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] The version of the Joint Declaration negotiated between Irish and British officials earlier in the day was reported back by Roderic Lyne, along with his record of the meeting.
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, Nicholas Lyell, 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 (38 total)
Representing 1 delegations:
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Resource Items (17):
Encloses a more detailed brief. Stephens offers two possible explanations for the Irish Government "playing hard" at the very end of the Joint Declaration process. The first is that they simply want to see what they can get last minute, the second is that they believe it won't work and so are happy to try their luck. He goes on to state that the British side should stick firm to its key arguments around paragraph 4 and the consent principle.
NIO conceding that the text should mention the Irish Convention in some way, though begrudgingly. Lyne then sets out the negotiating strategy at the upcoming Brussels summit, most of which involves trade-offs. He remains confident, however, that there remains only a handful of issues.
Draft letter sent by P N Bell for SoS to potentially sent to Roderic Lyne with a copy of latest handling plan
Lyne reports that he is missing two documents for Major's meeting with Reynolds, but that when he receives them he'll boil them down into a briefer, single document.
In this letter, Ian Paisley, Peter Robinson, and William McCrea argue that John Major has betrayed and lied to the Unionist community by signing this declaration, which he believes proves they had been in contact with PIRA. They evoke the Anglo-Irish Agreement as a reminder of when the Unionist community were taken for granted by the British, and warn against negotiating what with they see as Ulster's enemies.
Response to Cooke's submission of 9/12/1993. Includes SoS comments on the opening statement and briefing
In conversation with Roderic Lyne's note of 10/12/1993 on Brussels Negotiations. Provides further analysis on Irish position and key issues. Encloses briefing note (not attached)
In conversation with Roderic Lyne's note of 10/12/1993 on Brussels Negotiations. Provides further analysis on Irish position and key issues. Encloses briefing note (not attached)
Revised Handling Plan for the period before and after the announcement on the Joint Declaration. Follows from a previous handling plan circulated by Mr Beeton on 9/12/1993. Revised in light of advice received from officials; enclosed draft letter for Roderic Lyne (filed separately)
Draft letters for 10 Downing Street to send to Cabinet informing them of progress and seeking authority to finalise the negotiations
Lines to take for Brussels discussion of JD15. References made to Rod Lyne's note of 10 December (below)
Lines to take for Brussels discussion of JD15. References made to Rod Lyne's note of 10 December (below)
Record of discussion of JD15 from 1130-1400. Roderic Lyne "vs" Martin Mansergh, Noel Dorr and Seán Ó hUiginn. Outline of decisions taken on pending amendments and further amendments made by both sides.
Record of discussion of JD15 from 1130-1400. Roderic Lyne "vs" Martin Mansergh, Noel Dorr and Seán Ó hUiginn. Outline of decisions taken on pending amendments and further amendments made by both sides.
Faded note that records a meeting involving delegations from both the British and Irish Government. They debated changes to the Joint Declaration draft 15 closely and specifically. Includes some written ticks.
Record of discussion of JD15 from 1130-1400. Roderic Lyne "vs" Martin Mansergh, Noel Dorr and Seán Ó hUiginn. Outline of decisions taken on pending amendments and further amendments made by both sides.
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