Letter from Joseph P. Walshe to Eilís Ryan¹ (Dublin)
(244/BB) (Strictly Confidential) (Copy)

Dear Miss Ryan,

I should be glad if you would come to see me on your return to Dublin. We have been informed by Mr. Kerney that your brother has been 'unofficially' released. He wrote to Mr. Kerney from St. Jean de Luz on the 25th July thanking him for all his attention and kindness, and explaining that he did not intend to return direct to Ireland. Since then Mr. Kerney has heard that he has reached the United States. He does not know his address but understands that he will communicate direct with you.

I should explain that Mr. Kerney has not been informed officially of the release. He has been given to understand that your brother escaped with the help of American friends, but there is no doubt that the Spanish Authorities connived at the 'escape'. We cannot, therefore, make any official announcement, and I should be glad if you would keep the information in this letter strictly confidential until I have had an opportunity of talking to you about it. There is, of course, no objection to informing your parents confidentially.