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.