COMMITIEE ON WAYS AND MEANS

SECOND DISTRiCT. MASSACHUSETTS

RICHARD E. NEAL
RANKING MEMBER.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON SELEC T
REVENUE MEASURES
AT- LARGE Wl-iIP
DEMOCRATIC LEADER.
FRIENDS OF IRELAND CAUCUS
Qrongrens of tl1c taten
of
jar 20515
June 1,2012
The Honorable Hillary Clinton
Secretary of State
United States Department of State '
Washington, D.C. 20521
Dear Madame Secretary,
As the Ranking Member of the Friends of Ireland Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, and someone who
has worked for three decades to help bring peace and reconciliation to the island of Ireland, I am writing to express
my concern over the British governments efforts to obtain confidential documents and recordings from Boston
CoJJege's Oral History Arcluve on the Troubles in Northern Ireland. It is my sincere belief that if this material is
made public, particularly at this time, it has the potential of destabilizing the peace that both you and President
Clinton worked so hard to achieve. It also could place the lives of many of the participants at risk.
The Good Friday Agreement, and the implementation of a devolved power sharing government, are
some of the most significant American foreign policy accomplishments in recent memory. In fact, Northern Ireland
is now viewed as a model for successful conflict resolution around the globe. From the Middle East to Sri Lanka,
other societies in dispute now look to the political leaders on that island to learn the lessons of peace making and
ending armed confrontation. Ancient adversaries now work side-by-side building a shared future. After a long and
difficult peace process, in which the United States contribution was indispensible, Northern Ireland is truly a society
in transformation.
While I fully understand the United State has an obligation to honor the terms of our Mutual Legal Assistance
Treaty with the British government, it is the belief of many people on both sides of the Atlantic who took risks for
peace that the request for the documents is selective and politically motivated. More importantly, and as noted by
the highly respected Brehon Law Society; "statements on tapes that were not sworn and were intended not to be
disclosed until after the deaths of the people making the recordings have no legal value. It must be recognized that
this is information and not and not evidence. It is not sworn testimony which could be used in a court of law."
When President Obama made his historic visit to Ireland last year, he said "how inspired we have been by the
progress that has been made in Northern Ireland." I am certain that nlillions oflrish Americans would agree with
that sentiment. But the release of the Boston College documents would help undermine that very progress and
unfasten a fragile peace. As a result, I strongly urge you to encourage the British government to reassess their
position and withdraw their request. I thank you for your leadership and all you have done to bring peace and
stability to the island of Ireland.
Member of Congress
2208 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE B UILDING 300 STATE STREET 2 C ONGRESS STREET
WASHINGTON , D C 20515 SUI TE 200 POST O FFIC E BUILDING
(202) 225-5601 SPRING FIELD. MA 01105 M ILFORD , MA 0 1757
{4131785-O325 (508) 634-8198
PAINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER