- Thursday, 28 October 1993, at 12:00
Northern Ireland Downing Street Joint Declaration (1993)
This project models the series of formal and informal negotiations which led to the publication, in December 1993, of a declaration issued jointly by the British and Irish Governments. The Joint Declaration was a critical policy document which paved the way for a ceasefire and the entry of Sinn Féin into formal talks. It also laid out a shared set of principles – including, crucially, self-determination for the people of Ireland subject to the consent of the people of Northern Ireland – which would come to underpin the Belfast Good Friday Agreement and provide a framework for its ratification.
British Government
This committee has been created to model internal British Government documents and meetings.
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Session 21730: 1993-10-28 12:00:00
[Exact time unknown] Various material was produced in advance of the meeting between Albert Reynolds and John Major on 29 October 1993.
Membership (at session start):
Michael Ancram, Kenneth Baker, Tony Beeton, David Blatherwick, John Blelloch, Ian Burns, Robin Butler, John Chilcot, Ken Clarke, David Cooke, Jim Daniell, Timothy Daunt, John Deverell, David Fell, William Fittall, David Gillmore, Christopher Glyn-Jones, Richard Gozney, Michael Howard, Douglas Hurd, Roderic Lyne, John Major, Jonathan Margetts, Peter May, Patrick Mayhew, John McConnell, David McIlroy , Danny McNeill, R. O. Miles, Anthony Pawson, Christopher Prentice , Stephen Rickard, Malcolm Rifkind , A W Stephens, Jonathan Stephens, Quentin Thomas, Stephen Wall (37 total)
Representing 1 delegations:
No imported or exported documents
Resources (15):
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Resource Items (15):
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 violence to achieve unity is disparaged and the PIRA/Loyalist paramilitaries are criticised. The talks process is praised but the pursuit of peace is considered paramount (and indeed the basis for talks). The Irish government position is presented as facilitatory rather than interventionist regarding Northern affairs. The empahsis for the future is put on mutual reconciliation and the accommodation of two traditions.
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 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: 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 to the outcome of the Hume-Adams initiative. Also suggests a British line of vague acceptance following Dick Spring's 'six principles' speech. Copies and enclosures also sent to John Sawers and Melanie Leech.
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 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 emphasised especially given anticipated Irish suspicion that British policy is determined by the temperature of Unionist opinion. Spring's six principles are seen as useful in the course of further discussion but too forward. Ways of tightening security post-Shankill are also on the agenda.
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 moderate unionist or republican can reject.
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 Cooke by David Brooker for inclusion in the briefing material for the meeting.
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 the desire to protect the primacy of the Talks process.
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 the desire to protect the primacy of the Talks process.
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 principle about terrorist inclusion in talks.
Letter from David Brooker to David Cooke Enclosing a Speaking Note for Inclusion in the Briefing for a Meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds on 29 October 1993 - (file)
Letter from David Brooker to David Cooke enclosing a speaking note for the Prime Minister ahead of meeting with Albert Reynolds addressing (and denying) speculation that the British Government is primed to introduce a Select Committee on Northern Ireland.
Letter from Jonathan Stephens to Roderic Lyne Enclosing Documents in Advance of a Meeting between John Major and Albert Reynolds on 29 October 1993 - (file)
Letter contains a note on the recent context - particularly the IRA Shankill Road bombing - and its likely effect on the public perception of a Statement which seems too similar to Hume/Adams. Suggests also that the 'six principles' are not adopted but are presented as avenues for future discussion. Also mentions logistical considerations for the production of a final draft.
Minute from David Cooke to Jonathan Stephens Enclosing Draft Documents Prior to a Meeting between John Reynolds and Albert Reynolds on 29 October 1993 - (file)
Fax enclosing large bundle of documents for meeting between prime Minister and Taoiseach
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