Letter from Seán Murphy to Jack Conway (New York),
Gearóid Woods (Boston), Seán Ronan (Chicago)
and Edward Brennan (San Francisco)
(305/14/263/2/A) (Secret) (Copy)

I am to refer to recent newspaper reports concerning Irish-American activities connected with the operations of the so-called Irish Republican Army, in particular the reference which appeared in the ‘Irish Echo’ of 9th June, 1956, and perhaps elsewhere, to the efforts being made by the Friends of the Irish Republic to promote a merger of Irish-American organisations for ‘co-operation with those in Ireland who are pledged to the Republic and are active in implementing its sovereignty over the entire thirty-two counties.’

We should be glad if you would be good enough to report on the situation regarding pro-IRA activities amongst Irish-Americans and in Irish-American organisations so far as your consular area is concerned. The report should in so far as you find it possible, indicate the sympathy for the IRA in those circles, the extent of the active assistance which the IRA may be drawing from its sympathisers, the general effect of pro-IRA activities on the attitude of Irish-Americans towards the Irish Government, their effect on the anti-Partition campaign both in and outside Congress and your estimate of future trends in the situation.

A copy of your report should be furnished to the Ambassador at Washington who is being asked to express his views on the matter.