had halted its work towards a ceasefire. It notes the British Government's concern regarding the political impact...

Cover Letter from Roderic Lyne to Jonathan Stephens Regarding a Draft Reply to the Letter by Ian Paisley dated 3 December 1993 - (file)

Requests Jonathan Stephens to draft a reply to Ian Paisley's letter of 3 December 1993, which is included in the item.

Cover Letter from Roderic Lyne to Simon Rogers Enclosing a Letter from Ian Paisley to John Major - (file)

Refutes Paisley's claim that the Joint Declaration gives the Irish Government joint jurisdiction over Northen Ireland.

Cover Letter from Simon Marsh to Peter May Enclosing a Draft Review Minute for a Meeting on 5 December 1990 - (file)

This cover letter notes that it encloses a draft review minute of John Chilcot's meeting on 5 December 1990; however, the minute is not present in this box. Parts of the text are annotated, and the blank space in the first paragraph indicates that...

Cover Letter from Simon Rogers to Alex Allan Enclosing Documents Released by Sinn Féin on 2 December 1993 - (file)

Cover letter encloses copies of documents released by Sinn Féin on 2 December 1993, recorded in the same file item. Text on the photocopied documents is a little unclear in some places, and some pages are entirely illegible. Some pages show that the...

Cover Letter from William Fittall to Stephen Wall Enclosing Background Notes and Draft Communique - (file)

William Fittall's letter to Stephen Wall encloses a background note on the political developments in Northern Ireland, a draft communique and a briefing on security and confidence issues for John Major's meeting with Albert Reynolds on 25 September 1992.

Cover Letter from William Fittall to Stephen Wall Enclosing a Note on the Government of Ireland Act 1920 - (file)

Encloses a note on the Government of Ireland Act 1920.

Cover Note Enclosing Several Documents Regarding the Joint Declaration - (file)

Contains seven documents. Box is jumbled so unclear what documents belong to which "pack".

Cover Note Enclosing Several Documents Regarding the Joint Declaration - (file)

Also includes some other issues to be settled around who is to be briefed, such as John Smith, Paddy Ashdown, and David Steel.

Cover Page - (file)

The cover of the file as found in the National Archives.

Cover Page with a CC List for a Document For the Prime Minister Regarding Developments in the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

Cover page with a hidden cc list.

Cover Page with a CC List for a Letter from Roderic Lyne to Melanie Leech - (file)

Cover page with a cc list enclosing a letter, which itself encloses a letter from John Major to Albert Reynolds

Cover Sheet of Fax with Copylist - (file)

Covers a letter from Roderic Lyne to Jonathan Stephens Regarding Malcolm Rifkind's absence from a meeting on the 9 December 1993

Cover Sheet of Fax with Copylist - (file)

Cover sheet with a list of Cc'd names for distributing a letter to Roderic Lyne from Jonathan Stephens Regarding the EC summit.

Cover Sheet of Fax with List of CC'd Names - (file)

Cover sheet with a list of Cc'd names for distributing a letter to Roderic Lyne from Jonathan Stephens Regarding the EC summit.

Cover and index of file - (link)

Cover of file. Also contains the index of the documents enclosed.

Cover letter from Danny McNeill to Peter May Enclosing a Draft Note on a Discussion with Bishop Cahal Daly on 20 November 1990 - (file)

This document encloses a draft note on a meeting between Bishop Cahal Daly, John Chilcot and Danny McNeill on 20 November 1990. It also records Danny McNeill's request for a further meeting of British officials on the way forward. Parts if the...

Cover note enclosing a letter from Mark Langhammer to Patrick Mayhew dated 3 July 1996 - (link)

This document contains a cover sheet detailing a request for action with regards to a letter from Mark Langhammer to Patrick Mayhew, in which Langhammer requests to replace Malachi Curran as the Labour delegate to the talks. The letter from Langhammer...

Cover note from Diane McNally enclosing the latest composite draft rules of procedure, 3 July 1996 - (link)

This document contains a cover note from Diane McNally dated 3 July 1996, which encloses the latest composite draft of the rules of procedure as produced by the Chairman's staff on the same day.

Cover note from Keith Jageman dated 4 July 1996, enclosing a paper on "Common Interests and Themes" - (link)

This document contains a note from Keith Jagelman to Jonathan Stephens, which encloses a draft paper for Strand 2, titled "Common Interests and Themes". The paper sets out the British Government's position on the range of common interests and existing...

Cover of File - (file)

Cover of file and part closed sheet.

Cover of File - (file)

Cover sheet of the file.

Cover of File - (file)

Cover sheet of the file. The second page notes that some part of the folder is not available for viewing.

Cover of File - (file)

Cover of file.

Cover of File - (file)

Cover of File

Cover of File - (file)

Cover sheet of the file

Cover of File - (file)

Cover sheet of the file.

Cover of File - (file)

Cover sheet of the file.

Cover of File - (file)

Cover sheet of the file. It also contains an index of all the enclosed files.

Cover of File - (file)

Cover sheet of the file.

Cover of File - (file)

Cover sheet of the file. Whole page scanned.

Cover of File - (file)

Cover of file. Only partially scanned.

Cover of File - (file)

The covers of the file. One red one marked top secret, and then one brown one of more normal form inside.

Cover of File - (file)

Cover sheet of the file

Cover of File - (file)

Cover of file. Only partially scanned.

Cover of File - (file)

Cover sheet of the file.

Cover of File - (file)

Cover sheet of the file. Scanned in full.

Cover of File - (file)

Cover sheet of the file.

Cover of File - (file)

Cover sheet of the file

Cover of File - (file)

Cover sheet of the file. It also contains an index page listing the documents enclosed.

Cover of File - (file)

Cover sheet of the file.

Cover of File - (file)

The cover of the file.

Cover of File - (file)

Cover sheet of the file

Cover of File - (file)

Cover sheet of the file

Cover of File - (file)

Cover of the file

Cover of File - (file)

Cover sheet of the file

Cover of File and Part Closed Sheet - (file)

Cover of file and part closed sheet.

Cover of file - (link)

Cover of file

Cover of file - (link)

This document is the cover of the file.

Cover of file - (link)

This document is the cover of the file and a notice of its closure and continuation.

Cover of file - (link)

Cover of file and list of contents - (link)

Cover of file and list of contents

Cover of file and notice of closure - (link)

Cover of file

Cover of the Collection of News Reports on the Irish Press Briefing - (file)

Cover of a collection of newspaper clippings on the Irish briefing to the press on 1 December 1993.

Cover of the File - (file)

Cover sheet of the file. Contains an index of all the enclosed files.

Covering Fax from David Cooke to Quentin Thomas Regarding a Draft Briefing Letter for John Major's Meeting with Albert Reynolds - (file)

The draft is enclosed.

Covering Fax from Quentin Thomas Enclosing a Revised British Draft of Paragraph 4 of the Joint Decration - (file)

This draft enclosed is based on some remarks made by the Prime Minister John Major regarding paragraph 4. This cotoniued to be a prpblem into later drafts of the Joint Declaration.

Covering Fax from Quentin Thomas Regarding a Meeting with Seán Ó hUiginn and the JD9 draft - (file)

Thomas mentions this meeting in a letter to Robin Butler on the same date. A record of the meeting with Seán Ó hUiginn and JD9 are both enclosed.

Covering Fax from Quentin Thomas to Jonathan Stephens Regarding Documents for a Cabinet Meeting - (file)

Thomas encloses a speaking note, JD14 and a British version of the text from the 25 November 1993. However, only the speaking note is present here.

Covering Fax from Quentin Thomas to Jonathan Stephens Regarding a Draft Briefing Letter - (file)

The letter is enclosed and addressed to Roderic Lyne. It regards a meeting between the Prime Minister and Taoiseach in Brussels.

Covering Fax from Quentin Thomas to Jonathan Stephens Regarding a Draft Briefing Letter - (file)

The letter is enclosed and addressed to Roderic Lyne. It regards a meeting between the Prime Minister and Taoiseach in Brussels.

Covering Fax from Quentin Thomas to Jonathan Stephens for Draft Letter Informing Cabinet about the Finalisation of the Joint Declaration - (file)

As the Joint Declaration talks have almost reached their conclusion. In preparation for this, Thomas encloses to Stephens two draft letters. One to Roderic Lyne, and one for Lyne to then circulate amongst Ministers Private Secretaries informing them...

Covering Letter from Simon Rogers to Roderic Lyne Enclosing Draft Reply from John Major to John Hume, 8 December 1993 - (file)

Encloses draft reply from John Major to John Hume's letter of 29 November 1993.

Covering Letter from Tony Beeton to Roderic Lyne Enclosing a Speaking Note for John Major - (file)

Summary of advice given from the Northern Ireland Office to John Major concerning a planned meeting with Jim Molyneaux of the UUP, with Unionists concerned about potential British involvement in a recent joint statement from John Hume and Gerry Adams.

Covering note from Clare Checksfield enclosing guidance papers for the Chairmen, for their staff, and on the use of hospitality allowance, 4 July 1996 - (link)

Covering note from David Hill enclosing an updated draft of the Rules of Procedure - (link)

Covering note from David Hill enclosing the joint Government proposed agenda for the remainder of the opening Plenary, 30 July 1996 - (link)

This document contains a covering note from David Hill which states that Hill had passed on a copy of the proposed agenda for the remainder of the opening Plenary drafted by the British and Irish Governments to John de Chastelain. The proposed agedna...

Covering note from Diane McNally enclosing a press statement by the Chairmen, 30 July 1996 - (link)

This document contains a covering note by Diane McNally which encloses the statement issued by the Chairmen on 29 July 1996 on the adoption of the rules of procedure, the establishment of the Business Committee and the adjournment of the talks till 9...

Covering note from Martin Howard to John Holmes enclosing a paper on future policy options, 25 July 1996 - (link)

Covering note from Stephen Leach enclosing speaking note for the discussion on the agenda for the opening Plenary session, 17 July 1996 - (link)

Coversheet with Dates of File - (file)

Cover sheet of the file.

Coversheet: Press Cuttings on the Joint Declaration - (file)

Coversheet says 'Belfast Telegraph' but most of the documents which follow are not from the Belfast Telegraph so have scanned them all separately. From looking at the fax information (cut off on some pages) it seems likely that these pages are out of...

DUP submission on the agenda, 14 June 1996 - (link)

DUP submission on the rules, 14 June 1996 - (link)

DUP submission to the chairman on the rules of procedure and agenda - (link)

David Hill amendment to 'Opening Statement by the British Government' - (link)

A proposed amendment to the Secretary of State's opening statement drafted by Jonathan Stephens.

David Lavery amendments to talks handling plan - (link)

David Lavery proposed a number of amendments to the handling plan suggested by David Hill. These were mostly clarifications, but he was also keen to discourage encouraging David Trimble to 'go over the head of' the government negotiating team to the...

Defensive Brief for a Meeting with Jim Molyneaux - (file)

Exact date unknown. Note provides points to respond to the arguments and questions that Jim Molyneaux might ask in a meeting with John Major. Particularly, on the potential Northern Ireland Committee being created.

Defensive Briefing on Northern Ireland - (file)

Outlines the British Government's position on the key security issues in Northern Ireland. Also includes pointers on the AIIC and the talks process.

Detailed Record of Tête-à-Tête Meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds on 3 December 1993 - (file)

Provides an account for the meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds regarding the recent revelations of communication links between the British Government and the IRA and the Irish Government's unattributable briefing of 2 December 1993 to the press.

Detailed record of talks progress from 25 June 1996 - (link)

This document provides records of the various meetings that took place on 25 June 1996 which involved the British Government. It describes the three sessions of the informal discussions on procedural rules and the agenda that took place that day.

Detailed record of talks progress from 28 June 1996 - (link)

This document provides records of the various meetings that took place on 28 June 1996 which involved the British Government. It notes that the British Government met with the Chairmen and the Irish around 9.00, followed by a meeting with the Irish...

Digest of Morning Newspapers on 16 December 1993 - (file)

A summary of news articles responding to the publication of the Joint Declaration. Generally positive about the declaration as a step towards peace but more hesitant about the chances of a Sinn Féin ceasefire.

Document Retained under FOI 27(I) - (file)

Document Retained under FOI 27(I).

Document Retained under Section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958 - (file)

This was enclosed with the covering letter above, so would therefore have almost certainly been an assessment of Unionist Reactions to the Joint Declaration.

Document Retained under Section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958: Letter and Attachment from Robin Butler to Roderic Lyne dated 1 December 1993 - (file)

Item retained under section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958.

Document Retained: 24 A - (file)

This document is retained under section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958. Though the title and content of the document are unavailable, the extract details and position of the document in the box suggest that this is an enclosed paper reviewing the...

Document Retained: 25 A - (file)

This document is retained under section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958. Though the title and content of the document are unavailable, the extract details and position of the document in the box suggest that this is an enclosed paper reviewing the...

Document Retained: Administrative Arrangements Dated 3 December 1991 - (file)

Item closed under FOI Exemption sections 31 and 38.

Document Retained: Document 14A - (file)

This document has been retained under section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958.

Document Retained: Document 20A - (file)

This document is retained under section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958.

Document Retained: Document 34 and 34(A) - (file)

The document has been retained under section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958.

Document Retained: Flag C - (file)

This document has been retained under section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958.

Document Retained: Flag C - (file)

Documents retained under Flag C have been withheld at this point in the National Archive file. We have scanned the yellow page indicating this.

Document Retained: Flag F - (file)

This document is retained under Section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958.

Document Retained: Letter from Stephen Wall to William Fittall Dated 27 February 1992 - (file)

Retained under Section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958.

Document Retained: Minute and Attachment from Cradock to Stephen Wall Dated 10 March 1992 - (file)

Document retained under Section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958.

Document Retained: Minute from Cradock to Stephen Wall Dated 14 February 1992 - (file)

Item closed under FOI exemption 27(1).

Document Retained: Minute from Rodric Braithwaite to Stephen Wall Dated 16 July 1992 - (file)

Document retained under Section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958.

Documents Retained under Flag 17 - (file)

Documents retained under Flag 17.

Documents Retained under Flag B - (file)

Documents retained under flag B

Documents Retained under Section 3(4) - (file)

Page gives item number with a date and name (illegible first name) C. Evans

Documents Retained: Flag 26C - (file)

This document is retained under Section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958.

Draft Brief for Prime Minister Q and A - (file)

Sets out the lines Major should take when responding to questions on the Joint Declaration. Includes heavy annotations and crossing out.

Draft Broadcast Prefacing the Joint Declaration - (file)

Includes some edits in pen, as well as a note at the top of page 2. Sets out emotively the context of the Declaration and its aims The audience here is clearly the UK at large.

Draft Communique to Be Issued Following a Meeting between Albert Reynolds and John Major on 25 September 1992 - (file)

Draft communique with a summary of the meeting between Albert Reynolds and John Major that is scheduled to take place to 25 September 1992. Notes on the discussion on European matters are yet to be inserted, but the commitment to political progress...

Draft Contribution to John Major's Speech to the House on a Special Meeting of the European Council on 29 October 1993 - (file)

Additional contributions to the statement drafted for John Major to give in the House of Commons about his bilateral with Albert Reynolds at Brussels. Document also contains supplementaries on security and politics for follow up questions in the House.

Draft Elements of a Defensive Statement for the British Government Regarding Its Communication with PIRA - (file)

This document provides two sets of defensive line pointers for the British Government to use in the situation where its contact with PIRA in the absence of PIRA's renunciation of violence becomes public knowledge. The two sets of defensive lines are...

Draft Letter from Roderic Lyne to PS Cabinet Members Regarding the Anglo-Irish Joint Declaration Initiative (Incomplete) - (file)

Dated to 15 December 1993 but produced before. Statement on the Joint Declaration issued by the Prime Minister and Taoiseach. Breaks key points into bullet points including identifying what the statement DOES and DOES NOT do

Draft Letter from Roderic Lyne to PS Cabinet Members Regarding the Anglo-Irish Joint Declaration Initiative (Incomplete) - (file)

Arranges practical considerations for meeting in London to announce Joint Declaration either on 14 or 15th December. Provides a breif background for Cabinet Members. Incomplete - cuts off in the middle of point (7). Statement text is not attached.

Draft Minute to the Prime Minister Briefing Him on the Status of the Joint Declaration - (file)

A draft minute for the Prime Minister briefing him on developments in the Joint Declaration initiative and on the text of the latest version of the text (JD15). The minute then goes on to provide an overall assessment of the initiative which...

Draft Northern Ireland Newsletter Article from John Major - (file)

Draft article enclosed with letter above. A message from John Major to Northern Ireland for 1994. Moving towards peace and reconciliation, explaining the Downing Street Declaration, and then encouraging recommitment to the Talks process.

Draft Notes for Patrick Mayhew Regarding his 14 October 1993 Meeting with Prime Minister John Major - (file)

This is a handwritten note with unclear authorship. The subject and wording of the notes mirror a speaking note sent by Tony Beeton for Patrick Mayhew suggesting this could be an earlier draft. It certainly concerns JD12 and is unfinished, which...

Draft Opening Statement for John Major for Joint Press Conference on 4 December 1991 - (file)

Draft text of the opening statement for John Major for the joint press conference of 4 December 1991. Annotated.

Draft Passage of Lord Mayor’s Banquet Speech - (file)

States that this is a critical time for change given the overwhelming desire for peace.

Draft Reply to Albert Reynolds' Letter of 11 November 1993 - (file)

Draft letter to the Taoiseach referring to developments since the 19 October Brussels Joint Statement. Repeats principal concern that an agreement with republicans does not ignore the likely unionist response. This is especially important for the...

Draft Reply to a Letter from Joe Kennedy to John Major, 7 December 1993 - (file)

Notes the contents of the letter by Joe Kennedy which commend the Prime Minister's decision to open channels of communication with Sinn Féin, and includes a draft reply to him from the Prime Minister.

Draft Speaking Note for Patrick Mayhew's Use at a Ministerial Meeting on 9 December 1993 - (file)

A draft speaking note for Patrick Mayhew's use at a ministerial meeting, which advocates proceeding with JD15. Enclosed with a covering letter from Quentin Thomas.

Draft agenda for Strand 1 issues - (link)

The draft agenda for Strand 1 issues proposed by the two governments prior to the launch of the talks.

Draft agenda for Strand 2 issues - (link)

The draft agenda for Strand 2 issues proposed by the two governments prior to the launch of the talks.

Draft agenda for Strand 3 issues - (link)

The draft agenda for Strand 3 issues proposed by the two governments prior to the launch of the talks.

Draft agenda for concluding plenary session - (link)

The draft agenda for the concluding plenary proposed by the two governments prior to the launch of the talks.

Draft agenda for opening plenary session - (link)

The draft agenda for the opening plenary proposed by the two governments prior to the launch of the talks.

Draft agenda for substantive all-party negotiations - (link)

The draft agenda for the all-party negotiations proposed by the two governments prior to the launch of the talks.

Draft agenda for the Business Committee - (link)

The draft agenda for the Business Committee proposed by the two governments prior to the launch of the talks.

Draft internal record of an informal meeting on procedural guidelines and agenda on 12 June 1996 at 11.45 - (link)

This is an internal record of three informal meetings to discuss procedural guidelines and the agenda on 12 June 1996. It is misdated 11 June 1996. The meeting convened to discuss the 'A possible approach to resolving procedural difficulties' paper....

Draft introduction to discussion of chairmanship (for Patrick Mayhew to give on 10 June 1996) - (link)

Draft invitation from Patrick Mayhew to Ian Paisley to nominate delegation for the all-party talks, 4 June 1996 - (link)

This document contains a letter from Patrick Mayhew to Ian Paisley dated 4 June 1996, in which Mayhew invited Paisley to nominate a team to participate in the negotiations beginning on 10 June 1996. The first page of the document indicates that Mayhew...

Draft letters from John Major to Presidents Clinton and Ahtissari and to Prime Minister Chretien - (link)

Draft letters to the heads of government in the US, Canada, and Finland were prepared and sent to the Prime Minister's office noting the appointment of the three chairmen from those countries.

Draft notification of non-meeting days for the forum, for the attention of Patrick Mayhew - (link)

Draft of 'Opening statement by the British Government' - (link)

Jonathan Stephens produced a first draft of an opening statement by the Secretary of State.

Draft of 'Substantive all-party negotiations: Scenario for the opening plenary session' on 5 June 1996 - (link)

A draft of what was referred to as the 'scenario' paper on plans for the opening plenary session. At this stage all but paragraph 4 (on chairmanships) was agreed.

Draft procedural guidelines, 18 June 1996 - (link)

This is the draft text of the procedural guidelines enclosed with the minute above.

Draft rules of procedure agreed between British and Irish officials, 20 June 1996 (20.05) - (link)

Draft rules of procedure, 19 June 1996 - (link)

This document is a copy of the draft rules of procedure distributed by Senator George Mitchell, Plenary Chairman, on the morning of 19 June 1996. The text incoprorates the amendments agreed by all parties on 18 June 1996 and also includes compromise...

Draft rules of procedure: record of amendments proposed by the British and Irish governments on 24 June 1996 at 21.45 - (link)

The bulk of this document is a list of amendments proposed by the British and Irish governments to paragraphs 2, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 20, 25, 28, 30, 32 and 33. It is enclosed with a brief covering note describing the difficulty of agreeing amendments...

Draft speaking note on publication of the scenario paper - (link)

Stephen Leach prepared a statement for the Secretary of State to make on publication of the scenario document, and also answers to potential questions that might be raised by the press. These focus in particular on decommissioning and the role of the chairmen.

Draft statement on the status of the ground rules, 20 June 1996 - (link)

Draft statement to parliament in the event of a breakdown of talks - (link)

Duplicate Communique dated 16 June 1993 by the British and Irish Governments on Anglo-Irish Relations - (file)

Comprises a review of Anglo-Irish relations by Albert Reynolds and John Major with a special emphasis on Northern Ireland.

Duplicate Record of Meeting between Danny McNeill and John Hume Regarding Political Movement and PIRA on 25 January 1991 - (file)

This document provides an account of a meeting between Danny McNeill and John Hume on 25 January 1991, where McNeill gave him copies of Peter Brooke's statement of 24 December 1990 regarding the Christmas ceasefire and press release of 22 January 1991...

Duplicate Record of Meeting between Danny McNeill, John Murphy and Will Murphy Regarding Political Movement and PIRA on 23 January 1991 - (file)

This document provides an account of a meeting between Danny McNeill, Father Will Murphy and Father John Murphy on 23 January 1991. Both chaplains expressed frustration at the lack of action on the part of the British Government to send signals or...

