Outdated internment methods led to 'torture'

Most of those interned were held in the Maze prison

Secret cabinet papers from 1971, which are released on Tuesday, reveal the British Government gave its approval to controversial methods of interrogation here when internment was introduced.

The papers which were released under the 30 year disclosure rule reveal the government was advised against internment by the army.

They also contain claims that the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, Ian Paisley, secretly explored the possibility of a political accommodation with members of the nationalist SDLP.

The papers, minutes of cabinet meetings and briefings, show ministers were advised against introducing internment by the Army GOC who considered it could create a category of political prisoners.

While interrogation methods should not overstep the proper bounds they should not be unduly squeamish

Secret cabinet papers

According to the documents, the government intended up to the last minute to intern loyalist as well as republican suspects.

They also disclose how the government gave its approval to controversial methods of interrogation.

Minutes of a meeting attended by the then prime minister, Edward Heath, senior cabinet members and military chiefs say that "while interrogation methods should not overstep the proper bounds they should not be unduly squeamish and it had to be remembered the lives of British soldiers and innocent civilians depended on intelligence".

The minutes say inducing fatigue by exposure to insistent and disturbing noise was among the techniques regarded as proper.

'Accomodation'

As the situation worsened in the province throughout the autumn of 1971, the prime minister told the cabinet's Northern Ireland Committee in October that "the first priority should be the defeat of the gunmen using military means", accepting whatever political penalties were inevitable.

The papers also contain claims that Ian Paisley had been secretly exploring the possibility of political accommodation with members of the SDLP, notably party leader Gerry Fitt, which could provide the basis of a new government in Stormont.

The cabinet secretary advised the government that a Paisley-Catholic deal might be preferable to direct rule.