Conclusions of Meeting with the SDLP on 8 May at 11.15am

Confirmation of the SDLP Position:

- Alternation between London and Dublin.

- If the Unionists wanted a meeting in Northern Ireland, the SDLP would accept a symbolic meeting in Armagh. They had not discussed any other locations.

- A European location was not acceptable. It would show a lack of "political courage".

- 50% alternation between London and Dublin.

- Everything was on the table.

- The Talks should take Place where the Governments were located.

- If the Unionists did not want a "Dublin deal" the SDLP would be prepared to meet them by saying they were not unduly concerned where the Talks started or finished.

- It was important to preserve the confidentiality of the proceedings. It was breaking the spirit of the Talks if interviews were given by members of delegations on their way in or out of the Buildings. He had complained to the Unionists about statements by one of their delegation which had appeared in The Newsletter.

Additional Notes from the Meeting:

- The SDLP were concerned that the Unionist leaders were not accurately representing the SDLP position to the rest of their delegations.

- The meeting rooms were too small and restrictive. The SDLP delegation cannot leave "to take some air" without being exposed to the press.