[Article] State papers show Army monitored anti-EEC campaigners

Victor

Hmmm, this should raise a few eyebrows. While it's one thing to monitor Shinners for their paramilitary associations, this is a whole other level. Obviously the guy must have been a communist or something. :rolleyes:

http://home.eircom.net/content/irelandcom/breaking/4781459?view=Eircomnet

State papers show Army monitored anti-EEC campaigners
From:ireland.com
Monday, 3rd January, 2005

Newly-released State papers show that campaigners against Irish participation in the European Economic Community (EEC) was monitored by Army intelligence in 1974.

A secret file on a leading opponent of EEC entry, Mr Anthony Coughlan, which has been declassified under the 30-year rule, shows the extent of monitoring by military intelligence.

Even minor details are recorded, such as a reference made to Mr Coughlan in a letter to the Sinn Féin weekly, An Phoblacht and the fact that he and his fellow-campaigner, Mr Micheál Ó Loinsigh, had "signed a letter to An Phoblacht".

A secret handwritten report, dated June 20th, 1974 indicates a high level of surveillance. The report notes that, "Tony Coughlan has been invited to a conference of the British-Irish Association in Oxford on weekend 5-7 July 1974. He has arranged to pass through London on 4 or 5 July. He is likely to stay with Desmond Greaves overnight 4-7-74."

A file was also kept on Mr Greaves, a British-based left-wing historian who died in 1988.

A report also tells how a body called the External Research Group had held its "third meeting" in Dublin in 1974. "The meeting discussed informally the theory and practice of developing a broad-based movement for democracy, unity and independence, as a credible alternative to the Fianna Fáil versus Coalition type of politics."

Among the participants understood to be present, the report continues, were Mr Coughlan, the scientist Dr Roy Johnston and anti-apartheid campaigner Mr Kader Asmal.

Similar article http://home.eircom.net/content/irelandcom/topstories/4781676?view=Eircomnet

is_that_so

The annual release of these papers always brings up some fascinating stuff. There was a discussion on Irish army going North as well if Britsih troops had pulled out.

Victor

Yeah, article today puts a whole new light on that from the British point of view with Wilson considering NI "not his problem" (my quotes).

http://home.eircom.net/content/irelandcom/topstories/4781694?view=Eircomnet