Duplicate note from David Hill to Gillian Harrison regarding note-taking arrangements for the talks, 24 June 1996 - (link)

This document contains a note from David Hill dated 24 June 1996, in which he discusses the note-taking arrangements for the talks. A duplicate version of this document exists elsewhere in the box.

Duplicate: Agenda for a meeting to plan the choreography of the opening day - (link)

Patrick Mayhew called for meeting with Quentin Thomas and others to plan the choreography of the opening day of negotiations.

Duplicate: Arrangements for the arrival of the three chairmen - (link)

The Anglo-Irish Secretariat was responsible for arrangements for receiving and accommodating the three chairmen, as outlined in this memo.

Early Draft of Letter from John Major to Albert Reynolds Introducing the Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration - (file)

The Prime Minister writes to Albert Reynolds about the damage done to the public perception of the proposed Joint Declaration by the leak of an Irish draft of the paper and by statements made by Humes and Adams. He references a new text to be attached...

Enclosure 1.1: Submission by Alliance on the breaches of the Mitchell Principles, 10 September 1996 - (link)

This document contains a submission from Alliance regarding alleged breaches of the Mitchell Principles by the UUP, the DUP and the loyalist parties. On the first point, it notes that members of the UUP and the DUP were involved in the Orange Order...

Enclosure 1.2: UUP response to the Alliance submission on the breaches of the Mitchell Principles, 16 September 1996 - (link)

This document contains the UUP's response of 16 September 1996 to the Alliance submission from 10 September 1996. It rejects the allegation made by Alliance, and calls the description of events in the second paragraph "inaccurate overheated political...

Enclosure 1.3: DUP response to the Alliance submission on the breaches of the Mitchell Principles, 16 September 1996 - (link)

This document contains the DUP's response of 16 September 1996 to the Alliance submission from 10 September 1996. It rejects the allegations in the first part of the Alliance submission, and asserts that the references made in reference to William...

Enclosure 1.4: UDP response to the Alliance submission on the breaches of the Mitchell Principles, 16 September 1996 - (link)

This document contains the UDP's response of 16 September 1996 to the Alliance submission from 10 September 1996. It refers to the document titled 'Conclusions of the Governments on Representations made by the DUP against the PUP and the UDP', and...

Enclosure 1: Alternative text for rule 17A with annotations - (link)

This document contains the alternative text for paragraph 17A which was going to be shown to the UUP and the Irish Government on 24 June 1996. The enclosed text also contains annotations, which likely concern the queries and suggestions given by the...

Enclosure 1: Draft reply from Patrick Mayhew to Ian Paisley, 23 July 1996 - (link)

This document contains a draft reply from Patrick Mayhew to Ian Paisley's letter of 22 July regarding the status of the 6 June Scenario paper.

Enclosure 1: Memo from the Independent Chairmen to all participants regarding the Alliance representations, 16 September 1996 - (link)

This document contains a memo from the Independent Chairmen to all the participants from 16 September 1996, which encloses an Alliance submission on breaches of the Mitchell Principles, and the UUP, DUP and UDUP's responses to the submission.

Enclosure 1: Note from David Lavery enclosing a draft skeleton judgement of the alliance party representations, 19 September 1996 - (link)

This document contains a note from David Lavery dated 19 September 1996, which encloses the draft skeleton judgement on the Alliance representations against the UUP, the DUP and the loyalist parties.

Enclosure 1: Press release from the SDLP, 23 July 1996 - (link)

This document contans a copy of the press release that was issued by the SDLP on 23 July 1996.

Enclosure 1: SDLP press release with proposal regarding the opening Plenary, 23 July 1996 - (link)

Enclosure 1: Scenario for the opening Plenary session, 6 June 1996 - (link)

This document contains a paper drafted by the British and Irish Governments which provides the outline of a tentative plan for the talks process starting on 10 June 1996. The paper encloses a draft agenda for the opening Plenary session as well as the...

Enclosure 1: Speaking notes by Gillian Harrison for John Major's meeting with John Alderdice, 17 July 1996 - (link)

This document contains speaking note for John Major's reference for his meeting with John Alderdice on 18 June 1996. It contains lines on Drumcree, policing, the talks and Sinn Féin. The document also encloses a briefing on the Chief Constable and on...

Enclosure 1: Statement by Patrick Mayhew in the 'spleen-venting' session on 22 July 1996 - (link)

Enclosure 1: Statement by the Independent Chairmen on the Drumcree crisis, 16 July 1996 - (link)

Enclosure 1: Statement by the Independent Chairmen regarding the events in Drumcree, 16 July 1996 - (link)

This document contains a statement from George Mitchell, John de Chastelain and Harri Holkeri regarding the events that took place at Drumcree the past week.

Enclosure 2: British Government draft statement on the status of the Ground Rules, 21 June 1996 - (link)

This document contains the British Government's draft statement on the status of the Ground Rules from 21 June 1996. The cover note for this enclosure suggests that this text had been acceptable to the Irish officials and the UUP.

Enclosure 2: Draft resolution by the British and Irish Governments on Robert McCartney's point on rule 27A - (link)

This document contains the text of a resolution drafted by the British and Irish Governments on the point raised by Robert McCartney on rule 27A of the draft rules of procedure.

Enclosure 2: Informal paper from the Irish Government, 23 July 1996 - (link)

This document contains a proposal that was drafted by the Irish Government and passed on to the British Government on 23 July 1996. It proposes that the delegates should come to an agreement on the rules of procedure by the coming Monday, and also...

Enclosure 2: Informal paper on procedural issues by the Irish Government, 23 July 1996 - (link)

Enclosure 2: Letter from John Alderdice to the Chairman regarding the Alliance representation, 16 September 1996 - (link)

This document contains a letter from John Alderdice to the Chairmen dated 16 September 1996, in which Alderdice requests a change in the Alliance representation in relation to the DUP.

Enclosure 2: Procedural guidelines for the conduct of substantive all-party negotiations, 6 June 1996 - (link)

This document contains a paper drafted by the British and Irish Governments, which contains a set of guidelines for the reference of the Chairmen and the participants of the all-party talks. They proposed that this document, together with the Ground...

Enclosure 2: Rules of procedure, 17 July 1996 - (link)

Enclosure 2: Speaking notes in support of rules of procedure and the agenda put forward by George Mitchell and the two Governments, 22 July 1996 - (link)

Enclosure 3: A proposition from the Briitsh and Irish Governments, 22 July 1996 [09.30] - (link)

This document contains a proposal from the British and Irish Governments regarding the remainder of the opening Plenary. It provides an outline for a plan to facilitate progress in the talks. According to the Governments, the parties should seek to...

Enclosure 3: Draft agenda for substantive all-party negotiations, 6 June 1996 - (link)

This document contains a paper drafted by the British and Irish Governments dated 6 June 1996, which contains draft agendae for the dfferent phases of the all-party talks. The document contains agendae for the opening Plenary session, the Business...

Enclosure Retained under Flag 5 and Flag 5A - (file)

Documents retained under Flag 5 and Flag 5A.

Enclosure: "Second Impressions" Briefing from David Blatherwick - (file)

Includes a summary of the content of the letter addressed to Douglas Hurd, along with the letter itself. David Blatherwick tracks the social, economic and political changes in Ireland since the last time he had been stationed there 20 years ago.

Enclosure: A Strategy for Peace and Justice in Ireland (JD2) - (file)

The second draft of the Joint Declaration, first shown to the British Government in December 1991.

Enclosure: Account of Conversation between Patrick Mayhew and Dick Spring - (file)

Hume told that the governments had to distance from Adams and Hume's briefings were unhelpful. Hume under pressure from MPs as to why his proposals were being rejected by the governments.

Enclosure: Aide Mémoire from the Irish Government Regarding JD6 - (file)

Aide-mémoire from the Irish government glossing JD6. Trying to bridge the gap between Sinn Féin and British government requirements.

Enclosure: Aide-Mémoire for Robin Butler in Advance of a Butler/Nally Meeting on 10 November 1993 - (file)

Aide-mémoire from Quentin Thomas for Robin Butler for the Butler/Nally meeting on 10 November 1993. Notes that the Irish side has requested the meeting to test new 'ecclesiastical language' and suspects the involvement of Archbishop Eames. Gives a...

Enclosure: Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration - (file)

Draft of the Joint Statement in light of discussion at a ministerial meeting the day before. Pages 4, 5, 6 are blurry but just about legible.

Enclosure: Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration - (file)

23 November 1993 draft of the alternative British version of the Joint Declaration. To accompany the commentary.

Enclosure: Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration - (file)

The alternative British draft of the Joint Declaration from 25 November 1993. This had been rejected by the Taoiseach but was provided as a useful source of British phraseology.

Enclosure: Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration (9 November 1993 Draft) - (file)

British Draft of the Joint Declaration. Includes multiple formulations of paragraph four, which offer mutiple phrasing options around the issues of consent and the appropriate unit of self-determination.

Enclosure: Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration (12 November 1993 Draft) - (file)

An illustrative draft statement that includes the language of JD13 with the British addition of a constitutional guarantee.

Enclosure: Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration (12 November 1993 Draft) - (file)

A British draft of the Joint Declaration which includes a specific reference to the constitutional guarantee, unlike the Dublin JD13. This aims to bridge the perceived gap with unionist opinion. The rest of the language is taken from JD13. One page in...

Enclosure: Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration (18 November 1993 Draft) - (file)

The draft statement is aimed at being made at the 3 December Dublin Summit. At this stage, it contains lots of gaps, but central to it is the idea that a Joint Declaration would be part of a longer peace process and as such is only a starting point or...

Enclosure: Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration (23 November 1993 Draft with Molyneaux's Amendments) - (file)

A copy of the alternative British draft of the Joint Declaration. Text as finalised on 23 November 1993. Seems to be the copy shown to Molyneaux as his amendments to it have been written on in pencil.

Enclosure: Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration as Revised on 25 November 1993 - (file)

Possibly enclosed with the above(?) A 25 November 1993 draft of the alternative British draft. Clean copy.

Enclosure: Amended Draft of the 29 October 1993 Joint Statement - (file)

Updated draft of the joint statement, with the word 'constitutional' removed from the first sentence of paragraph 7 the first time it occurs.

Enclosure: Amendments Proposed to JD14 in Dublin on 3 December 1993 - (file)

List of amendments proposed by both Governments in the text of the Joint Declaration on 3 December 1993.

Enclosure: Analysis of JD13 - (file)

Thomas gives analysis of new Irish draft of JD. Shows attempt to disentangle JDI from Hume. Shows sensitivity to Unionist fears/willingness to amend Irish Constit. since elements are resented by Unionists. This is less one-sided than pre. drafts....

Enclosure: Annex A - Draft Key Considerations for the Joint Declaration - (file)

This document summarizes David Cooke's assessment of where things stood with regards to the Joint Declaration initiative. It discusses the reception of the Declaration among different audiences, and notes the tension and speculation that followed the...

Enclosure: Annex A - Key Considerations for the Joint Declaration - (file)

This document summarizes how things stand with regards to the Joint Declaration initiative, including the position of the Irish Government, John Hume and PIRA and the likely reception both in Britain and Ireland to the Joint Declaration. Mayhew also...

Enclosure: Annex A To Note For The Record By Quentin Thomas Revising Paragraph 4 And Suggesting Lines To Take For The British Government - (file)

Quentin Thomas encloses a revised version of paragraph 4 of the Joint Declaration draft 8 for the eyes of 10 Downing Street, the Foreign Office, and others in the Northern Ireland Office. He offers lines to take off the back of this, including the...

Enclosure: Annex A – Background on the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

This document, written by Tony Beeton, provides a background on the Joint Declaration initiative for the use of John Major to brief any minister in the British Government. It outlines the important features of the JD12, including the clauses on...

Enclosure: Annex A – Briefing Note for John Major for a Meeting with Albert Reynolds in Brussels on 10 December 1993 - (file)

Major is instructed to set out the date (14 December) that the British envisage for making a statement on the Declaration in London and that both would then make the actual statement the following day in their respective parliaments. He should also...

Enclosure: Annex A – Briefing Note for John Major for a Meeting with Albert Reynolds in Brussels on 10 December 1993 - (file)

Major is instructed to set out the date (14 December) that the British envisage for making a statement on the Declaration in London and that both would then make the actual statement the following day in their respective parliaments. He should also...

Enclosure: Annex A – Briefing Note on Fine Gael and Internal Irish Politics - (file)

Gives background on the state of Irish politics and Fine Gael's position in it.

Enclosure: Annex A – Points to Make for Meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds at EC Summit on 10/11 December 1993 - (file)

Points to make in John Major's meeting with Albert Reynolds with regards to the Anglo-Irish talks and the Joint Declaration Initiative.

Enclosure: Annex A – Points to Make for Meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds at EC Summit on 10/11 December 1993 - (file)

Points to make in John Major's meeting with Albert Reynolds with regards to the Anglo-Irish talks and the Joint Declaration Initiative.

Enclosure: Annex A – Possible Further Amendments to JD15 - (file)

Annex A of the briefing minute to John Major (above). A list of possible further amendments to be made to the text of JD15 as agreed by Butler and Nally on 7 December 1993.

Enclosure: Annex A – Speaking Note for John Major for Proposed Meeting with Jim Molyneaux, 8 December 1993 - (file)

Speaking Note for John Major's meeting with James Molyneaux regarding the Joint Declaration initiative. Annotated.

Enclosure: Annex A – Speaking Note for John Major for a Meeting with Jim Molyneaux - (file)

A speaking note for John Major's use in a meeting with Jim Molyneaux about the Joint Declaration. Envisages showing him the text and asking for his continued acquiesence. Promises him a Select Committee in return. Also includes a defensive section on...

Enclosure: Annex A – Speaking Note for John Major for a Meeting with Jim Molyneaux on 9 December 1993 - (file)

A speaking note for John Major's use in a meeting with Jim Molyneaux about the Joint Declaration. Envisages showing him the text and asking for his continued acquiescence. Promises him a Select Committee in return. Also includes a defensive section on...

Enclosure: Annex A – Speaking Note for John Major when Meeting Jim Molyneaux - (file)

It instructs Major to show Molyneaux a copy of the text either with underlining's showing amendments (Annex B) or not (Annex C). It also includes a discussion of Strand One issues and further talks with Michael Ancram.

Enclosure: Annex A – Speaking Note for John Major when Meeting Jim Molyneaux - (file)

It instructs Major to show Molyneaux a copy of the text either with underlining's showing amendments (Annex B) or not (Annex C). It also includes a discussion of Strand One issues and further talks with Michael Ancram.

Enclosure: Annex A – Alternative Language on Self-Determination - (file)

A note detailing various possibilities for alternative language on self-determination to be incorporated into the text of the Joint Declaration. Annex A of the briefing material enclosed with a covering letter from Quentin Thomas (above).

Enclosure: Annex A – Annotated Draft Minute to John Major Outlining Key Considerations for the Joint Declaration - (file)

The document summarises the central positions at the heart of the Declaration proposal and talks with the Irish Government. This includes the likely reception both in Britain and Ireland to the Joint Declaration. The latest improvements to the text...

Enclosure: Annex A – Briefing Note for John Major for a Meeting with Albert Reynolds in Brussels on 10 December 1993 - (file)

Major is instructed to set out the date (14 December) that the British envisage for making a statement on the Declaration in London and that both would then make the actual statement the following day in their respective parliaments. He should also...

Enclosure: Annex A – Briefing Note for John Major for a Meeting with Albert Reynolds in Brussels on 10 December 1993 - (file)

Major is instructed to set out the date (14 December) that the British envisage for making a statement on the Declaration in London and that both would then make the actual statement the following day in their repsective paraliaments. He should also...

Enclosure: Annex A – Joint Declaration Draft (JD13) - (file)

Draft 13 of the Joint Declaration. Includes underlining and marginal annotations.

Enclosure: Annex A: British Wording of a Draft Paragraph on Self-Determination for the Joint Declaration - (file)

The draft makes an explicit reference to a constitutional guarantee and to freely given consent of both the North and South of the island of Ireland. The notes below this further probe the exact preferred wording, which speaks to both the caution and...

Enclosure: Annex B – A Brief History of the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

This document provides a comprehensive account of the Joint Declaration initiative, beginning with its inception during a meeting between John Major and then Taoiseach Charles Haughey on 4 December 1991. It follows the evolution of the initiative,...

Enclosure: Annex B – Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration (Early Beeton 12 November 1993 Draft) - (file)

An updated copy of the alternative British draft of the Joint Declaration, submitted by Tony Beeton for approval by Jonathan Stephens.

Enclosure: Annex B – Briefing Note for John Major on the Joint Declaration Text for a Meeting with Albert Reynolds in Brussels on 10 December 1993 - (file)

Enclosed JD15 which emerged from the Butler/Nally group and JD15A which includes British proposed amendments and those from Jim Molyneaux. This note explains the various amendments in turn, from Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 10, 12 and some specific phrasings...

Enclosure: Annex B – Briefing Note for John Major on the Joint Declaration Text for a Meeting with Albert Reynolds in Brussels on 10 December 1993 - (file)

Encloses JD15 which emerged from the Butler/Nally group and JD15B which includes British proposed amendments and those from Jim Molyneaux. This note explains the various amendments in turn, from Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 10, 12 and some specific phrasings...

Enclosure: Annex B – Briefing Note for John Major on the Joint Declaration Text for a Meeting with Albert Reynolds in Brussels on 10 December 1993 - (file)

Encloses JD15 which emerged from the Butler/Nally group and JD15B which includes British proposed amendments and those from Jim Molyneaux. This note explains the various amendments in turn, from Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 10, 12 and some specific phrasings...

Enclosure: Annex B – Briefing Note for John Major on the Joint Declaration Text for a Meeting with Albert Reynolds in Brussels on 10 December 1993 - (file)

Enclosed JD15 which emerged from the Butler/Nally group and JD15A which includes British proposed amendments and those from Jim Molyneaux. This note explains the various amendments in turn, from Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 10, 12 and some specific phrasings...

Enclosure: Annex B – Handling Plan for the Joint Declaration, 8 December 1993 - (file)

Provides a timetable for the release of the declaration and outlines some measures to undertake before and immediately after it. Lightly annotated.

Enclosure: Annex B – Speech Made by Albert Reynolds on 17 October 1993 - (file)

This is a full reprint of a speech given by Albert Reynolds on 17 October 1993 for the attention of the British government. The speech was given at the annual Wolfe Tone commemoration, and focusses on the broad theme of Irish unity. The use of...

Enclosure: Annex B – Articles 2 & 3 and Consent - (file)

A note exploring various options for concessions to ask for from the Irish Government in the text of the Joint Declaration, acknowledging the possibility and desirability of amendment of the Irish constitution. Annex A of the briefing material...

Enclosure: Annex B – Biography of John Bruton - (file)

Summarises John Bruton's education and career up to January 1992. Also includes some notes on his personality and personal life. Adds that he is described to be a "conservative" and has spoken against unification.

Enclosure: Annex B – Explanatory Note on the Text of JD15 and JD15B - (file)

Points to make in John Major's meeting with Albert Reynolds with regards to the Anglo-Irish talks and the Joint Declaration Initiative. Encloses the proposed text of the JD15 with the British and Irish proposed amendments underlined, and the agreed...

Enclosure: Annex B – Explanatory Note on the Text of JD15 and JD15B - (file)

Points to make in John Major's meeting with Albert Reynolds with regards to the Anglo-Irish talks and the Joint Declaration Initiative. Encloses the proposed text of JD15B with the British and Irish proposed amendments underlined, and the agreed text...

Enclosure: Annex B – Handling Plan for the Joint Declaration - (file)

Annex B of the briefing minute to John Major (above). A handling plan for the Joint Declaration in the event of agreeing a text with the Irish Government in Brussels.

Enclosure: Annex B: British Wording of a Draft Section on Articles Two and Three and Consent for the Joint Declaration - (file)

This annex outlines two objectives: to secure a formal commitment to reforming Articles Two and Three of the Irish Constitution, and to get some specifics on these reforms. The document then goes on to give possible drafts of paragraph 5 and 7 to...

Enclosure: Annex C – Joint Statement made by John Major and Albert Reynolds on 29 October 1993 - (file)

The note summarises what the statement said and what it sought to achieve. It laid the groundwork for the Joint Declaration, whilst also setting the recent context for it as the negotiations had been exposed by a leak and by the Hume/Adams statement.

Enclosure: Annex C – Joint Statement made by John Major and Albert Reynolds on 29 October 1993 - (file)

The note summarises what the statement said and what it sought to achieve. It laid the groundwork for the Joint Declaration, whilst also setting the recent context for it as the negotiations had been exposed by a leak and by the Hume/Adams statement.

Enclosure: Annex C – Joint Statement on Northern Ireland, 29 October 1993 - (file)

Joint statement released by both Governments on 29 October 1993.

Enclosure: Annex C – Joint Statement on Northern Ireland, 29 October 1993 - (file)

Joint statement released by both Governments on 29 October 1993.

Enclosure: Annex C – Suggested Sequence of Events for the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

This document sets out the possible outcomes and next steps of talks depending on the reaction to the current draft JD12.

Enclosure: Annex D – Paragraph 4 of the Joint Declaration with British Amendments Underlined - (file)

This document contains the text of paragraph 4 of the Joint Declaration with amendments (underlined) regarding the constitutional guarantee that Northern Ireland would not leave the United Kingdom without the consent of the majority of the people of...

Enclosure: Annex D – Background on the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

This document provides a background for the Joint Declaration initiative, designed for Prime Minister John Major's in case he wanted to widen the circle of ministers who were aware of the initiative. The document describes important features of the...

Enclosure: Annotated Copy of the Joint Declaration (JD12) for the Use of John Major - (file)

Draft of Joint Declaration containing reassuring footnotes about the constitutional guarantee, the consent principle, and the limits of the language used. To be shown to Jim Molyneaux during meeting but not for his retention.

Enclosure: Annotated Draft Reply to David Trimble on Behalf of John Major Regarding Contact with PIRA/Sinn Féin - (file)

This document contains the draft reply to David Trimble's letter of 15 January 1991 to John Major. The letter was intended to offer reassurance that the British Government was not talking with Sinn Féin. At the same time, it clarified that some...

Enclosure: Annotated Draft of a Brief History of the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

Details the history of the notion of a joint declaration. Dates it to have formally been conceived in a meeting between John Major and then Taoiseach Charles Haughey on 4 December 1991, but that the ground had been prepared by John Hume's intermittent...

Enclosure: Arranged Question For Business Questions On Select Commitee On Northern Ireland Affairs - (file)

Draft questions for Peter Emery to ask at Business Questions to press the issue of a Select Committee on Northern Ireland Affairs.

