Series 4 - The 1975 Bi-lateral Cease-fire and Talks.

63 items

Notes compiled by Ruairí Ó Brádigh in relation to talks on a bi-lateral truce. Following a cease-fire called at Christmas 1974 informal talks and contacts took place between representatives of the Republican Movement and representatives of the British Government. The meetings and contacts were organised through an intermediary who is referred to in Ruairí Ó Brádiagh's notes as 'S'. On the Republican side the main participants in the talks were Ruairí Ó Brádaigh who is referred to in the notes as 'M' or 'Micheal', 'W' an unnamed member of the Republican Movement and Daithi Ó Connell who is referred to as 'Mr. Kelly'. The British Government were represented by James Allen of the Foreign Office who is referred to as 'A', Michael Oatley of M.I.6 who is referred to as 'O'. They both reported to Sir Frank Cooper Permanent Under Secretary at the Northern Ireland Office who is referred to as 'Yellow Man' and another unidentified man referred to as 'Hospital Man' or 'HM'. The talks took place in Derry. According to an early communication from the British Government to the Republican Movement the British Government were prepared to 'discuss with members of Provisional Sinn Féin how a permanent cessation of violence might be agreed....' and that they were 'prepared for officials to engage in a discreet exchange of views with Provisional Sinn Féin on matters arising from their objectives.' They would not exclude 'the raising of any relevant question.' The talks continued on and off until February 1976, however they ended in deadlock. One of the main stumbling blocks was the Republican sides instance on a 'declaration of intent' for withdrawal on the part of the British Government. According to an assessment of the British policy written by 'S' and dated 20 September 1975, the British policy was 'in ruins' and they had hoped to complete 'a policy of "Silent Withdrawal" '. He goes on to say that 'they have no policy at this time, except a strong desire to get out. Their problem is they do not want to be shown up to the world, as leaving a "Congo" behind. They are begging for time and have asked me to express this.' He also writes that internal Westminster party politics were playing a part in British policy. He writes that 'Nothing that happens in Northern Ireland - Civil War included can equal the desire of the Labour Part to stay in power in England.'

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