Pamphlet containing text of a speech made by Eamon de Valera entitled 'A National Policy', delivered at the inaugural meeting of Fianna Fail, at La Scala theatre, Dublin.

Copy of typescript report from Belfast concerning the terms of the surrender of arms in Belfast. Reports that 'Campbell knows nothing about the North of Ireland, and although he may not be able to do anything for the moment so long as martial law is in force, he might, for the sake of making peace with the Nationalists, take subsequent steps. ... if James Campbell acts in the way he apparently proposes to do, he will have the blood of hundreds, if not thousands, of people upon his head'.

Copy of typescript communiqué to be issued to the Press with Military and Civil Casualty lists and further results of the trials by Field General Court Martial, including death sentences and imprisonment and hard labour.

Typescript copy of 'Points for Discussion' concerning procedure between G.O.C.-in-Chief and Executive and the administration of the Defence of the Realm regulations, including press offences.

Typescript copies of correspondence and reports relating to the extension of police [Royal Irish Constabulary] telephones throughout the country.

Notes.

Handwritten notes concerning Pearce's (sic) conditions for surrender. Lists names of other signatories.

Copy typescript intelligence report marked 'Secret'. States that 'Information has been received from an absolutely reliable source to the effect that the extreme Irish-American Party contemplates an armed rising in Ireland at an early date and is in communication with Germany with a view to obtaining German assistance'. Outlines the motivation of the 'local leaders' and states that it is understood that 'the rising should be timed for the 22nd April' and that arms will be delivered from Germany to Limerick.

Front cover of a file entitled 'Important British Documents & Letters, 1916'. A note on the cover goes on to state '(Given to President de Valera) (This is to be given to the Franciscans at Killiney to be put with Eamon de Valera’s documents)'.

Typewritten extract from a report identified as 'Belfast, 12 May, 1916' concerning response in Belfast from U.V.F. with regard to assisting the authorities 'during the recent crisis'. Mentions Fred Rogers of U.V.F. Motor Car Corps providing cars to General Hacket-Pain.

Handwritten paraphrase copies of cipher message from the War Office to Irish Command stating that 'It is the wish of the Secretary of State that General Hutchison who had great experience during the late Rebellion in Ireland should be at you disposal to assist you' and that 'his position will be similar to that of a Chief Staff Officer as it existed in former days'.

Photograph of the War Office document appointing Lieutenant General Sir John Maxwell, KCB, Commander-in Chief of British Forces in Ireland [taking over command from Major General Friend].

A collection of British documents and letters relating to 1916 which form a file within the Papers of Éamon de Valera. The documents include intelligence reports, despatches, and correspondence between Irish Command, Home Forces, the War Office, M.I.5.G., and the Royal Irish Constabulary. The documents cover the immediate aftermath of the 1916 Rising, the executions of the leaders, and the general political situation in Ireland at the time.

Holograph letter from journalist and unionist Robert John Lynn, The Northern Whig Office, Belfast to Maxwell. Marked 'Very confidential'. Writes that he has heard a rumour 'that the Guards intends to seize the arms of the Ulster Volunteer Force', an act he regards as 'fraught with grave danger to the public peace. Our people have behaved splendidly during the past critical week and it would be a grave pity if anything was done now that would influence public opinion'. It is his opinion that 'the seizure of the arms ... would be looked upon as an act of treachery'.

Typescript letter from Neville Chamberlain, Royal Irish Constabulary Office, Dublin Castle to Maxwell. Marked 'Confidential'. Includes handwritten comments. Requests advice from Maxwell on handling meetings with unarmed 'known Sinn Feiners' pointing out the undesirability of such gatherings. Supports similar meetings of Redmonites and 'Bodies of Ulstermen'. Includes reports from around the country, noting his opinion that the GAA is not a 'loyal' organisation.

Typescript communication from Frank Hall, M.I.5, War Office, London SW to Brigadier-General R. Hutchison, D.S.O, G.H.Q, Dublin marked 'Secret and Personal'. Reports that 'all is well in the North'. Discusses suspected spies, including 'a known German agent, .. We find .. is a Sinn Fein suspect and the son of an old I.R.B. suspect ...'. Reports that he has learned from one correspondent who was caught in Malahide on Easter Monday that 'From what he saw and heard the general bulk of the people about that district, especially up towards Swords were merely waiting for the slightest sign of success on the part of the Sinn Feiners in Dublin to join the rebellion although they are credited with Redmondite loyalty'. Comments on the forthcoming Casement trial. Mentions meeting General Hackett Pain (sic) and Commissioner Smith.

Handwritten instructions from R. Hutchison to GOC, Dublin concerning procedures for taking the surrender.

Detailed reports by Major General L. B. Friend, Commander-in-Chief of British Forces in Ireland, on the progress of the Rebellion. Includes: the third report notes that Lieutenant General Sir John Maxwell is expected to arrive in Dublin the next day to take over supreme command of the troops.

