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Copy printed press release from Sinn Féin with the presidential address of Ruairí Ó Brádaigh to the 71st Ard-fheis. Mostly reviewing the months of the Truce, Sinn Féin's stance on various aspects of Irish society and economy, and their recent political campaigns and outlook. Listing inadequate action by the British government, by Northern political parties, the Irish Republic. Discussing failure of the EEC Regional Fund ('the final clear indication that our opposition to the entire philosophy of the Rome Treaties was well founded' p.7); state of the Irish language and advocacy of self-governing Gaeltachtaí; economics; media; local government. (Partly in Irish. Date is that of embargo.)

Printed booklet entitled 'Our changing democracy: devolution to Scotland and Wales', a White Paper presented to the British Parliament by the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales.

Note [draft] (1 p) from [Brendan Duddy] to a member of the Provisional Republican Movement. Despite his urging D.M. [Donald Middleton] for a formal written reply from London, no such has been forthcoming. Also asking whether he will go to see Ruairí [Ó Brádaigh] in Monaghan at 5pm; adding postscript 'I think the % has vanished'. (With transcription by [Éamonn Downey], and suggested year.)

Typescript memorandum by [British government] for [Provisional IRA]. Expressing indignation about Provisional Sinn Féin's message of 2 October and a general policy of 'profitless mutual recriminations', likewise the campaign of intimidation that PSF's associates are engaged in. Recounting points of contact by intermediary of 21 and 27 October and reiterating the government's forward-looking policy and readiness to discuss PSF's ideas; however not understanding reference made to certain 11 points. (Caption by [Brendan Duddy] states the document was handed over on 12 November by Donald Middleton; that Duddy pointed to factual disagreement on messages mentioned in the memorandum.)

Copy typescript press notice from the Northern Ireland Office, entitled 'Review of legislation for compensation for criminal injuries to property in Northern Ireland', announcing the instatement of a commission for the purpose of the review.

Copy typed press statement from the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) Council, signed by A.Fitzgerald, Director of Publicity. Stating their aim as a 32-county 'Democratic Socialist Republic' to achieve by revolutionary means, and their intention of actions against British Imperialist rule in Ireland. Appending list of military operations carried out by their service units since May 1975 (15 instances of bombings, ambushes, shootings).

Copy typescript excerpt of parliamentary debate (1 p) between Merlyn Rees [Secretary of State for Northern Ireland] and R. Burton [M.P.], with Rees defending his support for the ceasefire and consequent negotiations with the Provisional IRA, partly by pointing to violent acts carried out by splinter Republican and Loyalist groups, not the Provisionals. (Caption by [Éamonn Downey] supplying date but allowing for wider span of March 1974 to September 1976.)

Copy typescript extracts from a speech by Merlyn Rees, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to the Reading University Labour Club. Explaining policy on major aspects of government; stressing security issues and policing.

Printed Christmas card with handwritten greeting from Billy Mc[Kee], Belfast, to the Duddy family, with Irish and English good wishes and a poem (printed). (Cover drawing is on the theme of an Irish liberating soldier returning from successful mission.)

Handwritten draft communiqué by [Brendan Duddy on behalf of the Republican movement] (on his business letter paper, 26 December 1975, 2.15am). Stating their belief that a balance has been struck in reduction of violence since September 22; regretting that the British government launches initiatives without taking the Republican position into account first. Expressing their readiness for co- existence and balanced government, even possibly a majority government for Northern Ireland. Expressing hopes for 1976, but placing equal responsibility on Westminster to accept a diminishing of British rule, a charitable attitude to prisoners of conscience. Stating that 'irrespective of press [posturing] the Rep[ublican] Mov.[ement] has a role to play. That role is not one of a Directorate of Force.' Concluding that 'the British are possibly the only people who can achieve peace in Ireland'.