MR John Major is expected to define his proposals for an "elective process" leading to all party negotiations in the North in writing to the SDLP.
However, the SDLP leadership gave no ground on the issue during 90 minutes of "intensive" talks with the British Prime Minister at Westminster on Monday evening.
This emerged last night as the Tanaiste, Mr Spring, and Sir Patrick Mayhew prepared for a potentially fraught meeting of the Inter Governmental Conference (IGC) in London later today, and despite first indications from Washington that the American administration is favourably disposed to the election plan.
In common with the Government, the SDLP believes "the onus of proof is on Mr Major to show that his election plan will lead directly and immediately to "all party negotiations".
And while the party leader, Mr John Home, refused to expand on Monday night's agreed statement, great emphasis was being placed yesterday on their declared joint commitment to "a comprehensive, negotiated peace settlement".
Nationalists fear the proposal for an "elected body", favoured by the Ulster Unionist Party leader, Mr David Trimble, could prove another "stalling" device. It is believed the SDLP pressed Mr Major on the timetable he has in mind for the entire process.
Mr Trimble has spoken of a possible election in April and May. It seemed clear last night that any chance of nationalist approval for the plan would rest heavily on convincing assurances from the British government about a speedy timetable for elections and negotiations, as well as on the remit or agenda for them.
British Labour sources have suggested that the necessary legislation could be enacted at Westminster in time to meet the end February target date for all party talks.
Sources stressed yesterday that agreement, in any event, will rest on the key issue of the remit for any negotiations following upon elections. And that issue will be central to the Government's presentation at today's IGC.
Beyond the general assurance that such an elected body would operate within the context of the "three stranded" process, the British will be pressed to explain and define the role envisaged for the Government in relation to the "Strand Two" North South relationship.
Following Monday's meeting with the SDLP, and today's IGC, Mr Major and Mr Trimble will find themselves under additional pressure to explain and define how they propose to deal with the issue of decommissioning illegal, weapons following their effective "rejection" of the report of the international body.
Mr Major and the Rev Ian Paisley had a lengthy discussion, at Downing Street last night and agreed to meet again soon.