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.
This committee has been created to model internal British Government documents and meetings.
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[Exact time unknown] A revised draft for Prime Minister's statement to the House on the European Council and on Northern Ireland was submitted, and the statement was made. Quentin Thomas submitted a briefing pack for a meeting between John Hume and either John Major or Patrick Mayhew.
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:
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Resources (9):
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Resource Items (9):
Additional contributions to the statement drafted for John Major to give in the House of Commons about his bilateral with Albert Reynolds at Brussels. Document also contains supplementaries on security and politics for follow up questions in the House.
Note contains explanation of the British position. Hume's proposals are rejected on the basis of a prediction of a loyalist backlash. The aim of the following arguments is to convince the SDLP and Hume of the importance of the talks process and that talks with the PIRA were not fruitful whilst violence continued.
Draft statement on meeting of the European Council and separate meeting with Albert Reynolds about the impact of the Hume/Adams talks on the possibility of a Joint Declaration document.
A draft of the JDI (JD12) which was shown to Jim Molyneaux and not to the Irish side.
A draft of the JDI (JD11) which was the last text received from the Irish government, and which may have been shown to John Hume.
The latest text of the Joint Declaration (JD8) which John Hume received from the Irish government prior to his statement following talks with Gerry Adams.
Meeting began with John Major's recollection of a 29th October European Council meeting. Major then gave an account of his bilateral discussion with Albert Reynolds concerning the Hume/Adams talks. Questions on the broad theme of the balance between the political talks and the peace processes followed. John Hume questioned why his suggestions following talks with Gerry Adams had been rejected. Ian Paisley, Sir James Kilfedder, and other Unionist MPs identified Articles 2&3 of the Irish constitution as the principal causes of vilence.
Copies also sent to the NIO, The Treasury, The Department of Trade and Industry, The Home Office, the Department of Health, the Chief Whip's Office, and the Cabinet Office
Letter notes that the principal agenda item for the upcoming meeting is the differing interpretation of the Brussels Agreement's stance on the JDI's viability.
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