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 speaking notes for Brooke's meeting with Major on 13 February 1991. The document is lightly marked in some places.
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FROM: PS/SECRETARY OF STATE
5 FEBRUARY 1991
cc. PS/SofS
Mr Pilling
Mr Deverell
PS/PUS
POLITICAL MOVEMENT AND THE PROVISIONALS
I attach a copy of Charles Powell's minute in response to the Secretary of State's note of 30 January to the Prime Minister.
2. The Secretary of State has also shown his minute to the Prime Minister to the Chief Constable of the RUC and the GOC Northern Ireland; PUS was present on the first occasion and myself on the second. The GOC said that he would not wish to add or subtract anything to or from the minute, and his only comment of substance was to say that he foresaw no problems in de-escalating the army presence, should that be required in relation to a developing ceasefire situation.
3. The Secretary of State will be meeting the Prime Minister to discuss this topic on Wednesday 13 February at 3.15 pm. The Secretary of State would be grateful for short lines-to-take/speaking notes from PUS, to reach me by close of play this Friday, 8th February, please. The pre-brief for this meeting is due to take place immediately following the morning meeting next Tuesday 12 February.
A J D PAWSON
Private Secretary
OAB Extn 6462
5 February 1991