I note that the Communique and the Prime Minister's statement to Parliament of 28 February 1996 set out a number of topics for consultation over the next fortnight, and that these topics are arranged to distinguish between those which are the responsibility of Her Majesty's Government and those in which the Government of the Republic of Ireland also has an interest. The latter are encompassed within paragraph 10 (b) of the Communique which refers to the negotiations that will run alongside the Peace Convention that will be elected in Northern Ireland.
As the agenda for negotiations will include matters on which the Government of the Republic of Ireland will have an input to make, i.e. the issues which some refer to as strands two and three, I think it would be helpful if we discussed the matters referred to in paragraph 10 (b) in so far as they relate to the making of that input. For that purpose it might be helpful if an Ulster Unionist delegation were to meet the leaders of your coalition Government at a mutually convenient time and place.
There is another matter which we could discuss. The first issue to be dealt with in the negotiations is the total and absolute commitment to the principles set out in the report of the International Body and its proposals for decommissioning.
The Report sets out the need to have a body of persons of international repute and credibility to verify the disarmament process which should have a clear legal basis in both the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Obviously the necessary legislation and any appropriate administrative arrangements will have to be in place at, or very soon after, the commencement of negotiations on 10 June in order that the Mitchell suggestion of decommissioning parallel to negotiations can begin. We would like to discuss this matter with you in order to assure ourselves that this decommissioning and hence the talks will not be unduly delayed.