Handwritten ‘V’ Committee Memorandum
Clarify the dependence of the Committee for information and competence in regard to the recommendations.
Handwritten draft of the role of the Committee, dealing with changes in secretary, CPC and bring in LC. discuss the performance in light of past experience enquire what directions and assistance required. The scope is to ascertain and evaluate forces damaging the Church in Dublin. Told to use such methods of investigation and evaluation that will enable it to make suitable recommendations.
Handwritten letter from Fr. O’Neill to + McQuaid placing himself at Dr. McMahon’s disposal.
A typed letter from Fr. Liam Carey to Fr. MacMahon informing him that a Committee meeting will take place on 22 January.
Handwritten minutes of ‘V’ Committee meeting. Communist activities are remarkably quiet. They tend to associate themselves with the Labour Party. Michael Viney, an Englishman and non-Catholic, writes reasonable articles on social issues. He is not an expert sociologist.
Typed statement on “The future of V”. Much of its work could be accomplished by an annual or bi- annual report. For that work an elaborate committee is not necessary. The scope of the Vigilance Committee should be wider. Subversives from outside should be watched.
Handwritten letter from Fr. Liam Carey to Fr. Ardle McMahon, with the report of the meeting attached (item no.126). He hopes this format better helps to outline the work of the Committee.
Typed letter from P. A. Carter, British Embassy, Dublin, to Fr. A. McMahon. He is new to the post but will continue sending reading material “in which you had an interest.” He needs assurance that the literature is satisfactory and good use can be made of it. Maybe he is receiving too much literature or not enough.
Handwritten observations on ‘V’ Committee. It is important to see the object in the larger context of Dublin society, e.g. the arts, politics, education, labour, business, religion. There is no Catholic body watching the trends, thus leaving a vacuum. The Committee is not structured for this function it is focused on those trying to disrupt society. Asks what are the social aims of the diocese? What bodies are likely to oppose these aims? On what grounds?