Handwritten letter and a typed copy of the letter to +McQuaid from John A. Costello, assuring him that his views will receive respectful and earnest consideration.
Copy of a typed letter to Dr. Browne from John A. Costello. Dr. Browne’s letter to the IMA has been brought to his attention. He has directed the Information Bureau not to issue it. The Scheme as outlined will not acceptable to the Government until the reservations made by the Hierarchy are satisfactorily settled.
Two copies of a typed letter to Dr. Browne from John A. Costello. It is clear from +McQuaid’s letter to you, 8th March, 1951, that the objections put forward on the occasion of your interview with him, and the bishops of Ferns and Galway on 11th October last were ‘unresolved either then or later.’ His action since he received the letter from the bishop of Ferns on the 10th October last has been entirely actuated by what he conceived to be a friendly desire to help a colleague.
Typed memo by the Bishop of Ferns on his meeting with the Minister for Health. Dr. Browne wished to state that in so far as he was to blame he regretted the situation which had arisen. He was prepared to accept the decision of the Bishops as to whether the scheme was opposed to Faith and morals, and if they decided that the scheme opposed Faith and morals he would, as a Catholic, not proceed and would resign his position as Minister for Health.
Handwritten draft letter to the Taoiseach from the Secretary. The Hierarchy wishes at once to record its deep appreciation of the unequivocal acceptance by the Taoiseach and Government of the decision which the Bishops may give upon the proposed Mother and Child Scheme, insofar as this Scheme bears upon Catholic moral teaching.
Three typed copies of the letter sent to the Taoiseach [almost identical with 28/22/2] outlining the seven points opposed to Catholic social teaching. There are some minor differences in the copies, but nothing substantial.
Copy of a typed letter to the Archbishop of Armagh [+ D’Alton] from +McQuaid informing him he handed the letter to the Taoiseach. The Taoiseach accepted their decision. The same night the Taoiseach gave a copy to the said Minister who, on reading it, announced ‘it was quite all right. The bishops had not condemned the Scheme on the ground of Faith and Morals.’ It is not known what the Minister will do next.
Handwritten letter to +McQuaid from + D’Alton. Before he went out of office Dr. Browne seemed very determined to do as much harm as he could to all who opposed his Scheme. Hopes the storm has now blown over.
Article from La Croix ‘Le plan “meres et enfants” provoque.’
Document with statements made by Dr. Browne and Capt. Cowan attacking the Church, as reported in the Irish Times and Sunday Press, to students in Trinity College and UCD. Asks if anything can be done to prevent them from being provided with platforms from which they can pursue their campaign against the Church.