Enclosure: Arrangements for Briefing Key People - (file)

Sets aside who is briefing who and how.

Enclosure: Article by the Prime Minister For "Sunday Life" with Proposed Amendments - (file)

Proposed amendments are underlined in blue pen and numbered. They come from the Northern Ireland Office. The article makes an impassioned case for the Joint Declaration and Mayor's commitment to Northern Ireland as an issue.

Enclosure: Background Note and Draft Line on British Government’s Position on Having Talks with Sinn Féin - (file)

This document contains a background note on Gerry Adams' speech in the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis. It also includes a set of lines for the British Government to take on its position regarding Sinn Féin. The note lists Gerry Adams' speech as taking place on 3...

Enclosure: Background Note and Revised Line on the British Government’s Position on having Talks with Sinn Féin - (file)

This document contains a background note on Gerry Adams' speech in the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis. It also includes revised lines for the British Government to take on its position regarding Sinn Féin, which are modelled on John Major's recent letter to...

Enclosure: Background Note on a Select Committee on Northern Ireland Affairs - (file)

Document gives the historical background to the idea of a Northern Ireland Select Committee, which was first accepted by the Procedure Committee in 1978. Also details the likely positions of Northern Irish parties, especially concerning the make-up of...

Enclosure: Background Note on the Political Scene in Northern Ireland - (file)

The paper provides an assessment of Irish motivations regarding EC matters and the Northern Ireland issue. The author refers to high unemployment and political division within Albert Reynolds's coalition government.

Enclosure: Background Notes for John Major's Meeting with Albert Reynolds on 25 September 1992 - (file)

Briefing on the timing of the next IGC as context for progress of talks. Positive progress is noted on all strands of the talks (internally, relations with the Republic, relations between Republic and the United Kingdom). Background note outlines...

Enclosure: Brief for Lines to Take on the IRA Response to the Joint Declaration - (file)

Note goes through four possible scenarios for outcomes to the Joint Declaration, devising lines and steps to take for each one.

Enclosure: Briefing Document for the Joint Declaration - (file)

Sections are as follows: A set of positive bullet points and some revised briefing lines on the specific paragraphs.

Enclosure: Briefing Lines for the 16 December 1993 - (file)

Lines to take with the press and lobby across the day in response to the Joint Declaration being made. Focus is on putting pressure on the PIRA to take this opportunity to end the violence.

Enclosure: Briefing Lines for the Government Whip Office - (file)

Key points and then further detail for the Conservative Whip's to use in Parliament.

Enclosure: Briefing Note for John Major on the Status of the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

Key point is British insistence on the constitutional guarantee despite Irish improvements to JDI text. Actions moving forwards are to test how much of a constitutional guarantee Molyneaux requires and how much the Irish government will stomach....

Enclosure: Briefing Note for the Making of the Joint Declaration - (file)

The note states the key aims of the Declaration, whilst also briefing against certain potential criticisms. From this, it sets out what concessions the British side gained from the Irish, including over the constitutional guarantee. Conversely, it...

Enclosure: Briefing Note for the Media Response to the Joint Declaration - (file)

Sets out how the Prime Minister and/or Taoiseach should respond to media questions. Questions are far reaching, but specific focus is given to how the British Government now sees the talks process and Sinn Fein's role within it. Particularly, whether...

Enclosure: Briefing Note on the EDG Application to the EEP - (file)

Entails a list of pointers for John Major to make during his meeting with John Bruton in support of the EDG application to the EPP. Annotated.

Enclosure: Briefing Note on the Joint Declaration - (file)

Sets out background and contents of the Joint Declaration.

Enclosure: Briefing Note on the Joint Declaration - (file)

Briefing for the Archbishop of Canterbury setting out the background and contents of the Joint Declaration.

Enclosure: Briefing Note on the Select Committee on Northern Ireland Affairs, 15 December 1993 - (file)

Lines to take with Andrew Hunter should he raise the issue of a Select Committee on Northern Ireland Affairs.

Enclosure: Briefing Note – Lines to Take on the Joint Declaration in Brussels on 10 December 1993 - (file)

Sets out what the British response should be to the Irish Governments last minute draft changes to the Joint Declaration. British should stay firm on most of the issues as the note underlines "resist" at several points. It also contains some fallbacks...

Enclosure: Briefing for John Major's Meeting with Jim Molyneaux - (file)

This outlines the points and arguments that the Prime Minister John Major should make should be meet Jim Molyneaux. This involves reaffirming the British and Irish Government's commitment to a Joint Statement despite the Humes/Adams statement and the...

Enclosure: Briefing for Meeting with Jim Molyneaux Regarding the Joint Declaration - (file)

A briefing for the meeting with Molyneaux on the Joint Declaration. Offering reassurance following Hume/Adams and the leak of the Irish government framework paper. Dismisses the Irish document and outlines/sells the alternative British draft without...

Enclosure: Briefing for a Meeting of the Butler/Nally Group on 7 December 1993 - (file)

This briefing begins by restating the ultimate British objectives in these talks, including the constitutional guarantee and the notion of consent. This offers a clear and comprehensive documentation of the British position both generally and specific...

Enclosure: Briefing for a Meeting with John Hume - (file)

Note contains explanation of the British position. Hume's proposals are rejected on the basis of a prediction of a loyalist backlash. The aim of the following arguments is to convince the SDLP and Hume of the importance of the talks process and that...

Enclosure: Briefing for the Line to Take Regarding the PIRA Ceasefire Announcement - (file)

Describes the line that the British Government will take with regards to the PIRA ceasefire and provides a background for the exact forumaltion of the prepared line, which is enclosed separately as Annex A.

Enclosure: Briefing from David Cooke for John Major before 9 November 1993 Meetings with Paisley and Molyneaux - (file)

A list of key points reassuring Paisley and Molyneaux that the British government is committed to the talks process with the constitutional parties and does not see Hume/Adams talks as the principal pathway to peace, regardless of the pressure on...

Enclosure: Briefing on Current British Objectives and the Text of JD14B - (file)

Outlines the developments in the talks process and describes the changes that have been proposed in each paragraph in the text. Includes detailed sections in Annex A and B on negotiations around the paragraphs on the constitutional guarantee and...

Enclosure: Briefing on Current British Objectives and the Text of JD14B - (file)

A detailed commentary on JD14B (JD14 incorporating the amendments proposed in Dublin on 3 December 1993 by both sides). Part of the briefing material enclosed with Quentin Thomas' covering letter to Robin Butler (above).

Enclosure: Briefing on European Council Issues - (file)

Briefing for discussion on EC points, including the Commission White Paper, Article 103 Broad Economic Guidelines, International aspects of Enlargement and GATT.

Enclosure: Briefing on Intra-UK Prisoner Transfers - (file)

Defends the current legislation and policy on prisoner transfers. Final section is highlighted as it specifically concerns the 14 prisoners who may be eligible for a transfer

Enclosure: Briefing on Northern Ireland Select Committee - (file)

A set of lines to take on the decision to create a Northern Ireland Select Committee, defending this decision and promising to seek support from both Unionists and Republicans.

Enclosure: Briefing on Political Movement and the Joint Declaration - (file)

Entails a speaking note titled "Northern Ireland: Political Movement" which gives background on the Joint Declaration initiative and outlines a sceptical but not wholly dismissive line for John Major to take on it.

Enclosure: Briefing on Political Union for John Major's Meeting with Charles Haughey on 4 December 1991 - (file)

Contains speaking notes on various points regarding the negotiations for the Maastricht treaty for John Major's meeting with Charles Haughey on 4 December 1991. Highlighted.

Enclosure: British Draft of Paragraph 4 of the Joint Declaration as Amended on 30 September 1993 - (file)

States the consent principle in clear terms.

Enclosure: British Government Nine Paragraph Note to the PIRA as Corrected, 1 December 1993 - (file)

Contains the text of the 9 paragraph note dispatched by the British Government on 19 March 1993, but with all the typographical errors corrected.

Enclosure: Bullet Points on the Joint Declaration - (file)

Enclosed bullet points on the Joint Declaration. Emphasising the balance and the appeal to nationalists as well as the cooperation with the Irish government. Quotes the Taoiseach praising paragraph 4.

Enclosure: Checklist of Points for John Major to Cover in His Meeting with Charles Haughey on 4 December 1991 - (file)

Provides a list for points for John Major to bring up in his meeting with Charles Haughey on 4 December 1991.

Enclosure: Chilcot/Dalton Group Report - (file)

Reviews the security cooperation taking place between the British and Irish Governments and discusses the main issues therein.

Enclosure: Comment by Tony Beeton on Joint Declaration (JD8) - (file)

Commentary from Tony Beeton on draft 8 of the Joint Declaration to accompany the recommendations made in the speaking note. Difficulties surround Irish government's continued inclusion of a European element in paragraph 2, and the tilt towards seeing...

Enclosure: Commentary by Quentin Thomas on Draft Eight of the Joint Declaration Submitted by the Irish Government and Record of Discussion with Seán Ó hUiginn - (file)

Quentin Thomas encloses a record of a meeting between himself and Seán Ó hUiginn discussing the Joint Declaration Initiative, particularly a new draft (JD8) presented by the Irish government, of which Ó hUiginn was the principal author. This...

Enclosure: Commentary by Quentin Thomas on Draft Eight of the Joint Declaration Submitted by the Irish Government and Record of Discussion with Seán Ó hUiginn - (file)

Quentin Thomas encloses a record of a meeting between himself and Seán Ó hUiginn discussing the Joint Declaration Initiative, particularly a new draft (JD8) presented by the Irish government, of which Ó hUiginn was the principal author. This...

Enclosure: Commentary on Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration - (file)

Commentary on British draft for Dublin Joint Statement which is divided into a Summit Communique and a Joint Statement on constitutional issues.

Enclosure: Commentary on the Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration - (file)

The draft statement is aimed at being made at the 3 December Dublin Summit. At this stage, it contains lots of gaps, but central to it is the idea that a Joint Declaration would be part of a longer peace process and as such is only a starting point or...

Enclosure: Commentary on the Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration - (file)

Commissioned work: commentary on the alternative British draft. Goes through it more or less paragraph by paragraph.

Enclosure: Commentary on the Joint Declaration (JD13) - (file)

Comparison of the changes between the previous draft (JD11) and this new Irish draft of the Joint Declaration (JD13). No omissions are noted from the previous document and all additions indicate an effort to bring Unionists onside. It still omits the...

Enclosure: Communique dated 16 June 1993 by the British and Irish Governments on Anglo-Irish Relations - (file)

Comprises a review of Anglo-Irish relations by Albert Reynolds and John Major with a special emphasis on Northern Ireland.

Enclosure: Constitutional Issues Section of the Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration - (file)

In this draft text, John Major would set out the British position. This states firmly that the status of Northern Ireland can change, but with the consent of the North, whilst also reiterating commitments to peace and to "neutrality" as set out in the...

Enclosure: Copy of John Major's Speech to the Guildhall for the Lord Mayor's Banquet - (file)

John Major starts with remarks about the city of London and plans for urban infrastructure policy. he goes on to talk about global trade, the European economy, and education. By mentioning the recent Bishopsgate bomb, he brought up Northern Ireland....

Enclosure: Cover Letter by Tomás Ó Fiaich Enclosing Letter and Proposal from Alec Reid and Raymond Murray - (file)

This letter, addressed to John Hume, encloses a letter and a proposal drafted by Father Alec Reid and Father Raymond Murray titled "Pastoral Response to the Present Conflict".

Enclosure: Cover Letter from E C Hallett to Quentin Thomas Enclosing Note on Amnesties Granted by the British Government in the Context of Negotiations for Independence - (file)

This is the cover letter for E C Hallett's paper on case studies of the British Government granting amnesties in Cyprus, India, Ghana, Kenya and Ireland (1916-1921), with a summary of the same.

Enclosure: Cover Sheet of Fax with a List of CC'd Names - (file)

Cover sheet with list of cc'd people on and David Cooke's name highlighted. It covers Roderic Lyne's letter to Jonathan Stephen on the 10 December 1993.

Enclosure: Covering Fax from Tony Beeton to Jonathan Stephens Regarding Lines to Take for Patrick Mayhew's Interview with the Sunday Telegraph - (file)

This is relation to Patrick Mayhew's upcoming interview with Paul Goodman and so the enclosed minute is a brief on what lines to try and take from Caine.

Enclosure: Covering Letter from David Blatherwick to Roderic Lyne Enclosing an Account of a Meeting on 12 November 1993 - (file)

David Blatherwick writes to Roderic Lyne enclosing his note for the record of their 12 November 1993 meeting with Albert Reynolds, Martin Mansergh and Seán Ó hUiginn. He also provides further commentary on his impressions of the meeting, stressing...

Enclosure: Covering Letter to Roderic Lyne Giving an Account of Recent Developments in the Talks Process and the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

Jonathan Stephens sets the scene for the upcoming speech by giving a précis of the context in the peace talks. The main blockages to roundtable talks ae elucidated. They include the Irish Government's attitude towards Article 2 & 3 of the constitution...

Enclosure: Current Irish Deployments for UN Peacekeeping Missions - (file)

Compilation of UN missions backed by Ireland along with personnel deployments. Highlighted.

Enclosure: David Blatherwick's Record of a Meeting with Albert Reynolds and Others on 12 November 1993 - (file)

David Blatherwick's note for the record of a meeting between him and Roderic Lyne, Albert Reynolds, Martin Mansergh, and Seán Ó hUiginn. The British delegation were aiming to prevent a rupture with the Irish government, and denied that the...

Enclosure: David Blatherwick's Record of a Meeting with Albert Reynolds and Others on 12 November 1993 - (file)

David Blatherwick's note for the record of a meeting between him and Roderic Lyne, Albert Reynolds, Martin Mansergh, and Seán Ó hUiginn. The British delegation were aiming to prevent a rupture with the Irish government, and denied that the...

Enclosure: David Trimble's proposals - (link)

Enclosure: Decommissioning Legislation - (link)

Enclosure: Defensive Briefing for John Major's Meeting with Jim Molyneaux - (file)

Stephens reports that the Procedure Committee is expected to continue to consider the composition of a Northern Ireland Committee. He also adds some points on potential Government legislation that might reassure Molyneaux.

Enclosure: Detailed Briefings on EC Issues for Anglo-Irish Talks - (file)

Contains detailed briefings on various EC issues, including position on Somalia and Sudan. Highlighted.

Enclosure: Discussion Points for an Informal Ministerial Meeting on Northern Ireland on 17 November 1993 - (file)

Planned discussion point for British Government meeting. Areas covered were John Major's recent Guildhall Speech, the angle on the JDI, and the timing of the planned British/Irish summit.

Enclosure: Document Providing the Background to the Joint Declaration Agreement - (file)

Interestingly seems to suggest that this was the Taoiseach's judgement thus staking his reputation on its success. Neither Annex B nor C are in this collection. It is also unfinished as Thomas asked Beeton in the cover letter to fill out paragraphs 7 to 9.

Enclosure: Document Summarising the Progress of the Joint Declaration Initiative for a Ministerial Meeting on 23 November 1993 - (file)

Archbishop Eames and Jim Molyneaux have both sort amendments in the context of a leaked draft and the Hume/Adams statement. The document recommends that the British put forward their own draft to ease Unionist concerns by making more firm commitments...

Enclosure: Document for John Major Regarding Developments in the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

Author is unknown as covering fax is missing, yet it is most likely from Patrick Mayhew or his Private Secretary judging by the comment in the first paragraph about a 29 November statement. This traces the Irish Government's rejection of the British...

Enclosure: Document for Members of the British Government with Agreed Positions Following a 15 November 1993 Speech - (file)

Clarificatory lines about the possibility of Sinn Fein entering the political process: that it could not happen alongside ongoing violence. On this basis the government cannot endorse talks with Sinn Fein, directly or through intermediaries such as...

Enclosure: Draft 29 October 1993 Joint Statement for John Major and Albert Reynolds - (file)

Draft of the joint statement prior to a discussion between the British and Irish governments

Enclosure: Draft Article for John Major Pressuring Sinn Féin to Respond to the Joint Declaration - (file)

Statement emphasising the Government's willingness to clarify specific parts of the text of the Downing Street Declaration but unwillingness to gloss it or to negotiate on it. Restates parts of the Declaration and emphasises proximity with Adams'...

Enclosure: Draft Brief for Lines on the 16 December 1993 - (file)

Contains several points to make across the day defending and explaining the Joint Declaration, emphasising the balance and protections for both sides. Contains some draft answers to question around the Provisionals, on their weapons and their...

Enclosure: Draft Communique to Be Issued Following a Meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds on 25 September 1992 - (file)

Draft communique of later record of meeting between Albert Reynolds and John Major. European matters are yet to be inserted, but the commitment to political progress and the framework created by the Anglo-Irish Agreement is included. The shared desire...

Enclosure: Draft Contribution to John Major's Speech to the House - (file)

Additional contributions to the statement drafted for John Major to give in the House of Commons about his bilateral with Albert Reynolds at Brussels. Document also contains supplementaries on security and politics for follow up questions in the...

Enclosure: Draft Copy of Letter from Quentin Thomas to Roderic Lyne Enclosing Joint Declaration Draft and Note for the Record with Undated Amendments in Pencil - (file)

Quentin Thomas annotates a draft copy of the letter which is sent to Rodric Lyne, Robin Butler, David Gillmore.

Enclosure: Draft Fax from Jonathan Stephens to Roderic Lyne written by Peter Bell Enclosing a Handling Plan for the Joint Declaration - (file)

Fax is a cover letter for Roderic Lyne to receive the handling plan also enclosed in Bell's fax to Jonathan Stephens

Enclosure: Draft Handling Plan for the Joint Declaration - (file)

A draft handling plan for the Joint Declaration, enclosed with a covering note from Tony Beeton (above). This is an earlier draft of the handling plan at Annex B of the Secretary of State's minute to John Major (earlier in the file).

Enclosure: Draft Joint Declaration (JD9) - (file)

This incorporates changes to the wording and structure of paragraph 4. The British rejected this still largely on the grounds that there contains no constitutional guarantee.

Enclosure: Draft Joint Declaration (JD11) Produced During the Butler/Nally Meeting on 6 October 1993 - (file)

This document contains the draft JD11 that was produced on the basis of the changes that were agreed in the Butler/Nally meeting on 6 October 1993. The bracketed text indicates the changes in the text that the Irish and British delegations agreed on.

Enclosure: Draft Joint Declaration JD15 - (file)

This draft was the result of discussions between Major and Reynolds and a meeting of the Butler/Nally group on the same day. The annotations come discussions in the meeting.

Enclosure: Draft Joint Statement Emerging from a 29 October 1993 Meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds - (file)

Draft of the joint statement emerging from a discussion between John Major and Albert Reynolds

Enclosure: Draft Letter by Joseph Pilling to Dominic Morris Enclosing a Reply to David Trimble's Letter to John Major - (file)

This draft letter, intended for Dominic Morris and written by Joseph Pilling, refers to David Trimble's demand for assurance that the British Government was not going to engage in indirect talks with PIRA/Sinn Féin. It states that though the British...

Enclosure: Draft Letter by Quentin Thomas for Jonathan Stephens to Send to Roderic Lyne Informing Cabinet about the Finalisation of the Joint Declaration - (file)

The draft is essentially a cover letter for Stephens to send to Lyne a second enclosed letter for Ministers containing the final Joint Declaration text and some briefing lines.

Enclosure: Draft Letter by Tony Beeton for Roderic Lyne to be Signed by Jonathan Stephens Regarding a Future Meeting Between John Major and Jim Molyneaux - (file)

This draft was written by Beeton but requires Jonathan Stephens signature. He outlines several objectives for the Prime Minister in a potential meeting with Molyneaux, and attaches a speaking note for the Prime Minister and two copies of JD15, one...

Enclosure: Draft Letter for 10 Downing Street Attaching the Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration - (file)

Draft letter attaching a revised version of the Dublin Joint Statement to be given on 3 December 1993.

Enclosure: Draft Letter for 10 Downing Street Offering an Assessment of the Current Position of the Joint Declaration Initiative and Enclosing a Copy of JD13 - (file)

Letter covers the main contextual points of the Hume/Adams talks, the state of JD13 in light of Archbishop Eames's conversations with Unionists. It proposes that a text be agreed that satisfies the Irish (and potentially the PIRA through them) and Jim...

Enclosure: Draft Letter from John Major to Albert Reynolds - (file)

Commissioned work: draft letter from John Major to Albert Reynolds proposing the alternative British draft.

Enclosure: Draft Letter from John Major to Albert Reynolds - (file)

Letter about Northern Ireland following recent spike in violence ahead of John Major and Albert Reynolds meeting in Brussels at European Council.

Enclosure: Draft Letter from John Major to Albert Reynolds Concerning the Continuation of the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

An early draft of a letter from John Major to Albert Reynolds following the introduction of JD13 during a Butler/Nally meeting on 10 November 1993. The letter aimed to signpost continuing British caution about the idea of making a Joint Declaration...

Enclosure: Draft Letter from John Major to Albert Reynolds Concerning the Continuation of the Joint Declaration Initiative (Annotated) - (file)

An early draft of a letter from John Major to Albert Reynolds following the introduction of JD13 during a Butler/Nally meeting on 10 November 1993. The letter aimed to signpost continuing British caution about the idea of making a Joint Declaration...

Enclosure: Draft Letter from John Major to Albert Reynolds Concerning the Joint Declaration - (file)

Letter notes difficult context to Joint Declaration Initiative of closely related Adams/Hume proposals made public on 25 September 1993. British difficulty with current, improved, Irish JD text is the absence of a reference to the constitutional...

Enclosure: Draft Letter from John Major to Albert Reynolds Introducing the Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration - (file)

The Prime Minister writes to Albert Reynolds about the damage done to the public perception of the proposed Joint Declaration by the leak of an Irish draft of the paper and by statements made by Humes and Adams. He references a new text to be attached...

Enclosure: Draft Letter from John Major to Albert Reynolds Regarding a British Draft of the Joint Declaration - (file)

This differs in some ways to the letter actually signed and sent by John Major, but mostly in terms of personability and flourishes

Enclosure: Draft Letter from John Major to Albert Reynolds Responding to Letter of 7 September 1993 - (file)

Draft letter written by John Chilcot awaiting John Major's signature. Expresses commitment to developing a lasting peace and necessity of ending violence. Admits that British judge drafts 6 and 7 of the Joint Declaration Initiative (JDI) as unworkable...

Enclosure: Draft Letter from John Major to Albert Reynolds with Amendments - (file)

Letter intitially drafted by the British government on their own initiative in order to emphasise the importance of the talks organised by Michael Ancram. It was annotated to reflect the Taoiseach's concerns about perceived British foot-dragging on...

