Handwritten letter to +McQuaid from Cyril P. Crean, Head Chaplain, requesting that all serving soldiers be dispensed from the Lenten Fast.

Copy of a typed letter to Fr. C.P. Crean leaving him free to remain as a Chaplain if he so wishes.

Typed minutes of ‘V’ Committee meeting. The following items are mentioned in the report: Fr. Crean received a police report on the Wolfe Tone Society Sinn Fein/ IWP is working through social welfare and the Irish language. The men in charge of NATO and ACRA are good Catholics. Efforts are being made by the Communists to get on the executives of these organisations. There is hostility to the Church in RTE programmes. The Outlook programme has done a lot of good. A report from Chief Superintendent MacMahon enclosed.

Handwritten letter to + McQuaid from Fr. Cyril P. Crean. The address in Nelson Street was used by the Socialist Groups up to two years ago. Denis Walsh was Secretary of the Socialist Youth Movement. Was Chairman of the IWL until replaced by Michael O’Riordan.

Typed statement from conversation with Una Byrne. She thinks there is a witch-hunt in Fianna Fail against the Knights of Columbanus carried out by the Masons and Senator Hartnett. Thinks there is a link between the IHA, the Fabian Society and the Republican Forum as the same people appear in these societies. She stated that Mrs McAuley is not satisfactory as regards the Adoption Board. She appears to be pursuing the wrong policy and has not paid much attention to the feelings of the adopters or the adopted. Mrs Byrne thinks that the school for Ballybrack parish will become an election issue, but the site is unsanitary and rat infested. Superintendent Boyle told Mrs Byrne that he will not deal with Fr. Crean as he was quoted by him.

Handwritten note in + McQuaid’s handwriting. He saw Fr. Crean and Dr. O’Doherty. Fr. Crean to act as head of group which would pool information and co- ordinate activities to combat Communism. Explained hi dislike of a ‘United Front of Catholic Action’. It left him vulnerable if seen to have a visible dependence on him. He left the group free as he trusted them.

Typed letter to Chris from Paddy Crean. There is no doubt that the Bernard Shaw crowd are Communists. The fact that Mrs. Nolan is on the list is enough. She and her husband are leading lights of the whole Communist show in Dublin.

Typed minutes of ‘V’ Committee meeting. The following items are mentioned in the report: Murphy, T.D., although not a Communist there is a danger that he could be used by the Party. The Secretary reported on the names and powers of the ‘Comhairle’ in charge of Radio Eireann. Fr. Crean to see Charlie Brennan, Chairman, and advise on the dangers of ‘liberal’ talks. Sees chances of talks by Catholic laymen. League of Decency have no official sanction, and it is dangerous to give the impression that they have. Fr. Crean and the Secretary have files on Firinne. It is a big subject so discussion to be postponed for future meeting.

Typed minutes of ‘V’ Committee meeting. The following items are mentioned in the report: Col. Harrington, Army Intelligence, told Fr. Crean that he had listened to a recording of T.A. Boyle telling Sean Nolan the procedure followed by Intelligence regarding suspected Communists. Information sought on Letchford who is a leading Communist in Cork. Garda recruits would have a chaplain appointed if requested by the Authorities. A new book on psychiatry by Jonathan Hannigan was discussed. He runs a centre in Monkstown.

Handwritten minutes of ‘V’ Committee meeting. Fr. McMahon had a list of names of the directors of The Plough. Fr. Crean to make enquiries concerning Tim Graham, Kevin Nolan and Christy Clarke. Fr. Tuohy to obtain further information regarding Morrison of Deerpark Road, Mount Merrion.