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 David Trimble. The note notes that Gerry Adams' speech took place on 3 February 1991, but newspaper articles from the time report that the speech occurred on 2 February 1991.
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Background Note
At the Sinn Fein annual conference on 3 February, Mr Gerry Adams outlined a "peace process" and referred to the "inevitability of talks" between the Government and Sinn Fein. Unionist MPs in particular are vociferously opposed to any suggestion that the Government might talk to Sinn Fein (some suspect 'behind the scenes' negotiations involving a ceasefire). The Government has consistently made it clear that there can be no contact with Sinn Fein while it supports the use of violence.
CPLHILL/3925/MD
Sinn Fein
The Government's view, frequently expressed, is that while Sinn Fein endorses violence we cannot engage with them as if they were a normal democratic party. If they want to be treated like one they will have to behave like one. They cannot have it both ways.
CPLHILL/3925/MD