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Letter from Quentin Thomas to Jonathan Stephens Enclosing a Record of the Butler/Nally Meeting on 10 November 1993

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

1993-11-11

Quentin Thomas provides commentary on enclosed meeting minutes from the Butler/Nally group a day earlier. The substantial points made are as follows: the Irish government, particularly Albert Reynolds, favours the Joint Declaration initiative (JDI) over the Talks process. The Irish claim that Draft 12 of the JDI (JD13) has been substantially revised, under supervision of Archbishop Eames (key figure in the broad Church of Ireland) to be acceptable to Unionists. This claim will be tested by Patrick Mayhew, before deciding whether to test it on Jim Molyneaux or abandon denial of 'textual barter' altogether by presenting the Irish with a British draft of the Joint Declaration. The Irish claim that Anglo-Irish relations depend on whether JDI progress has been made before the Heads of Government meeting on 3rd December 1993. They believe that the British are dragging their feet because of a need to appease Jim Molyneaux. The British government rejects this as an explanation for their perceived hesitance over JDI. Quentin Thomas also includes comments from Martin Mansergh, advisor to Albert Reynolds. These provide a counter point to the Nally/ O hUiggin school of thought and generally cast doubt on the idea that the JDI can instantly deliver peace, given likely Provisional opposition.

downing street declaration consent principle military activity (british) ground rules and procedural challenges in the talks paramilitary activity (republican)

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CJ 4/10648
38 1993 - 1993
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