Holograph letter to General Maxwell from John Dillon M.P., 2 North Georges St., Dublin protesting about the executions. 'The feeling is becoming widespread and intensely bitter.– It really would be difficult to exaggerate the amount of mischief that the executions are doing'. Also advises against the arming of 'Special Constables', '…it is a unwise measure…they are not required…And…are very apt in my opinion to create disturbance'. Also advises against 'instituting searching and arrests on a large scale in districts in which there has been no disturbance'.

Copies of cipher messages marked 'Secret' between the Prime Minister in London (via 'Cinchomfor') and Dublin (via 'Commandeth') on the course of executions between 9th and 11th of May. Asquith notes 'with satisfaction that in your opinion there are now not more that two leaders who must suffer extreme penalty.' Asks for report on Connolly's condition.

Typescript letter from [?], War Office to Maxwell assuring him that he has no desire to remove 'Byrne' from assisting Maxwell until Maxwell can spare him. Congratulates Maxwell 'on the way you have managed Ireland'.

Handwritten letter from Frank Hall, War Office to Maxwell, marked 'Secret & Personal'. Sends 'the enclosed' and comments 'I don't know what the policy is & I don't ask' and wishes to 'keep clear of "party politics"'.

Special Branch, Metropolitan Police, New Scotland Yard communications relating to a letter addressed to Mrs. A.S. Green, Westminster, containing a letter for Prof. Eoin MacNeill, which was stopped by the Censor. Includes copies of the texts of both letters. The letter for Prof. MacNeill includes an 'Official Declaration of the German Government, stating its intentions and declaring the goodwill of the German people toward Ireland and the desire of both Government and People for Irish national freedom' (originally dated 28 November 1914, 3 p.). Also attached is a copy of a communiqué (originally dated 23 May 1916, 1p) from M.I.5.G. concerning the landing of German ammunition and Irish supporters at Banna Strand and Sir Roger Casement's landing on 20 April 1916.

Handwritten follow up note from Hall, War Office to Maxwell marked 'Personal & Confidential'.

Handwritten note from R. [Whigham], War Office to Maxwell informing him that C.I.G.S has agreed that Hutchinson will remain with Maxwell.

Copy of typescript instructions from R. Hutchison, HQ, Parkgate St. to GOC Dublin and OC 59th Division concerning troop movements.

Typescript letter from Hutchison, Headquarters, Irish Command, Parkgate St., Dublin to the Editor, Freeman's Journal, Dublin informing him that Maxwell regards its reporting concerning the administration of Martial Law in Ireland as unacceptable 'and that the appearance of any further articles of this nature in any newspaper under your control will render you liable to immediate action being taken under the provisions of the Defence of the Realm Act'.

Telegrams from HQ, Horse Guards to Hutchison, Irish Command with instructions, later cancelled, to remain in Dublin. Typescript paraphrase copy of cipher from War Office to Dublin stating Major-General Hutchison's authority in Ireland.

Typescript copy of a public notice Proclamation No. 1 issued by General Maxwell, informing the rebels that 'the most vigorous measures will be taken by me to stop the loss of life and damage to property which certain misguided persons are causing by their armed resistance to the Law'. Specifies arrangements by which persons within specified areas surrounded by British troops may leave those areas.

Copy of typescript letter from [?] to Sir Brian T. Mahon marked 'secret'. Letter concerns Hutchison's status, commenting on his usefulness to Maxwell and discusses the anomalies of the Irish situation.

Typescript copy of cipher message between the Prime Minister in London (via 'Cinchomfor') and Dublin (via 'Commandeth'). Dublin requests that Asquith be informed that all Commanders have been told that 'only dangerous Sinn Feiners' are to be arrested.

Drafts of a statement by General Maxwell to the Associated Press, describing the actions of the rebels during Easter Sunday in the worst possible light and the reactions of the military (handwritten, 6 p., and typescript, 3 p.).

Handwritten paraphrase copies of cipher messages between the War Office and General Maxwell, marked 'Secret', concerning Mrs. Pearse's request to be given her two sons' bodies for burial in consecrated ground. Maxwell refuses on the grounds that 'It will have to be done in all cases if done in one and Mrs. Pearse has already been refused by me–These graves will be turned by Irish sentimentality into the shrines of martyrs and there will be a constant irritant in the country caused by annual procession etc. to them'.

Copy typescript intelligence report marked 'Secret' from Headquarters, Irish Command, to Lieutenant Colonel V.G. Kell, M.I.5.G., General Staff, War Office [London], on the 'State of Ireland' discussing recruiting levels in the country for British forces in the War, and the organisation and operation of 'the Sinn Fein Volunteer movement'. Includes tables of estimates 'of the strength of the Sinn Fein party in each County in Ireland, and the number of arms of which they are in possession' and the 'Approximate number of disloyal Sinn Fein Irish Volunteers in Dublin City'.

