Two copies of a typed report on CPI and KO activities. John Nolan, who had been attending a meeting of the British CP in London, returned home on 5 February. Funeral of Christie Ferguson, National Organiser of the Workers’ Union of Ireland. Talk titled ‘The Expanding Fellowship of Peace’ was given by Herbert Hadley condemning atomic weapons, compulsory military service and power politics. Communist agitation among the Dublin unemployed continued.

Copy of a typed report on the Unemployed Workers’ Committee. The meeting in O’Connell Street on 22 May was attended by about 2,000. Sam Nolan, with clinched fist, demanded that unions call a one-day strike. Tributes were paid to the clergy of the Church of Ireland for their help. The Committee was organizing in every large housing area – Ballyfermot, Cabra, etc. Decided to publish own newspaper. Intend to change the system.

Typescript (3 copies) profiling John Nolan, whole time official in the Communist Party and manager of Book Shop, 16A Pearse Street. He is a most dangerous and active member. 3 items

Profile of Michael O’Riordan, 37 Victoria Street, South Circular Road. Works as a bus conductor. Joined the Communist organisation in 1937 and associates with John Nolan and other IWL members. Was Adjutant of the 2nd Batt., IRA was a member of the International Brigade in Spain. Was interned in the Curragh between 1940-1943.

Typed minutes of ‘V’ Committee meeting. The following items are mentioned in the report: Seamus Sorohan was expelled from the IRA and joined Seosamh McCriostal. He “was selfish rather than dangerous,” and had little influence with university students. Matthew Merrigan: lived at 24 Crotty Ave., Walkinstown, and is a Trotskyite. Writes frequently to papers, but as he has little education it is suggested that his letters were written for him by Dr. Noel Browne. Fr. Kent reported that Sam Nolan is going to the sacraments. The left-wing Labour Group intend to publish a new paper called The Plough. Fr. Fehily reported on a meeting with the President, Treasurer and a Council member of the Marine, Pilots’ and Officers’ Association. Des Brannigan was recently appointed General Secretary. Since they had learned of his possible connections with Communism they were anxious to get rid of him. They introduced regulations to prevent him from speaking in public or publishing articles in newspapers until the opportunity arose to get rid of him.

Typed minutes of ‘V’ Committee meeting. The following items are mentioned in the report: a report in newspapers of inquest in Monkstown concerning psychoanalysts noted. O’Riordan has left the country. Note in + McQuaid’s handwriting says “not correct”. Capt. Fleming, Army Intelligence, reported that Roy Johnson, Roger McHugh and Jeffares met daily to compose letters to The Irish Times in reply to Fr. O’Neill. Fr. Kent to speak to Fr. Nolan regarding the Globe Theatre Group which recently staged The Ginger Man Fr. Fehily to ask Fr. O’Connor of the Columban Fathers about the Irish Workers’ League.

Letter from D. S[ill.], Secretary, Browne and Nolan, to +McQuaid enclosing twelve copies of a report on the Irish College, Salamanca.

Letter from Fr. Patrick Hamell to +McQuaid regarding the forthcoming centenary of the I.E.R. He and Allen Nolan wish to commemorate the occasion fittingly.

Copy of letter from +McQuaid to Allen Nolan, Messrs Browne & Nolan, informing him that Prof. McMackin has been appointed Editor of the I.E.F.

-2 November Correspondence from Browne & Nolan and James Duffy & Co. Dublin regarding the book The Big Fisherman. 1949