Enclosure: Draft Letter from John Major to John Hume - (file)

Draft reply for the Prime Minister to send to John Hume, in response to his letter of 29 November 1993, reassuring Hume about progress on the Joint Declaration whilst differentiating it from Hume/Adams. Enclosed with a brief covering letter for...

Enclosure: Draft Letter from John Major to John Hume, 8 December 1993 - (link)

This document is a draft letter from John Major replying to John Hume's letter of 29 November 1993. It was enclosed with a covering letter from Simon Rogers (above). It addresses the question of the Joint Declaration in very broad terms and frames it...

Enclosure: Draft Letter from Jonathan Stephens to Roderic Lyne Enclosing Briefing for John Major for a Meeting with Jim Molyneaux on 9 December 1993 - (file)

A draft letter from Jonathan Stephens to Roderic Lyne, enclosing briefing material for the Prime Minister in advance of a meeting with Molyneaux to discuss the Joint Declaration. Enclosed with a covering letter from Tony Beeton (above). Mentions three...

Enclosure: Draft Letter from Jonathan Stephens to Roderic Lyne drafted by Quentin Thomas Regarding a Meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds in Brussels on 10 December 1993 - (file)

The meeting will discuss the last minute work towards the Joint Declaration, but it should be played down publicly by both sides. The letter lists five main points for discussion, which includes the text itself as well as wider logistical questions....

Enclosure: Draft Letter from Patrick Mayhew to Dick Spring Regarding the Talks Process - (file)

A drafted letter to Dick Spring from Patrick Mayhew wishing him a happy new year, commenting on the outcome of the Joint Declaration, including an intensification of work on security cooperation, and then stressing the necessity of recommitting to the...

Enclosure: Draft Letter from Roderic Lyne to Private Secretaries of the Cabinet Regarding Finalisation of the Joint Declaration - (file)

Letter outlines the background to the Joint Declaration Initiative and the uneven pace of negotiations, whilst situating it in the wider talks process and search for peace.

Enclosure: Draft Letter to Alex Allan Enclosing Briefing Notes on the Upcoming Joint Statement by Albert Reynolds and John Major on 29 October 1993 - (file)

Enclosed letter enclosing a draft letter to be sent to all cabinet ministers with information about the agreed line followiung an upcoming Joint Statement from Albert Reynolds and John Major in Brussels.

Enclosure: Draft Letter to Roderic Lyne Attaching Documents for a Meeting between John Major and Jim Molyneaux - (file)

Letter suggests John Major's approach for the meeting including points to make about the JDI including the British assessment of the PIRA's willingness to cease violence.

Enclosure: Draft Letter to Roderic Lyne Enclosing a Draft Speaking Note for Meetings in Brussels on 10 and 11 December 1993 - (file)

The meeting should be played down publicly and should not be concerned with textual negotiations as the text has already been agreed. The only problem is the Irish Convention, which whilst removed from the text, continues to be an idea Albert Reynolds...

Enclosure: Draft Letter to Roderic Lyne Regarding a Meeting between John Major and Jim Molyneaux - (file)

This is a draft of the letter eventually sent on the 5 October 1993.

Enclosure: Draft Letter to the Private Secretaries of Cabinet Members Enclosing Briefing Notes on the Upcoming Joint Statement by Albert Reynolds and John Major on 29 October 1993 - (file)

Enclosed letter awaiting the signature of Alex Allan to be sent to all cabinet ministers and enclosing information about the agreed line followiung an upcoming Joint Statement from Albert Reynolds and John Major in Brussels.

Enclosure: Draft Letters from Peter Brooke to Cahal Daly and Robin Eames Regarding Their Request for a Meeting - (file)

This document contains the text of the draft messages meant for Archbishop Robin Eames and Archbishop Cahal Daly from Peter Brooke. In these messages, Brooke expressed his willingness to meet with them. Additionally, the text indicated that although...

Enclosure: Draft Lines to Take on the Joint Declaration - (file)

Enclosed draft lines to take on the Joint Declaration. Mainly a defensive briefing.

Enclosure: Draft Message from John Major to Bill Clinton - (file)

Major thanks Clinton for supporting the Brit. Gov. by not admitting Adams to States and asks for continued support. Notes Hume's value but does not want him involved.

Enclosure: Draft Minute from John Chilcot to John Major Regarding Political Movement and PIRA, Subject to Peter Brooke's Approval - (file)

This minute, written by John Chilcot and addressed to John Major, discusses signs that PIRA/Sinn Féin was considering adopting political alternatives to paramilitary activity. In this minute, Chilcot provided background on the evolution of PIRA and...

Enclosure: Draft Minute from PS Patrick Mayhew to Roderic Lyne Attaching a Handling Plan for the Joint Declaration - (file)

Draft letter sent by P N Bell for SoS to potentially sent to Roderic Lyne with a copy of latest handling plan

Enclosure: Draft Opening Statement and Q&A Briefing for John Major at the Joint Press Conference - (file)

Enclosed draft opening statement for the Prime Minister. Introduces the Joint Declaration and separates it from Hume/Adams and the PIRA more generally.

Enclosure: Draft Opening Statement for John Major - (file)

The statement sets out the process of negotiating the Joint Declaration and its purpose. It also details some of the important aspects of the paragraphs, including the constitutional guarantee and paragraph 4 which was the subject of much disagreement...

Enclosure: Draft Opening Statement for John Major for the Joint Press Conference on 4 December 1991 - (file)

Draft text of the opening statement for John Major for the joint press conference of 4 December 1991.

Enclosure: Draft Paragraph for Jim Molyneaux by Michael Ancram - (file)

The paragraph attempts to be sympathetic and grateful for Molyneaux's cooperation in order to seek his acquiescence.

Enclosure: Draft Paragraph for Jim Molyneaux by Michael Ancram - (file)

The paragraph attempts to be sympathetic and grateful for Molyneaux's cooperation in order to seek his acquiescence.

Enclosure: Draft Passage on Northern Ireland for the Guildhall Speech on 15 November 1993 - (file)

Draft passage with annotations that reaffirms the British commitment to peace and makes strong statement that a political path is open to Sinn Fein should they renounce violence.

Enclosure: Draft Programme for Anglo-Irish Talks Suggested by the Irish Government - (file)

Draft programme for the meeting between the Irish and British delegations in Dublin on 3 December 1993.

Enclosure: Draft Reply by Anthony Pawson to Gerry Adams' Letter of 28 November 1990 - (file)

This is the draft letter written by Anthony Pawson as a reply to Gerry Adams' letter to John Major from 28 November 1990 for Charles Powell's approval.

Enclosure: Draft Reply to Albert Reynolds' Letter of 11 November 1993 - (file)

John Major's principal concern is to maintain the united front with the Irish government decided upon at Brussels in October. He explains the difficulties that Hume/Adams poses to the JDI and reminds Reynolds that the Brussels agreement was to end...

Enclosure: Draft Reply to David Trimble on Behalf of John Major Regarding Contact with PIRA/Sinn Féin - (file)

The document contains the draft reply to David Trimble's letter of 15 January 1991 to John Major. It offers reassurance that the British Government was not talking with Sinn Féin, but also notes that some officials inevitably had some contact with...

Enclosure: Draft Speaking Note by Tony Beeton for John Major to Use in a Potential Future Meeting with Jim Molyneaux - (file)

Beeton outlines the key talking points John Major should seek to hit in a potential future meeting with Jim Molyneaux. This includes updating him on current disagreements and areas of discussion regarding JD15, and the nuances involving the Unionist...

Enclosure: Draft Speaking Note for Meeting between John Major and Jim Molyneaux - (file)

This is a draft of the speaking note eventually sent by Jonathan Stephens to Roderic Lyne.

Enclosure: Draft Speaking Note for Patrick Mayhew for a Conversation with Dick Spring on 11 November 1993 - (file)

David Cooke sets out points to make about the Irish approach to the parallel peace and talks processes. The main British concern is that talks are not made conditional on peace, so as to avoid handing initiative to violent actors. The British repeated...

Enclosure: Draft Speaking Note for Use in Brussels on 10 and 11 December 1993 - (file)

Major is instructed to set out the date (14 December) that the British envisage for making a statement on the Declaration in London and that both would then make the actual statement the following day in their respective parliaments. He should also...

Enclosure: Draft Statement by Independent Chairmen - (link)

Enclosure: Draft Statement for John Major and Albert Reynolds - (file)

Enclosed draft statement for the Prime Minister and Albert Reynolds following the Shankill Road bombing and expressing an agreed pathway to peace

Enclosure: Draft Statement for John Major's Upcoming Meeting with Albert Reynolds on 29 October 1993 - (file)

Enclosed draft statement for the Prime Minister and Albert Reynolds following the Shankill Road bombing and expressing an agreed pathway to peace

Enclosure: Draft covering minute enclosing paper on pressure points related to policing, 4 July 1996 - (link)

Enclosure: Draft letter to John Holmes enclosing briefing papers for a bilateral meeting between John Major and David Trimble on 17 October 1996 at 17.30 - (link)

Enclosure: Draft minute from Patrick Mayhew to John Major, enclosing Mayhew's statement on the Drumcree crisis in the Parliament on 15 July 1996 - (link)

Enclosure: Draft of John Major's Speech to the House on a Special Meeting of the European Council on 29 October 1993 - (file)

Draft statement on meeting of the European Council and separate meeting with Albert Reynolds about the impact of the Hume/Adams talks on the possibility of a Joint Declaration document.

Enclosure: Draft of Joint Declaration (JD14) Discussed by Jim Molyneaux and Archbishop Eames on 18 November 1993 - (file)

Draft of the Joint Declaration with some underlining in pen in paragraph 7

Enclosure: Draft of a Declaration which Sinn Féin Suggests Should Be Made Jointly by the British and Dublin Governments (JD3) - (file)

The third draft of the Joint Declaration, proposed by Sinn Féin but handed over to the British by John Hume. From the British Government's perspective, this was a step backwards from JD2.

Enclosure: Draft of the Joint Statement to Be Made by Albert Reynolds and John Major on 29 October 1993 - (file)

Enclosed joint statement by John Major and Albert Reynolds.

Enclosure: Draft rules of procedure, 20 June 1996 - (link)

Enclosure: Extracts from Public Statements about the Joint Declaration, 16 December 1993 - (file)

Includes statements from the Archbishops of Canterbury, Armagh, Liverpool, the Anglican Bishop of Liverpool, and President Bill Clinton.

Enclosure: Fax from Chris Maccabe to Martin Williams Regarding Concerns over the Possible Unionist Reaction to the Joint Declaration - (file)

Maccabe outlines the likely reaction of the Unionists to the Declaration, assuming it will be close to the current draft JD15. His concerns are that most Unionists will instinctively oppose anything that alters the status quo, as they first did...

Enclosure: Final Draft of the Whitbread Speech to Be Delivered on 9 November 1990 - (file)

This document provides the text of the speech which was delivered on 9 November 1990 by Peter Brooke. The speech outlines four aspects of "British Presence" in Northern Ireland, and affirms that the British Government had no selfish strategic or...

Enclosure: Final Joint Declaration with Some Annotations - (file)

Includes some ticks, underlining, and highlighting.

Enclosure: Gerry Adams' Speech to the Sinn Féin Women's Conference on 6 November 1993 - (file)

Reproduced text of a Gerry Adams speech to the Sinn Féin Women's Conference. Used as an occasion to make a speech about the peace process and distance Sinn Fein/PIRA from the efforts of the British/Irish governments. He claims in particular that his...

Enclosure: Handling Plan for the Joint Declaration - (file)

Sets out the various meetings, media rounds, briefings, and notes needed for them regarding the Joint Declaration. It is in draft form and includes questions about whether more is needed.

Enclosure: Handling Plan for the Joint Declaration - (file)

Sets out the various meetings, media rounds, briefings, and notes needed for them regarding the Joint Declaration. It is in draft form and includes questions about whether more is needed.

Enclosure: Handling Plan for the Joint Declaration - (file)

Sets out the various meetings, media rounds, briefings, and notes needed for them regarding the Joint Declaration. It is in draft form and includes questions about whether more is needed.

Enclosure: Handling Plan for the Joint Declaration - (file)

Note sets out the various summits and meetings in the run up to and the aftermath of making the Joint Declaration.

Enclosure: Illustrative dates for the Northern Ireland Arms Decommissioning Bill - (link)

Enclosure: Intelligence Assessment of Provisional IRA Response to Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

British intelligence assesssment of the mindset of the Provisional leadership. Takes into account contextual events including previous ceasefires, dialogue between Hume and Adams, the softening of the previous PIRA demand for British withdrawal in...

Enclosure: Irish Draft Communique on the Meeting between John Major and Charles Haughey on 4 December 1991 - (file)

Text of the Irish draft communique on the meeting between John Major and Charles Haughey with Peter Brooke, Tristan Garel-Jones, Gerry Collins and Bertie Ahern present, which is scheduled for 4 December 1991. Some text is either missing or presented...

Enclosure: JD14 as Shown to Molyneaux with Amendment Locations Marked - (file)

Enclosed copy of JD14 with the places Molyneaux wants amended marked in black pen.

Enclosure: JD14A - (file)

Clean copy of JD14A – JD14 as amended following the 30 November 1993 meeting between Ancram and Molyneaux.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration - (file)

This is the text as it stood prior to the actual making of the Declaration later at noon.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration (Amended Copy of JD15) as Discussed between Butler and Nally on 13 December 1993 - (file)

JD15. Heavily annotated in pen

Enclosure: Joint Declaration (JD2) with Robin Butler's Handwritten Annotations - (file)

This was the second draft of the Joint Declaration prepared by John Hume and the Irish Government, and was handed to the British Government by Dermot Nally. Includes illegible annotations from Robin Butler recording Irish comments from a previous...

Enclosure: Joint Declaration (JD10) as Passed to Robin Butler on 6 October 1993 - (file)

This document contains the draft JD10 which was given to Robin Butler by the Irish delegation on 6 October 1993. The document begins by stating the joint desire to end violence and conflict in Northern Ireland. The beginning of paragraph four is...

Enclosure: Joint Declaration (JD14A) as Amended Following the Meeting with James Molyneaux on 30 November 1993 - (file)

JD14 as amended following the meeting between British Government and James Molyneaux on 30 November 1993.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration (JD14B) - (file)

A clean copy of JD14B: the text of JD14 incorporating the amendments proposed by both sides in Dublin on 3 December 1993. Enclosed with Quentin Thomas' covering letter (above) as part of the briefing material for the Butler/Nally meeting.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration (JD15) - (file)

A copy of JD15 as agreed between Butler and Nally on 7 December 1993, with pending amendments. Enclosed with the breifing minute to John Major (above).

Enclosure: Joint Declaration (JD15) as Considered during the Ministerial Meeting on 9 December 1993 - (file)

Text of the Joint Declaration with proposed amendments and annotated comments on the margins.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration (JD15) with Amendments Incorporated - (file)

Text of JD15 without underlining but with square brackets around alternative versions of the explicit constitutional guarantee and around paragraphs 10 and 11.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration (JD15) with Amendments Indicated - (file)

Text of JD15 with proposed amendments by British and Irish Governments underlined. Lightly annotated.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration (JD15) with Annotations Highlighting Jim Molyneaux's Contribution to the Text - (file)

Annotated version of JD15 with comments.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration (JD15) – 7 December 1993 - (file)

Text of the Joint Declaration with provisionally agreed amendments underlined.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration (JD15) – 7 December 1993 - (file)

Text of the Joint Declaration with provisionally agreed amendments underlined.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration (JD15) – 7 December 1993 with Annex A of Further Amendments Proposed by the NIO, 8 December 1993 - (file)

Text of JD15 with proposed amendments by British and Irish Governments underlined. Also contains a list of possible amendments on the last page.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration (JD15B) – 9 December 1993 - (file)

Text of the Joint Declaration with British proposed amendments underlined in unbroken line and Irish proposed amendments underlined with broken line.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration (JD15B) – 9 December 1993 - (link)

This is a copy of the Joint Declaration produced by the Butler/Nally meeting on 7 December 1993 (JD15) with the further amendments proposed by the British and Irish sides on 9 December 1993, during a bilateral meeting between Robin Butler and Martin...

Enclosure: Joint Declaration (JD15C) - (file)

Current working text with disputed passages in square brackets

Enclosure: Joint Declaration (JD15C) (Duplicate) - (file)

Duplicate of above. No difference.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration (JD19) – 14 December 1993 - (file)

This is the text as it stood prior to the actual making of the Declaration later at noon. Includes some highlighting.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration Draft (JD12A) as Shown to Jim Molyneaux - (file)

A draft of the JDI (JD12) which was shown to Jim Molyneaux and not to the Irish side.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration Draft (JD15) Emerging from a Meeting of the Butler/Nally Group on 7 December 1993 - (file)

There are some sentences underlined in the text, most predominantly in paragraph 4 and 12, the latter indicates a wholly rewritten paragraph.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration Draft (JD15) Emerging from a Meeting of the Butler/Nally Group on 7 December 1993 - (file)

There are some sentences underlined in the text, most predominantly in paragraph 4 and 12, the latter indicates a wholly rewritten paragraph.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration Draft (JD15) dated 7 December 1993 - (file)

There are some sentences underlined in the text, most predominantly in paragraph 4 and 12, the latter indicates a wholly rewritten paragraph.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration Draft (JD15) from 7 December 1993 - (file)

There are some sentences underlined in the text, most predominantly in paragraph 4 and 12, the latter indicates a wholly rewritten paragraph.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration Draft (JD15) with Comments and Amendments - (file)

Includes some comments from Jim Molyneaux and some explinations for particular amendments or exclusions of certain words and phrases in the margins.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration Draft (JD15A) with British Amendments - (file)

British amendments focus on paragraph 4 with a reiteration of the British neutrality statement made by Peter Brooke on the 9 November 1990. There is also a remodelling of paragraph 11, where there is an expectation that the Irish side will flesh it...

Enclosure: Joint Declaration Draft (JD15A) with British Amendments - (file)

British amendments focus on paragraph 4 with a reiteration of the British neutrality statement made by Peter Brooke on the 9 November 1990. There is also a remodelling of paragraph 11, where there is an expectation that the Irish side will flesh it...

Enclosure: Joint Declaration Draft (JD15B) with British and Irish Amendments - (file)

British amendments are underlined with unbroken line and Irish amendments are underlined with broken line. Any paragraphs about the Irish Convention have been removed. Paragraph 11 has been completely written by the Irish as had much of 10, whilst the...

Enclosure: Joint Declaration Draft (JD15B) with British and Irish Amendments - (file)

British amendments are underlined with unbroken line and Irish amendments are underlined with broken line. Any paragraphs about the Irish Convention have been removed. Paragraph 11 has been completely written by the Irish as had much of 10, whilst the...

Enclosure: Joint Declaration Draft Eight Passed To Quentin Thomas by Seán Ó hUiginn on 27 September 1993 - (file)

Revised draft of the Joint Declaration provided by the irish government. Includes revisions which the British feel show positive commitment from Dublin towards reaching a mutual agreement. Issues still remain over paragraph four, particularly the...

Enclosure: Joint Declaration Draft to Show to Jim Molyneaux (JD12A) - (file)

Copy of Joint Declaration to be shown during John Major's upcoming meeting with Jim Molyneaux

Enclosure: Joint Declaration Handling Plan - (file)

Enclosed handling plan – a table detailing actions scheduled to take place in the immediate lead up to and immediately following the release of the Joint Declaration.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration Irish Draft (JD8) as Passed by Seán Ó hUiginn on 24 September 1993 - (file)

The latest text of the Joint Declaration (JD8) which John Hume received from the Irish government prior to his statement following talks with Gerry Adams.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration Irish Draft (JD12) as Conveyed on 8 October 1993 - (file)

A draft of the JDI (JD11) which was the last text received from the Irish government, and which may have been shown to John Hume.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration JD6 - (file)

JD6 as handed over by the Taoiseach. Annotated in pen.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration JD13 Annotated Copy - (file)

JD13 with Thomas' underlines and sidelines of passages added since the last Irish text (JD11).

Enclosure: Joint Declaration JD14 (Annotated Copy) - (file)

JD14 with annotations by an unnamed British Government civil servant marking points that they want amended.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration JD14A (Annotated Copy) - (file)

JD14 with amendments made after a meeting with Molyneaux. Manuscript annotations by an unknown British civil servant also note further points to press with the Irish.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration JD14B - (file)

Text of the Joint Declaration with proposed amendments from 3 December 1993 indicated via underlining.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration New Paragraph 11 (Non-Paper) - (file)

British wording of paragraph 11.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration Text for Discussion by Ministers (JD12A) - (file)

Text contains the amplification of the constitutional guarantee (for testing on the Irish government) in paragraph 4. Text intented as the basis for discussion at upcoming Cabinet meeting.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration as Amended by the Butler/Nally Meeting on 6 October 1993 (JD11) - (file)

Draft of the Joint Declaration including amendments tabled and discussed during the 6 October 1993 Butler/Nally Group meeting.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration as Conveyed on 8 October 1993 (JD12) - (file)

Document begins by stating the joint desire to end violence and conflict in Northern Ireland. The beginning of paragraph four is lifted from former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Peter Brooke's 9 November 1990 Whitbread speech. It reaffirms...

Enclosure: Joint Declaration as Tabled during the Butler/Nally Meeting on 6 October 1993 by the Irish Government (JD10) - (file)

Draft of the Joint Declaration submitted by the Irish government. Discussed at the 6/10/1993 meeting of the Butler/Nally group with input and critique frrom the British. Was amended during that meeting to produce JD11.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration to be Shown to Jim Molyneaux [JD12A] - (file)

Copy of Joint Declaration enclosed with other documents but lacking the footnotes of the earlier enclosure. These seem to have been inserted to clarfiy language and reassure Unionists/Jim Molyneaux about the limits of the Joint Declaration.

Enclosure: Joint Declaration with Amendments Proposed on 9 December 1993 (JD15A) - (file)

Contains the text of the Joint Declaration with amendments proposed by the British Government, the Irish Government and James Molyneaux clearly marked. Annotated. Page 5 and 6 identical. Page 8 contains revised version of paragraphs 10 and 11, as...

Enclosure: Joint Declaration with Amendments Proposed on 9 December 1993 (JD15A) - (file)

Contains the text of the Joint Declaration with amendments proposed by the British Government, the Irish Government and James Molyneaux clearly marked. Annotated. Page 7 contains revised version of paragraphs 10 and 11, as proposed by the Irish Government.