Circular memorandum by J. Byrne, Inspector General, Royal Irish Constabulary to Inspectors throughout the country, relating to a conference held 'for the purpose of an interchange of views between the West-Coastal County Inspectors and the Military & Naval Authorities' (11 January 1917, 8 p.). Encloses a précis of the proceedings of the conference whose aim was to ensure 'satisfactory co-operation between the Military & Naval Forces and the Police in the event of trouble arising' ([December 1916], 6 p.).

Typescript note from the Director of Military Intelligence [Lieutenant General Sir George Mark Watson Macdonogh] to the Under Secretary, Irish Office [Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Matthew Nathan], presenting his compliments. Informs USIO that according to War Office intelligence, 'the Germans continue to spread their propaganda in Ireland by every means in their power, through the medium of the German American - Irish elements in the U.S.A.'.

Document outlining an expanded cordon in Dublin and the distribution of troops.

Copy of typescript note from Brigadier-General, General Staff, Irish Command to HQ, Irish Command Parkgate, Dublin requesting a medical officer be detailed to each of the columns mentioned in early dispatch.

This volume contains one issue of Ná Bac Leis, a newspaper produced by the internees in the Ballykinlar internment camp in County Down in September 1921. It also includes newspapers produced by anti-treaty forces during the Civil War. These are three issues of The Fenian: War Issue covering the period July 1922, 13 issues of the Daily Sheet covering the period November 1923 to January 1924, two copies of Poblacht Na h-Eireann: War News, No. 2, from June 29th 1922 printed in different formats, along with copies of No. 3, No. 6 and part of No. 21, two issues of War News from 1940, one issue of The Republican War Bulletin, September 1922 and two issues of Strike Bulletin from May 1926. It also contains short ephemeral material such as a leaflet entitled To The Republicans of Louth dated August 1923, a leaflet entitled Manchester Martyrs Anniversary demonstration, November 1921, several typed issues of File of Morning Post from November 1920 and March, May and June 1921, 6 issues on typed pages of an item entitled An Extract from the Liverpool Daily Post from March, May and June 1921, a leaflet entitled Dáil Eireann [1920].

Handwritten copy of letter to Maxwell to French. Reflects on the Francis Sheehy-Skeffington case and other 'regrettable incidents' and states 'In my humble judgement the Government of Ireland is rotten from A to Z…The Irish Constabulary is a farce…a magnificent body of men certainly but singularly out of sympathy with the people…in my opinion you will never rule Ireland from Dublin Castle. There is far too much reporting & nothing happening…'.

Holograph letter from Lord French, GHQ Home Forces, Horse Guards, London to General Maxwell stating 'You have acted with great promptitude, courage & determination and I feel sure all people–whose opinions matter–think so'.

Typescript letter from Viscount Wimborne [Lord Lieutenant], Vice-Regal Lodge, Dublin to Maxwell congratulating him in the suppression of the insurrection. This is an official letter on which there is a handwritten note 'The following is published for the information of the troops'.

Handwritten and typescript copy of cipher messages marked 'Secret' between the Prime Minister in London (via 'Cinchomfor') and Dublin (via 'Commandeth') on the course of executions between 9th and 11th of May. Dublin notes 'We hope to deter by these examples & make the intriguers realise that we will not tolerate murder of loyal subjects, or any acts against the safety of the Realm'. Includes typescript report concerning the current situation with regard to 'Sinn Fein Rebels' in Dublin city 'Arrangements are being made to intern in England all Sein Feiners captured or surrendered who are not dealt with here. Also notes that 'Roger Casement has declared that Germany has sent all assistance she is going to send and this is now at the bottom of the sea'.

Handwritten report from R. Hutchison, HQ, Irish Command to GOC, 59 Division refers to attached map [not attached]. Outlines procedures to prevent 'Rebels passing into or out of DUBLIN'.

Edited typescript copy of a letter marked 'Private and Confidential' from Major General R. Hutchinson to the Chief Secretary for Ireland, the Right Honourable H.E. Duke, containing Hutchinson's 'views on the situation in Ireland' in which he distinguishes and comments on the differences between extreme and moderate members of Sinn Féin; discusses police and military action with respect to drilling and/or assembly by members of Sinn Féin; the trial of 'Sinn Feiners' before courts martial and the proclaiming of Sinn Féin meetings. Includes handwritten annotations and corrections.

Handwritten letter from French to Maxwell.

Letter from Maurice Bonham Carter, Vice-Regal Lodge to Hutchison, enclosing a telegram concerning a request for an interview between Maxwell and an American correspondent 'Berry', and ways of presenting the British military response in the best light possible in order to quell anti-British feeling in America, following the executions of the leaders of the Rising.

Copy of typescript initial report by General Maxwell to [former Secretary of State for War] Lord Kitchener, on the current military action following the surrender of the rebels. Blames the Irish Executive for 'not dealing effectively with the Sinn Fein rebellion before it came to a head'; reports on the rounding up and deportation of Sinn Féin and Irish Citizen Army members and suggests that they could 'expiate their crime by serving the Empire as soldiers…They can fight but are happily not very good shots'; refers to the courts martial and a way of dealing with the bitter feelings between the north and the south of the country.