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Writing Peace: The National Archives of the UK (TNA)

Enclosure: Letter from Gerry Adams to John Major Regarding the Initiation of Peace Talks Dated 20 August 1991

Tuesday, 20 August 1991

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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.

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20 August 1991

Mr John Major MP
10 Downing Street
Belfast

A Chara

The present phase of the conflict in Ireland has now entered its 22nd year and there is no visible prospect of a resolution. The result is on going political violence and instability for both the Irish and the British people.

The central and most urgent issue facing us all must be how to resolve this crisis and bring the conflict to an end. This means creating the conditions of justice, equality and democracy through which a real and lasting peace can be achieved.

Such a process requires dialogue. The British government has a central responsibility to initiate such dialogue. For our part, Sinn Fein is prepared to face up to that task and to discharge our responsibilities in a positive and honourable way. We believe that peace can be achieved. We are prepared to take the political risks. We are prepared to give and take. We are committed to establishing a peace process.

I am fully aware that such a path is fraught with difficulties. But I believe that we all have a responsibility to confront these difficulties and that with willingness a way can be found to initiate a process of real dialogue which would hopefully lead to the peaceful resolution of this conflict.

If you are genuinely interested in initiating such a process, you will find that Sinn Fein is willing to participate in a positive and flexible manner.

I can, of course, be contacted at any time at the above address.

Is mise

GERRY ADAMS