Enclosure: Joint Statement Made by Reynolds and Major on 29 October 1993 - (file)

Draft of the agreed text of the joint statement to be given by Albert Reynolds and John Major in Brussels in the evening of 29 October 1993

Enclosure: Joint Statment by John Major and Albert Reynolds on the Heathrow Bombings - (file)

Statement emphasises unity between the two governments and their continued commitment to pursuing peace as set out in the Joint Declaration.

Enclosure: Letter from Albert Reynolds to John Major - (file)

This letter builds on Major and Reynolds previous meeting. He mentions Peter Brooke's Whitbread speech on the 9 November where he set out the "British neutrality" position. As ever, Reynolds emphasises the importance of a convention.

Enclosure: Letter from Albert Reynolds to John Major (15 November 1993) - (file)

Albert Reynolds emphasises the perceived opportunity for peace given knowledge about how the PIRA would react, and how Loyalists would react to a cessation of violence. He encourages the British to assist with making the draft JDI work.

Enclosure: Letter from Albert Reynolds to John Major Concerning the Joint Declaration Initiative and the Prospects for and Road to Peace - (file)

Reynolds sets the scene for the upcoming meeting between Robin Butler and Dermot Nally by underlining the effort expended by the Irish government on the latest draft of the proposed Joint Declaration Initiative (JDI), and the immense possibilities and...

Enclosure: Letter from Albert Reynolds to John Major Following the Anglo-Irish Summit - (file)

A letter from Albert Reynolds to John Major following the Anglo-Irish Summit, urging him to proceed with the Joint Declaration and making the case for maintaining the Irish Convention. Enclosed with the letter above as Annex A.

Enclosure: Letter from Albert Reynolds to John Major Regarding the PIRA Response to the Joint Declaration - (file)

A letter to John Mayjor from Albert Reynolds concerning the Joint Declaration. Lets him know not to expect a response from PIRA before the end of January. Grateful for Unionist and Loyalist response which he assesses as broadly positive. Expresses...

Enclosure: Letter from Alec Reid and Raymond Murray to John Hume Enclosing the Reid/Murray Proposal - (file)

This letter encloses the proposal drafted by Father Alec Reid and Father Raymond Murray, titled "Pastoral Response to the Present Conflict". It attempts to persuade John Hume to support their proposals to bring about a peaceful resolution to the...

Enclosure: Letter from Andrew Hunter to Patrick Hunter Regarding Reactivating his Contacts with Sinn Féin - (file)

Hunter wishes to rekindle his contacts with Sinn Féin in order to help the talks process. But he worries this might compromise his role as Chairman of the Northern Ireland Back Bench Committee and what the media might say if the contact got out.

Enclosure: Letter from Andrew Hunter to Patrick Mayhew Regarding Re-activating his Contacts with Sinn Féin - (file)

Hunter has decided not to make contact.

Enclosure: Letter from Denis Faul to Peter Brook Regarding the Link between the Release of Prisoners and a Ceasefire - (file)

This letter carries congratulations to Peter Brooke for his efforts to increase the number of prisoners granted Christmas parole. Father Faul suggested that there was a direct link between the news of the release of 144 prisoners on parole and the...

Enclosure: Letter from Gerry Adams to John Major Regarding the Initiation of Peace Talks Dated 20 August 1991 - (file)

In this letter, Gerry Adams emphasizes Sinn Féin's commitment to the peace process and states that the party was willing to participate in any such process initiated by the British Government. This is a faxed copy of the original letter.

Enclosure: Letter from Ian Paisley to John Major Regarding the Joint Declaration - (file)

Paisley makes the claim that the Joint Declaration gives the Irish Government joint jurisdiction over Northern Ireland. In order to test the concept principle guaranteed in the Declaration, Paisley calls for a referendum.

Enclosure: Letter from John Hume to John Major - (file)

Letter from John Hume to John Major underlining the importance of the Joint Declaration and highlighting what he sees as its key points.

Enclosure: Letter from John Hume to John Major, 29 November 1993 - (link)

This letter was sent to John Major from John Hume on 29 November 1993. It counsels against the loss of an opportunity for peace that would be occasioned by British government rejection of the Joint Declaration. It presses for the adoption of the...

Enclosure: Letter from John Major to Albert Reynolds to be Delivered by Robin Butler - (file)

Major sets the context for this British draft Joint Declaration by outlining the events of the past week. These include the Hume/Adams statement and the exposure of the existence of Irish-British talk, which prompted a backlash from the Unionists. He...

Enclosure: Letter from John Major to Charles Haughey Regarding Developments in the Political Talks Dated 13 March 1991 - (file)

In this letter, John Major discussed the need for the British and Irish Governments to bring the on-going political talks to a resolution. He informed Taoiseach Charles Haughey about a statement prepared by Peter Brooke that John Major hoped would...

Enclosure: Letter from John O'Connell to Michael Heseltine Encouraging the British Government to Start Negotiations with the IRA - (file)

Makes a case for the British Government to start negotiations with the IRA through intermediaries.

Enclosure: Letter from Jonathan Stephens to Peter Smith Regarding the Response to John O'Connell's Letter of 1 September 1993 - (file)

Advises Peter Smith to reply to John O'Connell's letter of 1 September 1993 by clarifying the British Government's longstanding policy against negotiating with the IRA and encouraging him to approach the British Ambassador in Dublin for further...

Enclosure: Letter from Jonathan Stephens to Roderic Lyne drafted by Quentin Thomas Regarding a Meeting Between John Major and Albert Reynolds in Brussels on 10 December 1993 - (file)

The meeting will discuss the last minute work towards the Joint Declaration, but it should be played down publicly by both sides. The letter lists five main points for discussion, which includes the text itself as well as wider logistical questions....

Enclosure: Letter from Jonathan Stephens to Roderic Lyne on 28 October 1993 Enclosing Draft Documents for Upcoming Meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds - (file)

Letter enclosing relevant contextual documents for John Major to read prior to meeting with Albert Reynolds. Predicts likely Irish position regarding the recent Shankill bombing and towards John Hume. Suggests a negotiating line for a joint approach...

Enclosure: Letter from Malachi Curran to Mark Langhammer regarding Curran's removal as the head of the Labour delegation, 6 July 1996 - (link)

This document contains a letter written by Malachi Curran to Mark Langhammer, dated 6 July 1996. It demands an explanation for Curran's removal as the head of the Labour delegation.

Enclosure: Letter from Melanie Leech to Gillian Kirton on the Line to Take Regarding the Allegations that the Hume/Adams Talks were Bugged - (file)

Encloses and elaborates on the line prepared to indirectly deny that the MI5 had bugged the Hume/Adams talks. Highlighted.

Enclosure: Letter from Michael Heseltine to Patrick Mayhew Regarding the Conversation between Heseltine and John O'Connell - (file)

Encloses a record of the telephone exchange between John O'Connell and Michael Heseltine dated 9 June 1993, and requests advice on how to respond to O'Connell's approach.

Enclosure: Letter from Patrick Mayhew to Andrew Hunter Regarding Re-activating his Contacts with Sinn Féin - (file)

Hunter wishes to rekindle his contacts with Sinn Féin in order to help the talks process. Here, Mayhew advises him that he should exercise his own judgement and be wary of the risk of disclosure. He cannot be seen to be acting with the encouragement...

Enclosure: Letter from Patrick Mayhew to John Alderdice Regarding the Joint Declaration - (file)

Mayhew gives the leader of the Alliance party a copy of the Declaration and explains the aims and reasons behind the text.

Enclosure: Letter from Patrick Mayhew to Michael Heseltine Regarding John O'Connell's Conversation with David Blatherwick - (file)

Informs Michael Heseltine about John O'Connell's conversation with David Blatherwick, and advises him on what arguments to use in case O'Connell speaks to him again.

Enclosure: Letter from Peter Smith to John O'Connell in Response to His Request for Initiating Negotiations with the IRA - (file)

Writing on behalf of Michael Heseltine, Peter Smith conveys that as per the British Government's longstanding policy it could not permit intermediaries to conduct negotiations with the IRA, and that John O'Connell should approach the British...

Enclosure: Letter from Peter Smith to Jonathan Stephens Requesting Advice on the Reply to John O'Connell's Letter of 1 September 1993 - (file)

Requests advice on how to respond to the letter sent by John O'Connell to Michael Heseltine on 1 September 1993. Encloses the letter sent to Michael Heseltine from John O'Connell on 1 September 1993. Annotated.

Enclosure: Letter from Roderic Lyne to Melanie Leech Regarding John Major's Letter to Albert Reynolds (Further Enclosed) - (file)

Robin Butler will deliver the enclosed letter to Albert Reynolds during his visit to Dublin on the 26 November 1993. Consequently, Butler's speaking notes are requested to be edited acknowledging the new draft text.

Enclosure: Line to Take for Peter Brooke's Meeting with John Hume Regarding the Meeting on 11 January 1991 - (file)

This document provides an outline for Peter Brooke's response to what was discussed by John Hume on 11 January 1991 in his meeting with Danny McNeill and John Chilcot regarding his contacts with Sinn Féin.

Enclosure: Line to Take for Questions Regarding Allegations that the Hume/Adams Talks were Bugged - (file)

Provides the line to take to address different questions that could possibly emerge regarding the allegations that the MI5 had bugged the Hume/Adams talks.

Enclosure: Lines to Include in the Reply to Denis Faul's Letter to Peter Brooke - (file)

This document contains the suggested text for the draft reply to Father Denis Faul's letter from 9 January 1991 regarding Faul's proposition about the connection between a permanent ceasefire and the release of prisoners.

Enclosure: Lines to Take for Patrick Mayhew for an Interview with the Sunday Telegraph - (file)

The issues covered are self-determination, the chances of future talks with the Irish Government and other players, the ruling out of joint sovereignty, the government's stance on a long term goal of a united Ireland, and loyalist violence.

Enclosure: Lines to Take on the Joint Statement on Northern Ireland by John Major and Albert Reynolds on 29 October 1993 - (file)

Enclosed lines to take following the joint statement by John Major and Albert Reynolds.

Enclosure: List of Corrections in the Messages Passed between the British Government and the IRA between February and November 1993 - (file)

Contains a list of corrections in the documents released by the British Government with the messages that were passed between it and the IRA between February and November 1993.

Enclosure: List of Corrections in the Transcription of Messages Exchanged between the British Government and the PIRA, 1 December 1993 - (file)

Provides a list of corrections in the transcript of the messages exchanged between the British Government and the IRA between February and November 1993.

Enclosure: List of Points Emerging from 27 October 1993 Speeches in the Dáil - (file)

British analysis of 27 October 1993 speeches in the Dail from the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste. The broad result was judged to be the creation of common ground between the British and Irish governments.

Enclosure: List of Points to Make for John Major at His Meeting with Albert Reynolds on 29 October 1993 - (file)

Clear British line that main priority is to avoid loyalist backlash. In same vein, desire to decouple joint declaration from Hume/Adams. Security concerns also discussed.

Enclosure: List of Points to Make for John Major at Meeting with Albert Reynolds - (file)

Clear British line that main priority is to avoid loyalist backlash. In same vein, desire to decouple joint declaration from Hume/Adams. Security concerns also discussed.

Enclosure: List of Points to Make for the 29 October 1993 Meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds - (file)

List of points to make in the meeting. Key aim is to renounce violence whilst continuing to seek ways to end it. The British feel it is important to decouple their joint efforts with the Irish from Hume/Adams. The importance of a united front is...

Enclosure: List of Possible Questions and Prepared Answers Regarding Contact between Sinn Féin and the British Government for Peter Brooke - (file)

This document contains a list of questions related to the possibility of negotiations between the British Government and Sinn Féin, and prepared responses for Peter Brooke to use during Question Time.

Enclosure: List of Recent Discoveries by the Garda since 16 June 1993 - (file)

Contains a list of instances since the last Anglo-Irish Summit on 16 June 1993 in which the Garda has made significant discoveries.

Enclosure: List of Recent Incidents with Cross-Border Dimension - (file)

Contains a list of recent incidents with a cross-border dimension.

Enclosure: Memo from Anthony Pawson to Peter May Requesting Advice on Desmond Parsons' Proposal Dated 27 June 1991 - (file)

This memo records a request from Anthony Pawson for suggestions on how to respond to Reverend Desmond Parsons' proposal for a seminar to clarify the position of the British Government on Northern Ireland to Sinn Féin. Although the letter mentions that...

Enclosure: Memo from Charles Powell to Anthony Pawson Requesting a Meeting between John Major and Peter Brooke Dated 4 February 1991 - (file)

This memo, sent by Charles Powell to Anthony Pawson, notes that John Major wanted to discuss the possibility of a PIRA ceasefire with Peter Brooke, as explored in Brooke's minute of 30 January 1991. Powell underlined that Major was sceptical about...

Enclosure: Memo from Stephen Wall to Richard Gozney Containing a List of Attendees for the Working Dinner on 26 February 1992 - (file)

Contains the list of individuals who would be part of the British and Irish delegations for the working dinner on 26 February 1992. Also makes a note about the private meeting that will take place between John Major and Albert Reynolds before the...

Enclosure: Memo of Issues Produced Following a Meeting on 17 November 1993 between Patrick Mayhew and John Major Regarding the Joint Declaration - (file)

Quentin Thomas provides a numbered list of issues emerging from discussion between Patrick Mayhew and John Major. The key themes were as follows: whether to table a paper, what the paper should include, and a timetable for its release.

Enclosure: Michael Ancram's Paragraph for Jim Molyneaux - (file)

A paragraph from Michael Ancram for Jim Molyneaux, encouraging him to acquiesce in the Joint Declaration and promising the Select Committee in return. Agreeing to put emphasis on Strand 1 whilst stresses that is should be part of the three-stranded...

Enclosure: Michael Ancram's Paragraph for John Major for Proposed Meeting with Jim Molyneaux, 8 December 1993 - (file)

Addition to speaking note for John Major's meeting with Jim Molyneaux regarding the Joint Declaration initiative. Highlighted.

Enclosure: Minute for John Major from Patrick Mayhew Regarding Developments in the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

Mayhew first sets out several key developments in the process, including the difficulties over the proposed Irish Convention. He then turns to the meeting between Major and Reynolds on the 3 December and the agreements reached. The final two sections...

Enclosure: Minute from Danny McNeill to Anthony Pawson Regarding a Potential Meeting between Cahal Daly, Robin Eames, John Major and Peter Brooke Dated 4 February 1991 - (file)

This document discusses a request from Archbishop Cahal Daly and Archbishop Robin Eames for meeting with Peter Brooke and John Major, along with Bishop Samuel Poyntz and Fathers John Murphy and Will Murphy. The purpose of this meeting was to allow the...

Enclosure: Minute from David Cooke to John Major Regarding the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

This minute, prepared by David Cooke for Prime Minister John Major, outlines points of discussion for a meeting that was going to take place on 14 March 1993. Cooke discussed the aspirations of the Irish Government and John Hume, hoping that the Joint...

Enclosure: Minute from Robin Butler on His Meeting with Dermot Nally on 16 December 1991 and a Note on How to Proceed Forward - (file)

Provides an account of Robin Butler's meeting with Dermot Nally and proposes how to proceed with the Joint Declaration initiative going forward. Encloses a separate detailed record of the meeting. Highlighted and annotated.

Enclosure: Minute to John Major from Patrick Mayhew Regarding Developments in the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

Mayhew first sets out several key developments in the process, including the difficulties over the proposed Irish Convention. He then turns to the meeting between Major and Reynolds on the 3 December and the agreements reached. The final two sections...

Enclosure: NIO Briefing for Discussion of the Joint Declaration on 11 December 1993 in Brussels - (file)

Enclosure: NIO Commentary on Joint Declaration (JD2) - (file)

Carries a paragraph by paragraph summary of the content of JD2 and critiques it from the British perspective.

Enclosure: News Report Titled "Clinton supports Major on Ireland, denies pressure" - (file)

Reports on Bill Clinton's phone call to John Major in November 1993. Highlighted.

Enclosure: Nine Paragraph Note Sent by the British Government to the PIRA on 19 March 1993 - (file)

Contains the 9 paragraph note sent by the British Government to the IRA on 19 March 1993.

Enclosure: Note On the Purpose of the Declaration - (file)

Gives a brief summary of what the aim of the Joint Declaration is for use.

Enclosure: Note for the Record of a Meeting Between John Major and Cardinal Daly with Michael Ancram Present_11 November 1993 - (file)

Meeting between John Major and Cardinal Daly. Differences of opinion were expressed over the utility of John Hume's talks with Gerry Adams, and Cardinal Daly noted that Hume was as popular as he had ever been and therefore not necssarily obstructing...

Enclosure: Note from Alex Allan to Sandra P Regarding the Civil Service Seminar Scheduled for 3 November 1993 - (file)

Notes that the Civil Service Seminar is tentatively scheduled for 3 November 1993, and would need to be moved in case the Anglo-Irish Summit was to be organised the same day.

Enclosure: Note of Congratulations from Roderic Lyne to Martin Mansergh - (file)

Congratulates Mansergh on his personal effort and contribution to this initiative, and discusses the positive reactions that the text has received.

Enclosure: Note on Security Measures to Take if the PIRA Reject the Joint Declaration - (file)

A briefing document on possible security measures to take in the wake of the Joint Declaration, taking into account the different possible outcomes. This involves intelligence, RUC forces and British military forces. Proposals for change to emergency...

Enclosure: Note on What to Say on the Doorstep of Number Ten - (file)

Gives the Prime Minister some lines to say to preface the actual Joint Declaration later that day.

Enclosure: Note on the Government of Ireland Act 1920 for John Major in Advance of His Meeting with Albert Reynolds - (file)

Sets out lines that John Major should take on issues surrounding the Government of Ireland Act 1920 and the Article 1 of the Anglo-Irish Agreement in his meeting with Albert Reynolds. Includes some annotations in pencil.

Enclosure: Notes for Supplementaries on Northern Ireland Matters for the Joint Press Conference on 4 December 1991 - (file)

Provides some lines on specific points relating to Northern Ireland for the joint press conference in relation to the talks held by John Major and Charles Haughey on 4 December 1991.

Enclosure: Notes on Cross Border Security Cooperation between UK and Ireland - (file)

Outlines the status of the cross body security cooperation between the UK and Ireland, including a list of recent incidents and successes. Part of the text unavaialable for viewing under Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Enclosure: Paper Titled "Release of Prisoners in the Context of Negotiations for Colonial Independence from British Rule" by E C Hallett - (file)

This paper contains case studies on the context and processes behind the release of prisoners against the backdrop of independence negotiations that took place in Cyprus, Kenya, India, Ghana and Ireland, 1916-1921. Some corrections in pen have been...

Enclosure: Paper on Strand 1 - (file)

Summary and expanded note on internal institutions in Northern Ireland proposed by the British Government, based on the positions of Northern Ireland parties.

Enclosure: Patrick Mayhew's Draft of a Segment on Northern Ireland for John Major's Speech to the Lord Mayor's Banquet - (file)

The following sentiments are included in Patrick Mayhew's draft speech segment: the reprehensibility of paramilitary violence, the British commitment to defend democracy and not concede political ground to violent tactics, an expression of shared...

Enclosure: Personality Notes for Members of the Irish Delegation - (file)

Personality notes on Albert Reynolds, Dick Spring, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn and Frank Murray.

Enclosure: Points to Make on the Exchanges between the British Government and the IRA for the Anglo-Irish Talks - (file)

Item temporarily retained under section 3(4) of the Public Records Act.

Enclosure: Points to make for a bilateral meeting between John Major and David Trimble on 17 October 1996 at 17.30 - (link)

Enclosure: Position Paper on Attempts to End the Violence by the Provisional IRA through Operation Chiffon or via the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

Operation Chiffon was the code name for the intelligence services backchannel communications with the Provisional IRA. The document first gives the recent context to efforts to bring about a permanent peace in Northern Ireland, before turning to the...

Enclosure: Positive Bull Points for the Joint Declaration - (file)

Provides some key points on what the Declaration represents for use by ministers.

Enclosure: Possible British Amendments to JD15 - (file)

Focuses on Paragraphs 3, 4, and 12.

Enclosure: Possible British Amendments to JD15 - (file)

Focuses on Paragraphs 3, 4, and 12.

Enclosure: Press Line for a Visit from Mary Robinson to Buckingham Palace - (file)

Press line clarifies the private nature of the visit and makes it clear that the visit has no bearing on Northern Ireland issues.

Enclosure: Press Lines Regarding President Robinson's Visit to Northern Ireland - (file)

Outlines the statement that is to be given to the press during and after the end of Mary Robinsons's visit to Northern Ireland.

Enclosure: Press Release by the Italian Prime Minister Carlo Azeglio Ciampi on the Joint Declaration - (file)

Ciampi congratulates Major and Reynolds.

Enclosure: Press Statement Issued Following a Meeting between Albert Reynolds and John Major on 25 September 1992 - (file)

Provides details of a 2.5 hour meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds and their respective delegations. The meeting entails a discussion on shared interests in the European Community ahead of a special European Council meeting on 16 October....

Enclosure: Prime Minister's Questions Regarding President Robinson's Visit to Northern Ireland - (file)

Outlines the statement that John Major has to give in advance of Mary Robinson's visit to Northern Ireland.

Enclosure: Procedure Committee Report on the Case for the Establishment of a Select Committee on Northern Ireland Affairs from 23 October 1990 - (file)

Report concludes that there is a case in theory for the creation of a Northern Ireland Select Committee, but that in the context of the violence and division in 1990, it would not have been a sensible time to create one.

Enclosure: Procedure Committee Report on the Select Committee System Affecting Northern Ireland from the 1 December 1993 - (file)

Report looks once more at the feasibility of a Northern Ireland Select Committee, of which the reports findings were debated on the 1 December 1993.

Enclosure: Proposal for a Democratic Over-All Political and Diplomatic Strategy for Justice, Peace and Reconciliation: A Pastoral Response to the Present Conflict - (file)

This paper provides an outline for a peace strategy for the Northern Ireland conflict by proposing the establishment of an Irish Peace Convention. It proposes that this convention, constituted by the Irish Government and representatives of the...

Enclosure: Record of Meeting between Danny McNeill, John Chilcot and Cahal Daly Regarding Contacts with PIRA on 20 November 1990 - (file)

This document provides an account of a meeting between Bishop Cahal Daly, John Chilcot and Danny McNeill on 20 November 1990 regarding the contacts between Fathers Will Murphy and John Murphy and members of PIRA/Sinn Féin. Daly clarified that the...

Enclosure: Record of Meeting between David Blatherwick and Frank Murray Regarding President Robinson's Visit to Northern Ireland - (file)

Provides an account of the meeting that took place between David Blatherwick and Frank Murray about Mary Robinson's visit to Northern Ireland.

