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These documents were scanned, collated and catalogued by Ruth Murray, Annabel Harris, Isha Pareek, Eleanor Williams, Antoine Yenk, Harriet Carter, Rosa Moore, Oliver Nicholls, Kieran Wetherwick, and Cerys Griffiths.

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British Government detailed record of multi-party meetings on 1 October 1996

Writing Peace: The National Archives of the UK (TNA)

This document details the meeting on 1 October 1996 securing confidentiality from participants but achieving little towards decommissioning. Finnish Prime Minister Harri Holkeri secured agreement on previous records of meetings alongside commitment to confidentiality applying equally to both Governments and Chairmen. The Secretary of State emphasised the need for substantive progress towards decommissioning, but the DUP criticised the proposed agenda. Robert McCartney, leader of the UK Unionist Party, also criticised the exclusion of his party and the DUP from decommissioning discussion with the Governments. The SDLP and Alliance took less issue with procedure and sought substantive discussion, with the latter emphasising that confidentiality meant the Governments did not have to share private discussions. McCartney shifted to substance and accused the Governments of appeasing Sinn Fein in their approach to decommissioning, to which the Secretary of State reasserted the procedural purpose of the session. Lord Alderdice of the Alliance increased tension by accusing the DUP of purposeful misunderstanding, leading the DUP to leave the meeting. During adjournment the two Governments discussed publication of decommissioning proposals. To resume the meeting, Lord Alderdice withdrew his previous remarks and each delegation made their procedural proposal. The Governments’ position to reorder agenda items was defended by Nora Owen, the Minister for Justice, to criticism by the DUP and UKUP who wanted decommissioning to come first. The SDLP and Alliance were less critical but sought promises of meaningful discussion. The report highlights tense accusations towards the Irish Government regarding arm hides and knowledge of their location, which Owen firmly denied. The Secretary of State returned to procedural disputes by asking for a circulation of views for the agenda. Though the meeting was adjourned, on return agenda agreement was not possible due to the Unionist block over wording around decommissioning proposals. This meant delegates agreed to think overnight for how to approach the following day, though the Governments agreed generic wording was not acceptable.

Jump To
i34203
Item Number
21
Oct
02
1996
CJ 4/12310
47 1996 - 1996
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  • Talks Secretariat
  • British Government

The National Archives of the UK (TNA), digitized by the Quill Project at https://quillproject.net/resource_collections/351/.