This memo summarizes Father Denis Faul's view that PIRA could be persuaded to end violence if more republican prisoners were released. It notes that though the view cannot be endorsed, the reply to Faul should be conciliatory. It encloses recommended lines for a draft reply to Faul. Parts of the memo are annotated.
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PAB/6842/SM/RN
FROM: S A MARSH, PAB
DATE: 24 JANUARY 1991
1. Mr McNeill
2. Miss McGowan (LSU)
PS/PUS (B&L) - B
Mr Ledlie – B
Mr Pilling – B
Mr Alston – B
Mr Steele – B
Mr Thomas – B
Mr Petch – B
Mrs Collins – B
LETTER TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FROM FATHER DENIS FAUL
Mrs Collins has sent on to PAB your minute to her covering Father Faul’s letter (attached for copy recipients) about a link between parole for lifers and a PIRA ceasefire.
2. We know that Father Faul feels very strongly that the way to end violence is to put pressure on the active Provisionals by offering a more normal life to their families, particularly by the release of republican prisoners. His letter foes on to suggest that an enhanced programme of releases could, by means of intermediaries, be presented to the Provisional leadership as a definite gesture. There may be something in this; but Governments stance on dealings with the Provisionals is a matter of public record and we should go no further than that in the draft answer, particularly with such a public figure as Father Faul.
3. Nonetheless, Faul’s letter is intended to be helpful and we recommend that the answer be so emollient as possible. You will of course have your own on the general effect of what he proposes, and on the technical detail, but you might find the attached sentences useful in dealing with the specific link between paroles and ceasefires.
4. We should be grateful to see a copy of the proposed reply in draft before it is submitted.
S A MARSH
Political Affairs Division
Ext 2232 SH
RN/6392