Meanwhile, a few irresponsibles of the Clan had the audacity to try and contact workers on the Pier, to arrange for them to plant bombs etc on outgoing ships to England. The same happened with a few others., who frequented saloons in Yorkville and regaled the locals there with threats to bomb this and bomb that. In both cases, friends came to me, gave me the names and nearly got mad with me when I laughed. As not one of these individuals would blow a squibb and never did. So they were met on the Pier and elsewhere, told that when they had a chance to do some fighting in Ireland, they did not do so. Now they did not plan to do so either, but by their bombastic ravings, they might influence younger ones to do the work. It was strange that after being spoken to, they all disappeared from all further activity or association with the Clan. Meanwhile., the Clan met and by this time, they were reduced to small numbers and no leadership of all kind. It became amusing to some who stayed on, to listen to the wild talk at meetings of "spies" and what not, for it was very apparent that a spy would never learn anything in their company except a lot of apparent individual spouting. Gone was the realistic approach to conditions. But they managed to retain a policy of violently hating anyone whom they found disagreed with them. One former member, from Leitrim, who had been a courageous fighter and generous supporter, at a meeting as far back as 1932, he made an indiscreet motion dealing with American Imperialism. Lo and behold, as late as 194l, this part of the minute was published in the newspaper, The Advocate, and created a very embarrassing situation for this man, which had had army service. With two others he came to me and when I read the newspaper I sensed he would be in trouble, I suggested to him to bring an action against the papers for libel. If done so quickly, it would help his alibi with the Government forces. As I pointed out to him, if they were criminal enough to have that minute of a secret organisation published, even with the names of the Club officers, he would be, apprehended soon by Government agencies. (The very idea of any publication of Clan minutes would have been expulsion in other times). While my friend did not bring the libel action, he brought the next best alibi that he was misquoted because of personal animosities and this he could prove. The Clan all during this time had circulated the story that Sean Russell had been taken off the ship by a British Warship at Gibraltar and murdered. We knew different but there was no point In resurrecting the matter. But it will give you an indication of how bad conditions ware in the Clan when Brislane, the Clan Secretary did NOT know how Russell left the country or when. Any information he had came from us. While slandering us otherwise, he was smart enough to use our connections and influences, Brislane had not seen Russell for many months while others, not connected with the organization had his ear. My friend who got the letter from Frank Ryan was personna non grata with some of the Clan leaders, and his connections with the Communists of former years did not help any takes given about him. On the other hand, while he had acted indiscreetly with the left wingers he was a very honest and loyal friend of Ireland. Being prepared for eventualities, he was apprehended by the U.S. authorities. As usual they acted decently, and he was allowed to go home. This happened a few times and they also knew about the letter from Frank Ryan. Finally, another messenger arrived and the Authorities wore posted prior to his visit and it is believed that a second latter from Frank Ryan on him which was taken from him and never displayed or shown to anyone of our people. With the US going to war, a general tightening took place all over and activities of all Club and pleasure were cancelled. My first encounter with being apprehended came with the FBI. From their general attitude, officious and kind, one detected trained minds of the highest class. It amazed me the manner In which they asked questions, from a list, only numbers showing but each number represented very special question. It was very impressive to see the manner in which these men operated. Efficient and thorough, their legal knowledge helped them to submit the effective questions. I have had some experience with the British in Jails and with their military intelligence, but there efforts held no comparison to this smooth running questioning. Minus all and unnecessary approaches, I had sense enough to realise, too, that they had a record file on me and even if I wanted to fool them, there was also a deterrent. They were the organised Govt.
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