Enclosure: Record of Meeting between Douglas Hurd and Dick Spring - (file)

Provides an account of the meeting between Douglas Hurd and Dick Spring on 2 December 1993. Highlighted.

Enclosure: Record of Meeting between John McConnell and Alec Reid on 10 March 1988 - (file)

This document provides an account of John McConnell's meeting with Father Alec Reid on 10 March 1988. David Kyle attended part of the meeting, while McConnell and Reid privately discussed sensitive political matters. Topics of discussion included...

Enclosure: Record of Meeting between Robin Butler and Dermot Nally on 16 December 1991 - (file)

Provides a detailed account of Robin Butler's meeting with Dermot Nally. Some parts from page 3 has been removed from view, as they have been deemed closed under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Highlighted.

Enclosure: Record of Meeting on 16 June 1993 between the Members of the British and Irish Governments Regarding President Robinson's Visit to West Belfast - (file)

Provides an account of the meeting between Douglas Hurd, Patrick Mayhew, Dick Spring, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, John Chilcot and Seán Ó hUiginn about Mary Robinson's visit to West Belfast.

Enclosure: Record of Resumed Plenary Meeting between the British and Irish Delegations on 3 December 1993 - (file)

Provides an account of the resumed plenary meeting between the Irish and British delegations regarding the proposed amendments for the Joint Declaration text.

Enclosure: Record of Tête-à-Tête between John Major and Albert Reynolds on 3 December 1993 - (file)

Provides an account of the meeting between Albert Reynolds and John Major on 3 December 1993 regarding recent events, including the revelation of exchanges between the British Government and the IRA and the briefing made in the Irish press by the...

Enclosure: Record of a Butler/Nally Meeting on 6 October 1993 - (file)

This document provides an account of the meeting that took place between Robin Butler and Dermot Nally on 6 October 1993. The note records that the Irish Government accepted that contacting Jim Molyneaux of the UUP was necessary to reassure the...

Enclosure: Record of a Butler/Nally Meeting on 6 October 1993 - (file)

Key discussion points: how to manage Unionist opinion of a Joint Declaration: Irish anxious that the process would not depend on Molyneaux approval. British accepted but proposed a number of their own conditions: that the JDI be compatible with the...

Enclosure: Record of a Butler/Nally Meeting on 10 November 1993 - (file)

Quentin Thomas' record of a Butler/Nally meeting on 10 November 1993. The new copy of the Joint Declaration, JD13, with Archbishop Eames' additions, was on the table. The British delegation made it clear that they were under instructions not to...

Enclosure: Record of a Butler/Nally Meeting on 10 November 1993 - (file)

Page 2 is slightly blurry. Meeting was attended by Robin Butler, John Chilcot, Quentin Thomas, Dermot Nally and Seán Ó hUiginn. A new draft - JD13 - was discussed. The Irish position was as follows: firm on Provisional exclusion unless they agreed to...

Enclosure: Record of a Meeting between Quentin Thomas and Seán Ó hUiginn on 1 October 1993 - (file)

Thomas restated the British position on not talking to the Provisional IRA, before they delved into the Hume/Adams talks and how this might impact the joint declaration. After discussing how a ceasefire might be actually enforced, they turned to the...

Enclosure: Record of a Meeting to Discuss the Joint Declaration on 11 December 1993 - (file)

Reports the discussions on the margins of the European Council between the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach. The minute argues that these resulted from a hardening of the Irish position, mostly over the wording of paragraph 4 and changes to 10 and 11....

Enclosure: Record of a Telephone Call between Patrick Mayhew and Robin Eames Regarding Jim Molyneaux on 20 November 1993 - (file)

Various points from Archbishop Eames which convey Jim Molyneaux's unease following a leaked version of the Joint Declaration to which it was being reported in the media he had put his name to. This had caused Unionist questioning of Molyneaux'...

Enclosure: Record of a bilateral meeting between the British Government and the NIWC on 17 September 1996 - (link)

Enclosure: Record of the Northern Ireland Section of the Plenary Meeting between John Major and Charles Haughey on 4 December 1991 - (file)

Provides an account of the discussion that took place between John Major and Charles Haughey on Northern Ireland, with an abridged section on Haughey's response to the proposals for security measures. Annotated.

Enclosure: Record of the Telephone Call between Michael Heseltine and John O'Connell on 9 June 1993 - (file)

Provides an account of the conversation between Michael Heseltine and John O'Connell on 9 June 1993. Part of paragraph 2 is unavailable for viewing, presumably as it is closed under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Enclosure: Revised Alternative Draft of Reply from John Major to Albert Reynolds - (file)

Includes a covering letter to William Chapman and a letter from John Major to Albert Reynolds. Both include the same general content as previously but reframed in a much more positive light. More 'green' and productive than the original draft, and...

Enclosure: Revised Draft of a Letter from John Major to Albert Reynolds - (file)

The letter has been significantly revised in light of the letter received from Reynolds in the intervening time, and the various negative reports of his attitude towards the British Government in light of their approach to the Joint Declaration.

Enclosure: Revised Paragraph Four of the Joint Declaration Conveyed by Seán Ó hUiginn to Quentin Thomas via Telephone - (file)

Transcription of the proposed Irish changes to paragraph 4 of draft 8 of the Joint Declaration document. Taken down by Quentin Thomas over the telephone. Includes the replacement of "joint North/South consent" with "concurrent North/South consent" and...

Enclosure: Revised Positive Bullet Points on the Joint Declaration - (file)

Enclosed in P N Bell's letter to the SoS. Bull points on the Joint Declaration Initiative

Enclosure: Revised Supplementary Briefing Lines - (file)

Provides some further points on the Declaration more generally for use by ministers.

Enclosure: Revised Supplementary Lines to Take on the Joint Declaration - (file)

Enclosed in P N Bell's letter to the SoS. Revised Supplementary briefing lines on the Joint Declaration Initiative - linked with paragraphs in the text. Reaffirms that the DSD is separate to Hume/Adams talks

Enclosure: Roderic Lyne's Note of a Meeting between John Major and Patrick Mayhew on 30 September 1993 - (file)

They discussed a document by John Humes and Gerry Adams handed to the Irish Government and the progress made on JD8, despite the British Government's rejection of it. This rejection focused on the importance of the consent principle. It was also...

Enclosure: Rules of Procedure (20 June 1996 draft) - (link)

Enclosure: Scene-Setter for Anglo-Irish Talks - (file)

Overview of priorities of the Irish delegates and broader objectives of the Fianna Fáil-Labour coalition. Highlighted.

Enclosure: Scene-setter from David Blatherwick in Advance of the Anglo-Irish Talks - (file)

Outlines the pressures facing the coalition government in Ireland and highlights the goals and temperaments of Albert Reynolds and Dick Spring.

Enclosure: Security measures implemented since the Thiepval bomb - (link)

Enclosure: Sheet with Points for John Major to Make at Meeting with Archbishop Eames - (file)

Short bullet point list of points for the Prime Minister to make to Archbishop Eames.

Enclosure: Side Letter Regarding Legal Clarity and Paragraph 4 - (file)

Makes clear that the British have no legal obligation to support the form of a united Ireland or any such structure.

Enclosure: Six Principles Speech Made by Dick Spring during a Dáil Debate on Northern Ireland on 27 October 1993 - (file)

Speech given in the context of the Shankill Road bombing by the IRA. Praises John Hume's commitment to peace and resolves not to be deflected from this aim by terrorism. Spring outlines six principles for a democratic way forward which he claims no...

Enclosure: Speaking Note for John Major ahead of a Meeting with Jim Molyneaux - (file)

Focusses on UK legislative procedures, mentioning a Select Committee and the possibility og legislating by Bill. Also discusses Joint Declaration offering reassurances about genuine possibility for peace and noting its limits; the Unionists are not...

Enclosure: Speaking Note for John Major for His Meeting with Albert Reynolds Regarding the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

Notes for the conversation between John Major and Albert Reynolds about the draft Joint Declaration provided by the Irish Government.

Enclosure: Speaking Note for John Major for a Meeting with Jim Molyneaux in October 1993 - (file)

Speaking note provided for John Major with the intention of reassuring Jim Molyneaux and the UUP that the British government was uninvolved in recent discussions between John Hume and Gerry Adams. Firm on the British position of non-engagement with...

Enclosure: Speaking Note for John Major's Meeting with Jim Molyneaux - (file)

British tone is to reassure Molyneaux about the limits of the JDI, that the Provisionals have not been involved in its creation, and that the military context (based on British intelligence reports) suggests a real possibility of peace. Tone expresses...

Enclosure: Speaking Note for Meeting between John Major and Jim Molyneaux - (file)

The Prime Minster is briefed to give Molyeaux a clear assurance that John Hume has not been activing on behalf of the government in his meetings with Gerry Adams. He also is to hint at a possiblilty of ending violence in Northern Ireland an that...

Enclosure: Speaking Note for Patrick Mayhew - (file)

This makes clear that the Northern Ireland Office was confident about reaching a deal. especially as JD15 was close to what they would accept. The Hume/Adams demarche once more cased a problem.

Enclosure: Speaking Note for Patrick Mayhew at Meeting with John Major about the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

Speaking note provided for Patrick Mayhew. Context that British have previously been able to deny active involvement in the Joint Declaration drafting process but may now need to be more active. This may cause friction with Molyneaux/Unionists....

Enclosure: Speaking Note for Patrick Mayhew's Meeting with John Major on 14 October 1993 - (file)

This speaking note was prepared by Tony Beeton for Patrick Mayhew's use for his meeting with John Major on 14 October 1993. It recommends that, provided the Irish Government accepted their proposed amendments to the text, the British Government go...

Enclosure: Speaking Note for Robin Butler on the Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration - (file)

This note outlines how Butler (or others) should explain John Major's letter an attached British draft of the Joint Declaration. It delves into further detail than the letter on the various stumbling blocks and difficulties encountered in the recent...

Enclosure: Speaking Note for Robin Butler's Meeting with Albert Reynolds - (file)

Commissioned work: Speaking note for Robin Butler's meeting with Albert Reynolds.

Enclosure: Speaking Note for Robin Butler's Meeting with Albert Reynolds on 20 October 1993 - (file)

Robin Butler was to convey the message from John Major that JD12 would not work, and that the whole initiative was not seen by the British government as a viable option at this point. This conclusion was to be justified with reference to the hostile...

Enclosure: Speaking Note for Robin Butler's Meeting with Albert Reynolds on 20 October 1993 - (file)

Robin Butler was to convey the message from John Major that JD12 would not work, and that the whole initiative was not seen by the British government as a viable option at this point. This conclusion was to be justified with reference to the hostile...

Enclosure: Speaking Note for a Meeting between John Major and Jim Molyneaux on 24 November 1993 - (file)

Brief for meeting with James Molyneaux with responses to statements made by Humes and Adams on the previous weekend as well as to the leak of an Irish draft paper in the previous Friday's Irish Press. Briefing ends with a note to Molyneaux that this...

Enclosure: Speaking Note for a Meeting between Robin Butler and Albert Reynolds to Introduce the Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration - (file)

This paper proposes a Joint Declaration that is distinct from previous drafts in order to separate it from the negative associations and failures of these.

Enclosure: Speaking Note on Mary Robinson's Visit to Northern Ireland - (file)

Entails the note prepared to inform Frank Murray about the problems associaed with Mary Robinson's visit to Northern Ireland.

Enclosure: Speaking Note on a Select Committee for Northern Ireland Affairs for the Meeting between Albert Reynolds and John Major on 29 October 1993 - (file)

A speaking note for the Prime Minister ahead of his meeting with Albert Reynolds addressing (and denying) speculation that the British Government was primed to introduce a Select Committee on Northern Ireland. The speaking note was submitted to David...

Enclosure: Speaking Note on the Creation of a Select Comitteee on Northern Ireland Affairs - (file)

British points to make about speculation that they are going to form a House of Commons Select Committee on Northern Ireland. The principal reason for denying this creation is the stated imperative that all sides be included in discussion, alongisde...

Enclosure: Speaking Note on the Creation of a Select Committee on Northern Ireland Affairs - (file)

British points to make about speculation that they are going to form a House of Commons Select Committee on Northern Ireland. The principal reason for denying this creation is the stated imperative that all sides be included in discussion, alongisde...

Enclosure: Speaking note for the discussion on the agenda for the opening Plenary session, enclosing the proposed agenda for the resumed opening Plenary, the 6 June opening agenda and the terms of reference for the sub-committee on decommissioning, 17 July 1996 - (link)

Enclosure: Statement by Chief Emeka Anyaoku Hailing the Success of the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

Anyaoku was the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Here, he congratulates Major and Reynolds for their efforts in bringing about peace in Northern Ireland.

Enclosure: Statement by the Archbishop of Canterbury on the Joint Declaration - (file)

Archbishop warmly welcomes the Joint Initiative and hopes it will encourage more work towards peace.

Enclosure: Statement by the British Government in Response to PIRA Ceasefire Announcement - (file)

Text of the statement drafted by the British Government in response to the announcement by the temporary ceasefire by the PIRA.

Enclosure: Statement from Patrick Mayhew Regarding the Corrections in the Record of Messages between the British Government and the IRA - (file)

Notes that the documents released by the British Government that indicated that the IRA had been the first one to contact it had some typographical and transcription errors, and clarifies that the corrections don't change the authenticity of the...

Enclosure: Suggested Sequence of Events for the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

This document sets out the possible outcomes and next steps of talks depending on the reaction to the current draft JD12.

Enclosure: Summary of Points from 27 October 1993 Speeches in the Dáil by the Albert Reynolds and Dick Spring - (file)

British assessment that results of the speeches were benign. Happy with renewed Irish commitment to Talks process and the position on Hume/Adams. Notes that the Spring Principles are broadly helpful butsome are too forward - such as the sixth...

Enclosure: Summary of Speech Given by Charles Haughey in the Dáil on 28 November 1991 - (file)

Summarises the main points in the speech given by Charles Haughey in the Irish Parliament on 28 November 1991 on the Maastricht treaty.

Enclosure: Summary of a Meeting between John Major and Patrick Mayhew Discussing the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

Record of British government's thoughts on the latest draft of the Joint Declaration (JD8). It was agreed that the Irish should be encouraged to improve phrasing and mandate an IRA weapons handover in order to protect Unionists in the event of an end...

Enclosure: Summary record of a bilateral meeting between the British Government and the UUP on 4 September 1996 - (link)

Enclosure: Talking Points for John Major's Talks with Albert Reynolds - (file)

Contains talking points for John Major's meeting with Albert Reynolds on Northern Ireland and EC related themes. Annotated.

Enclosure: Talking Points for Meeting with John Hume on 4 November 1993 - (file)

Summarises pointa to make and questions to ask, as well as the public line to give following the meeting.

Enclosure: Telegram Containing a Draft Message of Congratulations to Albert Reynolds - (file)

Draft telegram from Douglas Hurd with a message from John Major for Albert Reynolds. Includes an additional annotated line to the message.

Enclosure: Telegram from David Blatherwick Confirming the Details of an Upcoming Meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds on 16 June 1993 - (file)

Enclosed fax from the British Embassy in Dublin recording conversations to arrange logistics for a meeting between the Prime Minister and Taoiseach on the 16th June.

Enclosure: Telegram from David Blatherwick Setting the Scene for the Meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds on 25 September 1992 - (file)

Expresses Irish concerns regarding the erosion of the Anglo-Irish Agreement, highlighting the considerable delays in the upcoming IGC and the apparent lack of Unionist commitment to engage in meaningful talks. Matters concerning the European...

Enclosure: Text of the Joint Declaration (JD20) as Sent to Ministers on 14 December 1993 - (file)

This is the text as it stood prior to the actual making of the Declaration later at noon.

Enclosure: Text of the Joint Declaration Sent to the Archbishop of Liverpool - (file)

This is the text as it stood prior to the actual making of the Declaration later at noon. This is the copy sent to the Archbishop of Liverpool.

Enclosure: Text of the Joint Declaration Sent to the Bishop of Liverpool - (file)

This is the text as it stood prior to the actual making of the Declaration later at noon. This is the copy sent to the Bishop of Liverpool.

Enclosure: Text of the Joint Statement Made by Major and Reynolds on 29 October 1993 - (file)

Annotated text of Joint Statement agreed by the British and Irish on the same day as the planned announcement to the press.

Enclosure: Timeline of Crucial Dates across 1991 in the Political Development and Political Movement Processes - (file)

This document contains a list of tentatively important dates for Political Development and a list of crucial dates for republicans which could have the potential to impact the political movement process.

Enclosure: Transcript of Statement from Gerry Adams Responding to Peter Brooke's Whitbread Speech on 9 November 1990 - (file)

This is the transcript of a speech given by Gerry Adams on an unknown date in response to the Whitbread speech made by Peter Brooke on 9 November 1990.

Enclosure: Transcript of an Exchange between Ian Paisley and John Major at Prime Minister's Questions on 19 October 1993 - (file)

This transcript records John Major's response to an irate Ian Paisley in the House of Commons. Paisley probes the perceived hypocrisy of the British government in claiming to eschew negotiation with violent actors whilst engaging with the agreement...

Enclosure: Transcript of an Exchange between Ian Paisley and John Major at Prime Minister's Questions on 19 October 1993 - (file)

This transcript records John Major's response to an irate Ian Paisley in the House of Commons. Paisley probes the perceived hypocrisy of the British government in claiming to eschew negotiation with violent actors whilst engaging with the agreement...

Enclosure: UUP submission on the agenda, 14 June 1996 - (link)

Enclosure: UUP submission on the rules, 14 June 1996 - (link)

Enclosure: Working Draft of a Minute to John Major Outlining Draft Key Considerations for the Joint Declaration - (file)

The document summarises the central positions at the heart of the Declaration proposal and talks with the Irish Government. This includes the likely reception both in Britain and Ireland to the Joint Declaration. The latest improvements to the text...

Enclosure: Working Joint Declaration Draft (JD15A) with Comments and Amendments - (file)

Only 4 out of the 6 pages of the document are present here. Comments marked E are from Martin Mansergh. It also includes some additions made by ministers in a morning meeting, and those by Jim Molyneaux deriving from a meeting with Michael Ancram marked M.

Extract from Hansard - (file)

A question from Corbyn for Ancram on contact with the IRA.

Extract from Hansard on the Joint Declaration - (file)

John Major's speech to the House in support of the Downing Street Declaration, along with follow-up questions. These are largely supportive (including one from John Hume) except the ones from Ian Paisley and Jim Molyneaux.

Extract from Hansard: John Major's Speech to the House on a Special Meeting of the European Council on 29 October 1993 - (file)

Meeting began with John Major's recollection of a 29th October European Council meeting. Major then gave an account of his bilateral discussion with Albert Reynolds concerning the Hume/Adams talks. Questions on the broad theme of the balance between...

Extract from a Joint Statement by John Hume and Gerry Adams Reprinted in the Irish Times - (file)

This statement by Hume and Adams responds to media coverage of a meeting betwen the pair on 10th April 1993. It outlines the purpose of that meeting and what was discussed. They key points include: a shared commitment to lasting peace, an assertion...

Extract from a revised draft of the rules of procedure, [20] June 1996 - (link)

Fax From Juliet Wheldon to Robin Butler Regarding the Attorney General's Concerns over Paragraph 4 - (file)

Encloses a draft side letter that makes clear that the British have no legal obligation to support the form of a united Ireland or any such structure.

Fax From Mark Elliott to Timothy Daunt Recording a Conversation with Jim Molyneaux on 14 November 1993 - (file)

Elliott reports Molyneuax's relative optimism based on an assessment that both republicans and loyalists are keen to break out of the circle of violence. he also reports Molyneaux' belief that Dick Spring is being held back by Albert Reynolds.

Fax from Alex Allan to Jonathan Stephens Regarding Patrick Mayhew Potentially Offering to Resign - (file)

The Financial Times claims to have been told that Mayhew offered to resign following the leaks of the Joint Declaration text placed in the Vote Office. Prime Minister has said to offer no substantive comments on this to the press. Enclosed is the line...

Fax from Andrew Purkis to Jonathan Stephens Enclosing a Statement by the Archbishop of Canterbury - (file)

Encloses the Archbishop's statement, in response to a letter from Patrick Mayhew regarding the Joint Declaration.

Fax from Andrew Wood to Peter Bell Regarding the Information Services' Recommendations for a Handling Plan for the Joint Declaration - (file)

Andrew Wood was the director of the Information Service. Here, he sets out four main sequences of events in the 24+ hours after the making of the Joint Declaration. These includes a series of media rounds as well as at least a ministerial visit to...

Fax from Clare Checksfield enclosing pages from an Irish Republican web site, 17 July 1996 - (link)

Fax from David Blatherwick Setting the Scene for the Anglo-Irish Summit on 3 December 1993 - (file)

Details Irish attitudes to the summit, saying that Northern Ireland will be the key topic and that Irish officials are angry about the IRA message exchange. Also outlines non-Northern Ireland summit topics.

Fax from David Blatherwick to FCO Summarising the Impact of the Hume/Adams Talks on the Northern Irish Parties and the Two Governments - (file)

Describes the impact of the Hume-Adams talks on the political standing of John Hume and the SDLP, Sinn Féin, and the Irish and British Governments. Notes that in case of the failure of the talks, the blame should fall on the IRA. Addressed to the...

Fax from David Blatherwick to Quentin Thomas Regarding an Opening Statement and a Briefing on the Joint Declaration - (file)

Blatherwick met with Irish Government representatives and handed them copies of a draft statement by the Prime Minister. He tried to steer them away from wanting a meeting with Major.

Fax from David Cooke to Jonathan Stephens Enclosing a Briefing Note for the Making of the Joint Declaration - (file)

The note is for use by Number Ten and by the NIO's press offices.

Fax from David Cooke to Jonathan Stephens Regarding Documents for the Prime Minister John Major's Meeting on the 14 October 1993 - (file)

A cover fax for a document detailing the key considerations in the Joint Declaration talks process ready for the Prime Ministers meeting on the 14 October. The document is enclosed with significant hand written edits presumably by Andrew Stephens.

Fax from David Cooke to Jonathan Stephens Regarding an Opening Statement and Briefing for the Joint Declaration - (file)

Enclosed is the said statement and briefing note which seek to prepare the Prime Minister and Taoiseach for the various press conferences which will follow the Joint Declaration. He also relays the advice and preferences of Quentin Thomas.

Fax from David Cooke to NIO Civil Servants Enclosing a Draft Letter to Downing Street Covering the Alternative British Joint Declaration Draft - (file)

Letter attaching a draft letter and a copy of the Joint Statement for a Dublin Summit next month which has been revised in light of a ministerial meeting the day before. This was all sent to Roderic Lyne as well as NIO civil servants.

