The memo dated 14 November 1996, addressed to David Trimble, outlines three strategic options for handling the decommissioning issue. Option 1 suggests forming a joint approach with the UKUP and the DUP, which could lead to the collapse of talks and a potential breakdown of the loyalist ceasefire. Option 2 proposes finding an accommodation with the SDLP and Alliance, but this risks electoral damage and accusations of betrayal from the DUP and the UKUP. Option 3 recommends playing for time by debating decommissioning with minimal progress and requesting a suspension of talks until after the elections, maintaining political dialogue through the Forum to avoid electoral and political fallout.
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