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 report on CPI and KO activities. The riots at Poznam in Poland, was the main discussion point at the meeting held on the 3rd July. Mick O’Riordan suggested that letters should be written to the newspapers to counteract the unfavourable publicity, saying that “the riots were grossly exaggerated”. Sam Nolan disagreed as such letters would keep the riots in the public mind. It was agreed to shelve the question until a pamphlet from the British Communist Party was published. Other topics discussed were the alterations to No. 37 Pembroke Road, a reading programme, and Robinson’s departure to China. The question, ‘Is the time right for Communism?’ was posed.

Letter from Fr. Willian O’Riordan to +McQuaid informing him of the sale of ‘Leinster Hall’ and asks that he direct him as to the maximum he should make.

Typed copy of the minutes of the ‘V’ Committee meeting. The following items are mentioned in the report: at a recent Postal Workers’ Union election Sean Moore was not allowed to speak Des Brannigan was elected Murphy is the new Secretary and seems to be “under party discipline” Mr. Murtagh, their solicitor, was “booted out without warning” and has joined the IWL. A priest told a Committee member a boy informed him that he was trained as a Communist by his father. If the father deviated the boy would report him. During the last (general) election Michael O’Riordan, a bus-conductor, stood for election. When it was rumoured that a letter from the Archbishop was to be read at Masses it seems that protests were arranged in all churches in the constituency. O’Riordan is very affable.

Typed report on lecture given by Professor Thompson, Birmingham University, a Communist. Chaired by Michael O’Riordan. Joe O’Hogerty, Secretary of Clann na hEireann, source of the account. Theme of lecture was importance of Irish Language and Culture. Socialism recognised the importance of natural culture, especially as Americanism was killing all other cultures. The revival in natural culture would result in self-confidence, create happiness and spur people to greater productivity.

Handwritten minutes of ‘V’ Committee meeting. The following items are mentioned in the report: Discussed statements by Mr. Lynam and Mr. Leonard regarding Dublin boys going to Communist youth camps in Northern Ireland. Mrs. Una Byrne seems to be the source of information. She told Col. Tony Lalor and Fr. Killian, OFM. Committee feel that the report of the camp is fictitious. Michael O’Riordan is forbidden from holding any office in the Union for five years. A letter from Fr. Michael O’Neill in The Irish Times on the Irish Workers’ Party was discussed letter from Mrs. Gray said to be “immature and childish”. Commission Defensio Dei: Michael Noonan is offering to give lectures on Communism in schools. + McQuaid said nobody had permission to give any such lectures.

Typed report on CPI and KO activities. The meeting of the 5th June discussed setting up a library of Marxist and other progressive books. On 6th June M. O’Riordan, S. Nolan and G. Jeffares held a meeting at Elvery’s Corner, Middle Abbey Street, on the subject of housing. About 30 people attended. No enthusiasm apparent. The meeting of 7th June discussed ways to improve the make-up of The Irish Workers’ Voice. The Chinese Committee of Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries invited about eight people to tour China, all expenses paid.

Typed copy of a letter to Mr. B. O’Riordan, Irish Embassy, Canberra, from Mgr. A.R.E. Thomas, National Director, requesting particulars of pilgrimages.

Handwritten report saying that Sam Nolan and Deasy are going to seminar in Czechoslovakia. Selected by IWL at the request of the British Communist Party. Their subject is: ‘The Relationship between the Church and Trade Unions’. O’Riordan was in Moscow for May Day. Wonders what Eamon Byrne is doing here. Is he trying to start a branch of Connolly Association?

Typed report, stamped ‘Confidential’ in red, on CPI and KO activities. At the Executive meeting of IWL on 6 November the advisability of concealing the League’s “direction from the Communist Headquarters in London” discussed. This accusation was being hurled at members. The meeting scheduled for 8 November cancelled due to a march by 1,200 students banners read “Soviet Murder of Hungary” windows of New Books broken to chants of “burn it down”. Catholic confraternities in CIE urged their fellow workers not to work with Mick O’Riordan. Matt Merrigan says he is a Social Democrat and not a Communist.