Fax from David Fell to Jonathan Stephens Regarding the Handling Plan for the Joint Declaration - (file)

Fell believes that the Joint Declaration is worth the risk. He also voices his opinion on Chris Maccabe's fax regarding the likely Unionist backlash. He recommends seeking out someone within that community who is well respected but not party political...

Fax from David McIlroy to NIO Civil Servants Requesting that David Fell Be Copied into Circulated Joint Declaration Papers - (file)

Letter from David McIlroy requesting that David Fell have access to Joint Declaration-related correspondence

Fax from John Chilcot Regarding a Meeting with the British Ambassador to the United States on 7 October 1993 - (file)

Robin Renick reported on Hume's visited to the USA after his joint statement with Gerry Adams. The problem of constitutional guarantee that consent can only be from a dual referendum was something that Adams was not yet convinced by.

Fax from John Dew to Graham Archer Regarding a Handling Plan for the Joint Declaration - (file)

Recommends holding some joint briefings in third countries in order to demonstrate trust and force the Irish Government to hold to the agreed lines.

Fax from John Dew to John McKervill Regarding a Meeting with Geraldine Kennedy of the Irish Times to Discuss her Meeting with Albert Reynolds - (file)

Kennedy's meeting with Taoiseach Albert Reynolds was about the joint declaration initiative. Reynolds states that he has to be 95% sure of success in order to accept a joint declaration proposal and that he'd want John Hume's approval. He hoped the...

Fax from Jonathan Dew to John McKervill Describing a Meeting with the McGimpsey Brothers on 17 November 1993 - (file)

Jonathan Drew describes the details of his meetings with the Unionist McGimpsey brothers in Dublin. They were sceptical about the Irish gov. attempts to distance themselves from prospect of negotiations with the PIRA. They were also nervous about the...

Fax from Jonathan Rodell to Members of the British Government Enclosing Lines to Take Following a Speech by John Major on 16 November 1993 - (file)

Note from Jonathan Rodell circulating the British Government's agreed lines following a significant speech by the Prime Minister at the Lord Mayor's Banquet.

Fax from Jonathan Stephens to David Cooke Regarding an Opening Statement and Briefing for the Joint Declaration - (file)

The Secretary of State Patrick Mayhew accepts, via Stephens, a draft opening statement and briefing by Cooke.

Fax from Jonathan Stephens to Jim Daniell Enclosing 22 December 1993 Letters from Ian Paisley and Sammy Wilson Criticizing the Joint Declaration - (file)

A faxed copy of two letters written by Ian Paisley and Sammy Wilson protesting again the Downing Street Declaration in strong terms.

Fax from Jonathan Stephens to Murdo MacLean Planning the Announcement of a Select Committee on Northern Ireland Affairs on 16 December 1993 - (file)

Concerns the latest position of Patrick Mayhew on the creation of a Select Committee On Northern Ireland Affairs, of which he supports. The rest of the letters concerns how this might affect the Talks process, and thus the caution that must be...

Fax from Jonathan Stephens to Quentin Thomas Regarding a Minute to John Major from Patrick Mayhew - (file)

Enclosed are a minute sent from Patrick Mayhew to John Major, an annotated version of the Joint Declaration, a briefing for Major's meeting with Jim Molyneaux.

Fax from Jonathan Stephens to Quentin Thomas Regarding a Minute to John Major from Patrick Mayhew - (file)

Enclosed are a minute sent from Patrick Mayhew to John Major, an annotated version of the Joint Declaration, a briefing for Major's meeting with Jim Molyneaux.

Fax from Jonathan Stephens to Roderic Lyne Enclosing a Briefing and Joint Declaration Draft - (file)

Letter attaches a briefing and a JDI draft including a reference to the constitutional guarantee and an optional amplification of this guarantee in square brackets. The two versions of the texts will be tested on Jim Molyneaux and the Irish

Fax from Mark Adams to Simon Rodgers Regarding a Future Meeting between the Prime Minister and Andrew Hunter - (file)

Requests a short briefing note for the Prime Minister for this meeting.

Fax from Martin Williams to Jonathan Stephens Regarding Potential Unionist Opposition to a Joint Declaration - (file)

Williams' concerns are shared by Chris Maccabe as seen in an enclosed letter. They stem from the view that paragraph 9 of the memo understates the risks of the current draft JD15. He worries that the text as a whole clearly supports the vision of a...

Fax from Michael Ancram to Jonathan Stephens Regarding a Meeting between Michael Ancram and Jim Molyneaux on 6 December 1993 - (file)

Jagelman is Michael Ancram's Private Secretary. In the meeting, they primarily discuss Strand Two issues as Molyneaux expressly stated he was not keen to be drawn on Strand Two issues. He remains suspicious of the Irish Government and their...

Fax from Peter Bell to Jonathan Stephens Enclosing a Handling Plan for the Joint Declaration - (file)

Bell encloses this handling plan, which is a revised version in light of some meetings with officials and the Information Services. He also sets out some of the points made in a meeting that morning. These include that Belfast colleagues strongly...

Fax from Peter Bell to Tony Beeton Regarding a Handling Plan for the Joint Declaration - (file)

Sets out the various meetings, media rounds, briefings, and notes needed for them regarding the Joint Declaration. This is building on Beeton's own draft and so Bell includes his own comments and additions. It also indicates that a meeting had been...

Fax from Private Secretary to Foreign Secretary Detailing a Meeting Between Douglas Hurd and Dick Spring on 30 September 1993 - (file)

Discussion between Hurd and Spring about viability of a Joint Declaration and the impact of Hume's and Adams's involvement in the process. Spring makes clear that the Irish government sees bilateral contact as crucial for a swift end to the violence.

Fax from Quentin Thomas to David Blatherwick Enclosing JD19, 14 December 1993 - (file)

Encloses what they hope is the final text of the Declaration. Requests that Blatherwick double checks it with Mansergh and the Irish side ahead of the 15 December 1993. Also points out the changes from JD. 15C.

Fax from Quentin Thomas to David Cooke Enclosing a Paper Assessing Unionist Reaction to the Joint Declaration - (file)

Paper intended ultimately for the Taoiseach as evidence to support the British prediction of a dangerous loyalist backlash following Joint Declaration publication.

Fax from Quentin Thomas to Jonathan Stephens Attaching an Aide Memoire for Patrick Mayhew - (file)

Quentin Thomas encloses an aide memoire for a prebrief of Patrick Mayhew on the afternoon of 17 November

Fax from Quentin Thomas to Jonathan Stephens Enclosing a Draft Letter to Albert Reynolds - (file)

Letter enclosing a draft letter from the British to the Irish Governments, to be sent if a meeting scheduled for 18th October 1993 between John Major and Jim Molyneaux leads to unionist acceptance of the JDI.

Fax from Quentin Thomas to Jonathan Stephens Regarding a Speaking Note for Patrick Mayhew's Use in Cabinet - (file)

Enclosed is the speakers note.

Fax from Quentin Thomas to NIO Civil Servants Discussing the Legal Aspects of the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

Reports of a discussion between Quentin Thomas and Roderic Lyne about points raised at a meeting with the Prime Minister about the Attorney General's legal concerns surrounding the Joint Declaration Initiative. The concerns were whether paragraph 3...

Fax from Quentin Thomas to Robin Butler Regarding a Briefing for a Meeting of the Butler/Nally Group on 7 December 1993 - (file)

He encloses an official briefing for the meeting, but also offers an outline of several key themes in this covering fax. The constitutional guarantee is central once more, and there is also a proposal that the Joint Declaration be made somewhere on...

Fax from Quentin Thomas to Tony Beeton Regarding a Document Providing the Background to the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

The document in question is enclosed.

Fax from Richard Gozney Regarding a Meeting between Douglas Hurd and Dick Spring on 30 September 1993 - (file)

In this meeting it is agreed that the idea of a joint declaration is a good one, especially in the context of the new Hume/Adams talks.

Fax from Robin Butler to Prime Minister John Major Regarding a Meeting of the Butler/Nally Group and JD15 - (file)

The groups meeting was largely based around points raised by the Taoiseach Albert Reynolds during a meeting with Prime Minister John Major. The changes produced from these meetings are enclosed as JD15 with annotations, after a letter from Reynolds to...

Fax from Robin Butler to Roderic Lyne Regarding a Meeting with Martin Mansergh on 9 December 1993 - (file)

He attaches a working draft of JD15 with amendments agreed by ministers in a morning meeting, plus two coming from Jim Molyneaux. In this meeting, Mansergh gave him some further comments marked E in the text. They discussed his slight concerns over...

Fax from Roderic Lyne to Alex Allan Regarding the Parliamentary Statement - (file)

Attaches a draft of the Prime Minister's statement in the Commons on the Joint Declaration.

Fax from Roderic Lyne to the Prime Minister Regarding a Phone Call with Derek Worlock - (file)

Worlock, who was Archbishop of Liverpool, reports his own call with the new Bishop of Down and Connagh Patrick Walsh, who reported to him that he was deeply grateful for the work the Prime Minister has done. He also reported that attempts to stir up...

Fax from Roderic Lyne to the Prime Minister Regarding his Article for "Sunday Life" - (file)

Enclosed is Major's article draft, with proposed amendments from the Northern Ireland Office underlined.

Fax from Simon Rodgers to Roderic Lyne Regarding Intra-UK Transfers of Prisoners - (file)

Press are reporting that prisoner transfers are part of a "back door" deal, so that PIRA life sentence prisoners will be transferred to Northern Irish prisoners to benefit from shorter periods.

Fax from Tony Beeton to Jonathan Stephens Enclosing a Draft Letter for Roderic Lyne Assessing the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

Letter from Northern Ireland Office to Jonathan Stephens at 10 Downing Street enclosing an assessment of the Joint Declaration Initiative and possible future options.

Fax from Tony Beeton to Jonathan Stephens Providing Lines to Take for Patrick Mayhew's Interview with the Sunday Telegraph - (file)

Beeton sets out what Mayhew line should be on self-determination and how much the government knows about the Humes/Adams talks. These lines are brief and are more developed in the enclosed "lines to take" document.

Fax from Tony Beeton to Jonathan Stephens Regarding a Future Meeting between John Major and Jim Molyneaux - (file)

Beeton encloses a draft letter to Roderic Lyne along with a speaking note and two copies of JD15 for use if the Prime Minister John Major wishes to meet Jim Molyneaux personally. There is also a discussion of Molyneaux's position on Strand One and Strand Two.

Fax from Tony Beeton to Jonathan Stephens Regarding a Meeting between John Major and Jim Molyneaux - (file)

Beeton sets out some brief points that the Prime Minister might want to raise at a meeting with Jim Molyneaux. These echo a speaker note that Stephens later sent to Roderic Lyne for the Prime Minsters use. Indeed, the enclosed draft letter is very...

Fax from Tony Beeton to Quentin Thomas and Jonathan Stephens Enclosing a Draft Letter and Documents for a Meeting between John Major and Jim Molyneaux to Send to Roderic Lyne - (file)

Fax encloses draft letter to Roderic Lyne with attached materials for John Major's attention ahead of his meeting with Jim Molyneaux about the Joint Declaration.

Fax from the British Embassy in Dublin to the Northern Ireland Office Enclosing a Speech by Gerry Adams - (file)

The British ambassador in Dublin encloses a Gerry Adams speech with his own notes on the content and reception of the speech by Irish commentators. It is of interest to the British because it represents an appeal to the Irish public to support the...

Fax to David McIlroy Recording a Telephone Conversation between John Hume and the Northern Ireland Office on 16 November 1993 - (file)

Records that John Hume had refused interviews but had backed John Major's Guildhall position that both sides had a burningdesire for peace in a taped statement.

Fax to Quentin Thomas and Tony Beeton Regarding a Working Draft of Key Considerations for the Joint Declaration - (file)

Cover fax for an enclosed document that sets out the key considerations for a 14 October 1993 meeting with Prime Minister John Major.

Faxed Copy of Letter from John Major to Albert Reynolds Replying to 30 December 1993 Letter - (file)

A letter replying to the 30 December 1993 letter from the Taoiseach. Returns thanks for the Joint Declaration, condemns the continued PIRA violence and stresses the importance of the Talks process. Responds in detail with a fair amount of anger to the...

Faxed Copy of a Letter from Dick Spring to Patrick Mayhew - (file)

Faxed copy of Dick Spring's 6 January 1994 letter to Patrick Mayhew. The letter concerns the establishment of a Northern Ireland Select Committee, raising serious concerns. It also emphasises that new institutions of the kind should be addressed...

File Index of Important Papers - (file)

An index list of important documents within the file, relating to the Framework Agreement. Not clear when it was compiled or whether documents have been added afterwards.

File cover - (link)

Cover of file.

File cover - (link)

Cover of file.

File cover - (link)

File cover - (link)

Cover of file.

File cover - (link)

Cover of file.

File cover - (link)

File cover - (link)

Cover of file.

File cover - (link)

Cover of file.

File covers - (link)

This document is the covers of the file.

Final Joint Declaration: Transcript for the Press - (file)

This is the final copy of the Joint Declaration as handed out to the press at its reading.

Folder Cover for Joint Declaration - (file)

Cover sheet.

Folder cover - (link)

Cover of file.

Folder cover - (link)

Cover of file.

Folder cover - (link)

Cover of file.

Folder cover - (link)

Cover of file.

Follow-up Memo from Quentin Thomas to John Major Conveying Patrick Mayhew's Comments, 12 December 1993 - (file)

Mayhew suggests that alternatives to the "as of right" sentence should include the words "properly" or "legitmately", or accept the version from the Butler/Nally group.

Further Irish Press Reactions to the Anglo-Irish Summit on 3 December 1993 - (file)

Provides an overview of the various press reactions to the Anglo-Irish talks about Northern Ireland. Highlighted.

Guest List for Lunch in Honour of Albert Reynolds on 25 September 1992 - (file)

Guest list with names of attendees from the British and Irish delegations for the luncheon organised in honour of Albert Reynolds.

Hand Annotated Copy of Joint Declaration (JD15B) – 9 December 1993 - (file)

Fax of the text of JD15B with annotated comments on the proposed amendments.

Handling plan for 16 and 17 July 1996, enclosing a draft statement by Patrick Mayhew for the informal session on procedural rules and the agenda, and a press statement on the state of the talks - (link)

Handwritten Letter from Robin Butler to James Molyneaux Regarding Rumoured Letter with Criticism of Molyneaux and Archbishop Eames, 9 December 1993 - (file)

Discredits the rumour that Robin Butler sent a letter criticising James Molyneaux and Archbishop Eames to an Irish official.

Handwritten Note by Quentin Thomas of the Context to the 10 November Meeting of the Butler Nally Group - (file)

Most of this is illegible to my eyes. It seems to be a framework document for the meeting suggesting possible British lines. It seems to echo the British position seen elsewhere of circumspection about the implementation and delivery of the JDI given...

Handwritten Note by Sandra P Suggesting 3 December 1993 as Date for the Anglo-Irish Summit - (file)

Notes that holding the Anglo-Irish Summit on 2 December 1993 might be difficult due to John Major's other commitments. Suggests 3 December 1993 as an alternative date, based on the outcome of the talks taking place next week.

Handwritten Note by Sandra P to Roderic Lyne Regarding the Need to Inform the Foreign and Commonwealth Office about 3 December 1993 as the Preferred Date for the Anglo-Irish Summit - (file)

Details that Jonathan Rodell was informed about 3 December 1993 as the tentative date for the Anglo-Irish Summit, and enquires who wil be informing the Foreign and Commonwealth Office about the same.

Handwritten Note by Sandra P to Roderic Lyne with a List of Tenative Dates for the Anglo-Irish Summit - (file)

Outlines four tentative dates in November and December, provisionally reserved in John Major's diary for the Anglo-Irish Summit. Includes an enclosed note by Alex Allans regarding another event reserved for 3 November 1993 that requires consideration...

Handwritten Note from Alex Allan to Roderic Lyne Regarding the Response to the Allegations that the Hume/Adams Talks were Bugged - (file)

Provides background for the enclosed letter, which gives an outline of the line to take in case the question around bugging of the Hume/Adams talks emerges during Prime Minister's Questions.

Handwritten Note from Roderic Lyne to Albert Reynolds Regarding Attendance at the Meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds on 16 June 1993 - (file)

Handwritten note by Roderic Lyne for John Major suggesting that Dick Spring and Máire Geoghegan-Quinn be asked to accompany Albert Reynolds to the 16 June 1993 meeting in London with the British government.

Handwritten Note from Roderic Lyne to John Major Regarding Nicholas Lyell's Note on the Joint Declaration, 9 December 1993 - (file)

Notes that he will attempt to remove 'as of right' but that the question is not one of major importance.

Handwritten Note from Roderic Lyne to John Major on Briefing Material, 10 December 1993 - (file)

Lyne reports that he is missing two documents for Major's meeting with Reynolds, but that when he receives them he'll boil them down into a briefer, single document.

Handwritten Note from Sandra P to Roderic Lyne about Logistics for a Proposed Meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds - (file)

Handwritten internal note from Sandra P to Roderic Lyne advising about the merits and logistics of a meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds.

Handwritten Note on Peace in Northern Ireland - (file)

Undated, but can contextually be placed as a document which was produced on 3 December 1993 during the Anglo-Irish talks in Dublin.

Handwritten Note to John Major Regarding the Size of the Irish Delegation - (file)

Conveys Stephen Wall and Peter Brooke's hesitation over widening the Irish group beyond Dermot Nally and Noel Dorr. A small part has been removed from view, as it is deemed closed under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Handwritten Notes Titled "Political Movement: Key Questions" Dated 23 January 1991 - (file)

This document contains a series of questions related to the prospect of the British Government entering peace talks with PIRA, addressing the implications and feasibility of such talks, PIRA's motivations, and other considerations. Authorship is...

Handwritten Notes by Quentin Thomas on the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

A page of handwritten notes by Quentin Thomas on the Joint Declaration, which raises the possibility of two separate unilateral statements by the respective governments. The notes might relate to a British government internal meeting which was held on...

Handwritten Notes by Unknown Author Regarding the Hume-Adams Talks - (file)

The document contains handwritten notes on an unknown topic, likely relating to the on-going talks between John Hume and Gerry Adams. The document is difficult to decipher, though some words can be discerned. Refers to JH (John Hume), GA (Gerry...

Handwritten Notes from a Meeting between Peter Brooke, Charles Haughey and Gerry Collins on 31 January 1991 - (file)

This note contains rough notes which were likely taken during the meeting between Peter Brooke, Charles Haughey and Gerry Collins on 31 January 1991. The topics of conversation included activity of the "PSF" (Provisional Sinn Féin), the position of...

Handwritten Notes on James Molyneaux's Early Draft Blueprint for Stability as Passed to Michael Ancram on 8 December 1993 - (file)

Describes Michael Ancram's thoughts on the first draft of the 'Blueprint for Stability'. Highlighted.

Handwritten Notes on Joint Declaration Issues - (file)

Handwritten notes that may record a meeting on 9 December 1993, probably an internal one. Pages may be out of order. Second page headed 'JDI' and includes a list of initials (attendees?) and some attributed comments. References to particular...

Handwritten Notes on Meetings - (file)

Some handwritten notes on the back of a sheet of paper. Date inferred from position in file and mention of Molyneaux meeting.

Handwritten Record of Butler/Nally Meeting on 7 December 1993 - (file)

The first page is the wrong way round within the file, as indicated by the numbers at the top. A handwritten note of the Butler/Nally meeting on 7 December 1993, according to pencilled annotation at the top. Goes through the text paragraph by...

Handwritten Record of Plenary Meeting on 3 December 1993 at 14.55 - (file)

Handwritten record of the plenary session of the Anglo-Irish Summit on 3 December 1993. Attributed summaries of speech. Pen changes halfway through. Seems to go through the Joint Declaration section by section and identifies sticking points. Reynolds...

Handwritten Record of a Ministerial Meeting on 26 January 1994 - (file)

Handwritten notes; seemingly in reverse order, with sections labelled from D to A. Deal with the topics outlined above.

Handwritten Record of the Ministers' Meeting of the Anglo-Irish Summit on 3 December 1993 at 11.30 - (file)

Handwritten record of the ministers' meeting happening in parallel to the tête-à-tête at 3 December 1993 Anglo-Irish summit. Summarised speech.

Handwritten Record of the Reduced Plenary Session of the Anglo-Irish Summit on 3 December 1993 at 17.10 - (file)

Handwritten record of the second plenary session of 3 December 1993 Anglo-Irish summit, resumed with reduced membership. Summaries of speech, atttributed.

Handwritten Sheet of Notes Sketching a Timeline for the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

Sheet of fairly illegible handwritten notes containing a numbered list of tasks (?) or predicted events. Dated 3/12 so could be a speculative list of contingencies or tasks to complete following transmission of the Downing Street Declaration, which...

Handwritten Supplementary Briefing from Roderic Lyne to John Major for a Meeting with Jim Molyneaux - (file)

Note provides points to make and questions to ask Jim Molyneaux in a meeting with John Major.

Handwritten note from David Trimble to John Holmes enclosing and commenting on Michael Ancram's amendment to the Rules of Procedure - (link)

The UUP objected to an amendment proposed by Michael Ancram during an informal meeting at 10.15 on 19 June 1996 as it would have resulted in the Ground Rules being fully incorporated into the Rules of Procedure. They also objected to the fact that the...

Handwritten note from David Trimble to John Holmes enclosing and commenting on Michael Ancram's amendment to the Rules of Procedure - (link)

The UUP objected to an amendment proposed by Michael Ancram during an informal meeting at 10.15 on 19 June 1996 as it would have resulted in the Ground Rules being fully incorporated into the Rules of Procedure. They also objected to the fact that the...

Handwritten record of a telephone conversation between the NIO and the Cabinet Office on 12 June 1996 at 01.40 - (link)

Handwritten notes from Edward Oakden to the Prime Minister, reporting on a phone call received from the NIO at 1.40am and updating him on the progress in the talks overnight, but also on the fact that the DUP and UKUP had walked out. Handwritten...

Hansard Extract (Annotated) - (file)

An extract from Hansard for 13 January 1994, annotated in blue pen and highlighted in yellow. A question to John Major concerning Gerry Adams' statement and clarification of the Joint Declration seems to be the focus.

Heavily annotated draft letters from John Major to President Ahtissari and to Prime Minister Chretien - (link)

Draft letters to the heads of government in Canada and Finland to acknowledge the role of Harri Holkeri and John de Chastelain.

Hidden Copylist for Meeting Records - (file)

A hidden copylist seemingly pertaining to the records of the Anglo-Irish Summit sent by Jonathan Stephens.

Hidden Copylist for Quentin Thomas' Letter to Robin Butler - (file)

This is a hidden circulation list. The author is unknown however the letter in question is enclosed.

Hidden Copylist for the Letter from Quentin Thomas to Robin Butler - (file)

A hidden copylist for Quentin Thomas' covering letter to Robin Butler and the enclosed briefing material.

IRA Statement - (file)

Typed copy of statement with date added in pen. Restating a positive and flexible attitude to peace and calling on the British Government to abandon its negative stance.

Incomplete Joint Declaration Draft (JD15) with Comments and Amendments - (file)

Several pages are missing and so it is hard to discern exactly what the purpose of this document is or what the comments are working towards. However, it does include some comments from Jim Molyneaux and some explinations for particular amendments or...

Incomplete Paper with Statements by the British Government Responding to Questions on its Exchanges with the IRA - (file)

Contains a list of statements for the British Government to release that respond to questions regarding the revelation that it was in communication with the IRA. The document is incomplete, as it starts from point 7 and previous points are not available.

Incomplete Transcript of Peter Brooke's Interview Regarding Inter-Party Talks on 27 March 1991 - (file)

This is the transcript for part of an interview of Peter Brooke, conducted in London on 27 March 1991. The document records the exchange between Brooke and the interviewer about the purpose of the political talks and the terms on which Sinn Féin would...

Incomplete: Extract from Draft Follow-Up Lines to Take for PMQs etc. - (file)

An earlier draft of the document above, with some questions left to be filled in by the NIO. Begins at page 2.

Incomplete: Extract from Northern Ireland Tour d'Horizon - (file)

Extract from CJ410947_11. Only part of the covering letter so not particularly useful in isolation.

Internal record of a bilateral between the British Government and the UUP and the informal discussions on the procedural rules from 3 July 1996, enclosing the British Government's proposed amendment to rule 1 - (link)

Internal record of a pre-plenary meeting on 10 June 1996 at 14.05 - (link)

This is an internal record of an informal pre-plenary meeting on 10 June 1996. David Trimble began the meeting by raising a point of order objecting to the appointment of Independent Chairmen. Ian Paisley objected to the Irish government being...

Internal record of a pre-plenary meeting on 10 June 1996 at 14.05 (INT/1) - (link)

Internal minutes of the first pre-plenary meeting, addressed by the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach (the addresses of the two prime ministers are not included). Most of the meeting was taken up with discussing the chairing of the talks, with...

Internal record of a pre-plenary meeting on 11 June 1996 at 09.12 - (link)

This is an internal record of an informal meeting on 11 June 1996. The two governments announced that they had not yet agreed the paper laying out their position on procedural difficulties. Other key points of contention raised by Ian Paisley were the...

Internal record of a pre-plenary meeting on 11 June 1996 at 09.12 (INT/2) - (link)

Patrick Mayhew chaired a brief meeting which was subsequently adjourned until the proposals produced by the two governments could be circulated and considered by the other delegations. Appended to the minute is a letter from Patrick Mayhew to Ian...

Internal record of an informal meeting on procedural guidelines and agenda on 12 June 1996 at 11.45 (INT/4) - (link)

This is an internal record of three informal meetings to discuss procedural guidelines and the agenda on 12 June 1996. It is misdated 11 June 1996. The meeting convened to discuss the 'A possible approach to resolving procedural difficulties' paper....

Internal record of an informal meeting on procedural guidelines and agenda on 12 June 1996 at 11.45 (INT/4) - (link)

This is an internal record of three informal meetings to discuss procedural guidelines and the agenda on 12 June 1996. It is misdated 11 June 1996. The meeting convened to discuss the 'A possible approach to resolving procedural difficulties' paper....

Internal record of an informal meeting on procedural guidelines and agenda on 25 June 1996 at 10.08 - (link)

This is an internal record of an informal meeting to discuss procedural guidelines and the agenda. Although many of the parties wanted to discuss the rules in detail, the DUP and the UKUP spent a lot of time focusing on defining their precise status....

Internal record of an informal meeting on procedural guidelines and agenda on 26 June 1996 at 10.00 - (link)

This is an internal record of an informal meeting to discuss procedural guidelines and the agenda. Senator Mitchell chaired the session and a variety of amendments were proposed and agreed to the rules of procedure. However, many still remained to be...

Internal record of an informal meeting on the rules of procedure and agenda on 17 June 1996 - (link)

Internal record of an informal meeting on the rules of procedure and agenda on 17 June 1996 - (link)

Internal record of an opening plenary meeting on 12 June 1996 at 00.20 (INT/3) - (link)

This is an internal record of an opening plenary session on 12 June 1996. Before the meeting had formally opened, the DUP objected to the behaviour of the UUP and the two governments. When Patrick Mayhew invited Senator Mitchell to take the chair,...

Internal record of an opening plenary session on 19 June 1996 at 12.03 (INT/7) - (link)

Internal record of informal session on procedural rules and the agenda, 24 June 1996 - (link)

This document provides the internal record for the informal discussion on procedural rules and the agenda that took place on 24 June 1996. Harri Holkeri, who was chairing the meeting, proposed an immediate adjournment to allow bilateral meetings to...

Internal record of meeting involving the British Government on 4 July 1996 - (link)

Internal record of meetings involving the British Government delegation, 24 July 1996 - (link)

Internal record of meetings involving the British Government from the morning of 18 July 1996 - (link)

Internal record of meetings involving the British Government on 1 July 1996 - (link)

Internal record of meetings involving the British Government on 2 July 1996 - (link)

Internal record of meetings involving the British Government on 3 July 1996 - (link)

Internal record of meetings involving the British Government on 9 July 1996 - (link)

Internal record of meetings involving the British Government on 16 July 1996 - (link)

Internal record of meetings involving the British Government on 16 July 1996 - (link)

Internal record of meetings involving the British Government on 17 July 1996 - (link)

Internal record of meetings involving the British Government on 22 July 1996 - (link)

Internal record of pre-plenary meetings on 10 June 1996 (INT/1) - (link)

Internal record of the informal meeting on procedural guidelines and the agenda on 2 July 1996 - (link)

This document provides an account of the informal meeting on procedural guidelines and the agenda that was held on 2 July 1996. The note records that the delegates discussed the amendments tabled by the DUP and the UUP, and also the status of the...

Internal record of the informal meeting on procedural guidelines and the agenda on 4 July 1996 - (link)

This document provides an account of the informal meeting on procedural guidelines and the agenda that was held on 4 July 1996. The note records that the first half of the debate from the morning session focused on whether or not to move into...

Internal summary record of an informal meeting on procedural guidelines and agenda on 17 June 1996 - (link)

This minute gives a summary of the informal meetings on the rules of procedure and agenda which took place on 17 June 1996. It also goes on to record an evening bilateral meeting that followed it between British and Irish government officials.

Internal summary record of the first 36 hours of negotiations (10 – 12 June 1996): 'Appointing the chairman' - (link)

Invitation from Quentin Thomas to a Liaison Group Meeting on 2 March 1994 at 11.00 - (file)

A brief communication noting that at the 24 February 1994 liaison group meeting it was agreed to hold a meeting on 2 March 1994 and inviting Peter Bell, David Watkins, David Blatherwick/John Dew, Graham Archer and David Brooker to attend the meeting.

Invitation to Michael Ancram Talks from Patrick Mayhew to Ian Paisley - (file)

An invitiation to participate in the next round of bilateral discussions with Mcihael Ancram, on the basis of the statement of 26 March 1991.

Invitation to Michael Ancram Talks from Patrick Mayhew to James Molyneaux - (file)

An invitiation to participate in the next round of bilateral discussions with Mcihael Ancram, on the basis of the statement of 26 March 1991.

Invitation to Michael Ancram Talks from Patrick Mayhew to John Alderdice - (file)

An invitiation to participate in the next round of bilateral discussions with Mcihael Ancram, on the basis of the statement of 26 March 1991.

Invitation to Michael Ancram Talks from Patrick Mayhew to John Hume - (file)

An invitiation to participate in the next round of bilateral discussions with Mcihael Ancram, on the basis of the statement of 26 March 1991.

Irish Government submission letter, 14 June 1996 - (link)

Irish News Opinion Piece: Major Avoids Tough Stance Temptation - (file)

Date appears to be date of fax, but first page is blurry so it isn't wholly clear. Opinion piece praising Major for not taking a tough stance but a flexible one; urging him to continue that by issuing the requesting clarification of the Joint Declaration.

Irish Times Article Reporting a Speech Given by Gerry Adams on 13 October 1993 - (file)

This article quotes a recent Gerry Adams interview where he adopts something close to the British line, that peace is not a necessary preliminary step to establishing a political process. This heavily criticises the British for stalling on peace, and...

Irish draft of revised agenda paper, 24 July 1996 at 12.00 - (link)

Irish draft of the joint proposal by Governments on handling of decommissioning with amendments and comments by David Hill, 17 September 1996 - (link)

Irish government submission letter to the chairman on the rules of procedure and agenda - (link)

Irish government submission to the chairman on the rules of procedure and agenda - (link)

Item Retained under Section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958: Flag A - (file)

Item retained under Flag A

James Couchman's Private Member's Motion on Northern Ireland Scheduled for 21 January 1994 - (file)

An extract from a longer letter including the text of the motion as submitted by Couchman, calling for peace in Northern Ireland.

John Bruton's opening address to the all-party negotiations on 10 June 1996 - (link)

John Major amendment to paragraph 4 of the scenario paper, on chairmanships - (link)

John Holmes sent Martin Howard John Major's revision to paragraph 4 of the scenario paper on chairmanships. He was worried that it gave too much authority to George Mitchell, which would unacceptable to Unionists.

John Major's opening address to the all-party negotiations on 10 June 1996 - (link)

Joint Communique on Meeting between Charles Haughey and John Major Dated 4 December 1991 - (file)

Text of the press notice issued following the meeting between John Major and Charles Haughey with Peter Brooke, Tristan Garel-Jones, Gerry Collins and Bertie Ahern present on 4 December 1991.

Joint Declaration (JD9) As Confirmed by the Irish Government on 1 October 1993 - (file)

Difficulties would center around paragraph 4 of the document, as well as some of the more wordy sections of the document.

Joint Declaration (JD12A) with Further Pencilled Amendments - (file)

This is a copy of JD12A, as was prepared to be shown to Molyneaux on 18 October 1993. It has handwritten amendments in pencil by Quentin Thomas. [Could these possibly reflect Molyneaux's textual comments, which remain unspecified in the minute of the...

Joint Declaration (JD15 – 7 December 1993) - (file)

A clean copy of JD15 as agreed between Butler and Nally on 7 December 1993.

Joint Declaration (JD15) - (file)

A clean copy of JD15 as agreed between Butler and Nally on 7 December 1993.

Joint Declaration (JD15) with Handwritten Annotations - (file)

A copy of JD15 as agreed by Butler and Nally on 7 December 1993, with handwritten annotations glossing and rationalising some of the language and amendments.

Joint Declaration (JD15) – Copy with Typed Annotations - (file)

A copy of JD15 as agreed between Butler and Nally on 7 December 1993, with typed annotations giving explanations for some of the language. The formatting is quite strange: it is laid out to appear with the typed annotations on the right hand column as...

Joint Declaration (JD15B) – 9 December 1993 - (file)

Text of JD15 with British proposed amendments underlined with unbroken line and Irish proposed amendments underlined with broken line.

Joint Declaration Draft (JD14) - (file)

Loose copy of the Joint Declaration, labelled JD14. Annex B to an unknown letter.

Joint Declaration Draft (JD15) - (file)

This is the draft JD15 without any comments and amendments, however paragraphs 10 and 11 are in square brackets. Later documents in a similar format include British comments and amendments, some sourced from Jim Molyneaux and Archbishop Eames.

Joint Declaration Draft (JD15) Emerging from a Meeting of the Butler/Nally Group on 7 December 1993 with Annotations in Pencil - (file)

Includes some pencil additions. There are some sentences underlined in the text, most predominantly in paragraph 4 and 12, the latter indicates a wholly rewritten paragraph. Sections are crossed out, explaining why later versions of this text are only...

Joint Declaration Draft (JD15) with Amendments Proposed by Both Sides and Annotations in Pen from 12 December 1993 - (file)

British amendments are underlined with unbroken line and Irish amendments are underlined with broken line. The pen annotations cross through large sections on paragraph 4 were indicated by delete in square brackets in the text. There are also some...

Joint Declaration Draft (JD15) with British Proposed Amendments from 9 December 1993 - (file)

British amendments focus on paragraph 4 with a reiteration of the British neutrality statement made by Peter Brooke on the 9 November 1991. There is also a remodelling of paragraph 11, where there is an expectation that the Irish side will flesh it out.

Joint Declaration Draft (JD15) with Comments and Amendments - (file)

Includes some comments from Jim Molyneaux and some explanations for particular amendments or exclusions of certain words and phrases in the margins. This in formatted slightly differently to another version of this document in this collection. It also...

Joint Declaration – JD15B with Further Amendments - (file)

A copy of JD15B as finalised on 9 December 1993, including British and Irish proposed amendments. Further marked up with handwritten amendments in pen, and includes the additional Irish final paragraph (also amended in pen). Does not yet include the...

Joint Declaration – JD14A as Amended by Hand in Dublin on 3 December 1993 to Become JD14B - (file)

A copy of the Joint Declaration which seems to have arrived at the Anglo-Irish Summit on 3 December 1993 as JD14A and then been amended by hand during the meeting to become JD14B.

Joint Declaration: Alternative British Draft - (file)

Penultimate page is blurry but legible.

Joint Declaration: Alternative British Draft - (file)

The 23 November 1993 alternative British draft of the Joint Declaration. Structured as a basic statement with a separate note on constitutional issues.

Joint Declaration: Alternative British Draft (12 November 1993 Draft) - (file)

Annex B to an unknown document. Handwritten annotation indicating 'Possible British [Test]' 'As sent to No. 10 12.11.93' A separate statement on Constitutional Issues.

Joint Declaration: Alternative British Draft (Annotated Copies) - (file)

Contains two further copies of the alternative British draft. In both of them, the Constitutional Issues statement has been lightly annotated in pen (different annotations on each one).

Joint Declaration: Amendment to Paragraph 4 Suggested by Quentin Thomas - (file)

Suggested language for part of paragraph 4. Presented without context; signed Q.T.

Joint Declaration: JD8 - (file)

Number of draft added by hand, along with note 'Passed by Mr o'hUiginn m 24.9.'

Joint Declaration: JD12 [Mislabelled as JD11] - (file)

This version of the Joint Declaration was included in the file without contextual information other than a title: 'The Irish text as conveyed on 8 October.' and the information that it is Annex C. 'JD11' has been written in pen in the top right-hand...

Joint Declaration: JD12 as Amended to Be Shown to Jim Molyneaux (JD12A) - (file)

This draft of the Joint Declaration has 'JD12' added in pen in the top right-hand corner and 'as shown to Molyneaux' added below in pencil. No date or other contextual information has been given here. The text is substantially that of JD12, but has...

Joint Declaration: JD13 - (file)

Date and number of draft given in a handwritten annotation. Same pen used to underline some sections and add minor comments.

Joint Declaration: JD14 (Photocopy of Annotated Copy) - (file)

A copy of JD14 with handwritten amendments noting 'sticking points for HMG'

Joint Declaration: JD14 as Shown to Jim Molyneaux on 30 November 1993 (Annotated Copy) - (file)

A copy of JD14 used at the Ancram/Molyneaux meeting with manuscript amendments and certain paragraphs marked with letters.

Joint Declaration: JD14A (Photocopy of Annotated Copy) - (file)

Duplicate. A photocopy of JD14 as amended following the 30 November 1993 meeting between Ancram and Molyneaux (JD14A) with handwritten annotations highlighting further amendments/points to press.

Joint Declaration: JD15 - (file)

A clean copy of JD15 (7 December 1993) with provisionally agreed amendments added in type and underlined.

Joint Declaration: JD15 (Annotated Copy) - (file)

A copy of JD15 in two columns: with the text on the left and typed up annotations on the right. Noted that PUS (John Chilcot) received it on 9 December 1993.

Joint Declaration: JD15 (Hand-Annotated Copy) - (file)

Seems to be a photocopy. The text of JD15 as above but with handwritten annotations offering glosses and amendments. Also labelled 'ANNEX B' at the top in the same pen and hand.

Joint Declaration: JD15B as Amended on 9 December 1993 - (file)

A clean copy of JD15B, with the Irish amendments and the British amendments marked in broken and unbroken line respectively.

Joint Declaration: JD15B with Typed Annotations - (file)

**Nb. In the original file, viewed in the National Archives of the UK at Kew, only pp.1-3 of this document are filed here; pp.4-14 are filed after item number 8 (the letter from David Cooke to Quentin Thomas). Since the separated pages constitute one...

Joint Declaration: JD15B – 9 December 1993 - (file)

A copy of JD15B, headed 9 December 1993. Including proposed British and Irish amendments, marked.

Joint Declaration: JD17 - (file)

Incomplete. Lightly annotated with possible amendments. Has the note 'The text at 16.00 – not yet finalised!' in the top right hand corner.

Joint Declaration: JD18 - (file)

Attached version JD 18 of the Joint Declaration - wording of paragraph 10 has yet to be settled and third sentence of paragraph 13

Joint Declaration: JD19 - (file)

The penultimate version of the Joint Declaration, numbered JD19. Agreed between the British and Irish governments some time in the evening on 14 December 1993, having missed a 15.00 deadline. Enclosed with a covering note from Quentin Thomas, who...

Joint Declaration: JD20 - (file)

Final version

Joint Declaration: JD20 as Issued by the Northern Ireland Information Service - (file)

This document is a copy of the final version of Joint Declaration (JD20) as issued on 15 December 1993, along with a covering note from the Northern Ireland Information Service.

Joint Declaration: Letter from Quentin Thomas to John Major Analysing 'As of Right' Sentence - (file)

Advice and analysis of a sentence in the Joint Declaration

Joint Declaration: Letter from Quentin Thomas to John Major Analysing 'As of Right' Sentence - (file)

Advice and analysis of a sentence in the Joint Declaration

Joint Declaration: New Paragraph 11 (Non-Paper Version) - (file)

New paragraph 11, stand alone. Handwritten note says: "[Non-paper]"

Joint Declaration: Update from Quentin Thomas to John Major Concerning 'As of Right' Sentence - (file)

Follows an earlier note (found below); states SoS opinion on a controversial sentence and suggests some alternatives

Joint Declaration: Update from Quentin Thomas to John Major Concerning 'As of Right' Sentence - (file)

Follows an earlier note (found below); states SoS opinion on a controversial sentence and suggests some alternatives

Joint statement by talks participants confirming their commitment to the Mitchell Principles, 12 June 1996 - (link)

This document contains the joint statement by the participants which confirmed their commitment to the principles of non-violence and democracy, as laid out in the Report of the International Body, on 12 June 1996. The heading 'Annex C' indicates that...

Keeping Sinn Féin out – response to memo of 6 June - (link)

John Wheeler supported the idea of a joint statement by the British and Irish governments on the (non-)participation of Sinn Féin in the talks. He suggested it would also be helpful if the US government were to make a similar statement, to demonstrate...

Key Questions for a Ministerial Meeting on 9 December 1993 - (file)

Lists questions for the British Government to consider in advance of the release of the Joint Declaration.

Labour submission on the rules and agenda, 14 June 1996 - (link)

Labour submission to the chairman on the rules of procedure and agenda - (link)

Letter From Keith Jagelman to Quentin Thomas Recording Michael Ancram's Comments on and Amendments to the 15 April 1994 Draft of the Framework Agreement - (file)

A list of Michael Ancram's comments on and amendments to the 15 April 1994 Irish draft of the Framework Agreement. It goes through the draft paragraph by paragraph and is fairly thorough. Second page blurry to the point of illegibility.

Letter From Roderic Lyne To Emeka Anyaoku - (file)

Anyaoku was the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. He had sent Major a congratulatory letter on the Joint Declaration, but Major was out of office and so Lyne is replying.

Letter From Roderic Lyne to the Archbishop of Canterbury Regarding the Joint Declaration - (file)

Encloses a copy of the declaration in the form they expect to publish it and some briefing notes.

Letter and Attachment from John Sawers to Roderic Lyne dated 25 November 1993 - (file)

Item closed under FOI Exemption sections 31 and 38.

Letter from Albert Reynolds to John Major - (file)

A letter from Albert Reynolds to John Major rejecting the alternative British draft in fairly strong terms and emphasising that the Irish draft would not be unacceptable to loyalist paramilitaries. Highlighted in red.

Letter from Albert Reynolds to John Major (11 November 1993) - (file)

Albert Reynolds expresses his concern about British non-cooperation and cites the Irish political pressure to pursue a perceived opportunity for peace. He is anxious that failure to explore this option will lead to increased support for the PIRA.

Letter from Albert Reynolds to John Major (16 December 1993) - (file)

Reynolds thanks Major for his hospitality in Downing Street and looks forward to positive reactions to the Declaration, hoping that they can continue the momentum.

Letter from Albert Reynolds to John Major Concerning British Withrawal from the Joint Declaration Initiative - (file)

Reynolds is disappointed by the apparent withdrawal of the British from JDI. Irish gov. will pursue alt. initiatives for peace.

Letter from Albert Reynolds to John Major Concerning Peace Initiative - (file)

Responds to Major's letter; expresses enthusiasm for peace initiative; Irish public supports peace; No compromise necessary for either government; expresses the usefulness of Hume.

Letter from Albert Reynolds to John Major Following the Anglo-Irish Summit on 3 December 1993 - (file)

Comments on the amendments proposed on 3 December 1993. Included in the folder as "Annex A".

Letter from Albert Reynolds to John Major Regarding His Appointment as Taoiseach - (file)

Albert Reynolds's letter thanks John Major for his congratulations and promises to commit to working closely as neighbours on Northern Ireland.

Letter from Albert Reynolds to John Major Regarding the Alternative British Draft of the Joint Declaration - (file)

Major had sent Reynolds a British draft of the Joint Declaration which he now rejects. He is frustrated as it suggests the negotiations of the last eighteen months were superfluous. Instead, he feels the current Irish draft is acceptable to Unionists...

Letter from Albert Reynolds to John Major Regarding the Anglo-Irish Summit on 3 December 1993 - (file)

A 6 December 1993 letter from Albert Reynolds to John Major reflecting on the Anglo-Irish summit on 3 December 1993 and commenting on proposed British amendments to the Joint Declaration, stressing the need for rapid progress.