A British government statement on the future of the Royal Irish Regiment (RIR), which should assist Mr David Trimble ahead of his Ulster Unionist Council clash with Mr Jeffrey Donaldson, is expected shortly, according to informed political sources.
The British government is expected to state that some if not the entire Northern Ireland home-based element of the RIR, numbering 3,000 soldiers, will be maintained in the event of the final implementation of the Joint Declaration.
Mr Donaldson called a meeting of the UUC for Monday week based on reported concerns that the home element of the RIR was to be disbanded. He acknowledged that he was also availing of the UUC gathering to table a motion calling for the complete rejection of the Joint Declaration, a move which was interpreted as yet another attempt to oust Mr Trimble as UUP leader.
Mr Trimble has concerns about the Joint Declaration, but wants room to manoeuvre.
Mr Donaldson appeared confident he would have UUC backing for his motion, even though it would be viewed as the Lagan Valley MP rather than Mr Trimble dictating party policy.
Mr Donaldson signalled at the weekend that he may quit the Ulster Unionist Party - a move that could split the UUP - if the motion is not carried.
The Irish Times has learned, however, that a British statement on the RIR is expected in the next 10 days. "Certainly ahead of the Ulster Unionist Council," said one source.
Troop reductions to 5,000 as per the Joint Declaration would only occur if the IRA finally demonstrated that it was ceasing all paramilitary activity. Unionist fears about the RIR arose with reports that these 5,000 soldiers would be from the British regular army, and that, consequently, the local RIR would be disbanded.
A British government statement of clarification is now expected confirming that were the IRA to end activity the 5,000 troop number would include part if not all of the home-based RIR.
Pro-Trimble Ulster Unionists believe that such a statement would negate the necessity to proceed with the UUC, although the council meeting has been formally called. They equally believe it would weaken Mr Donaldson's opportunity to damage Mr Trimble.
An emergency meeting of the UUP's executive will discuss the RIR and the UUC meeting on Friday.
Mr Donaldson's weekend comment about having to consider his position in the UUP if the ruling UUC rejected his motion prompted an angry response from the former Ulster Unionist minister and Trimble supporter, Mr Michael McGimpsey.
"I am dismayed that some in the party insist on precipitating an unnecessary crisis at this time. I am also deeply resentful of the attempted blackmail of the Ulster Unionist Party with threats to quit," he said.
In a clear reference to Mr Donaldson, he added: "No individual is bigger than the party. I believe the party will reject attempts to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory on June 16th."
Mr Donaldson had said the meeting represented "a defining moment" for the party.