Boston College seeks to quash British subpoenas seeking IRA oral histories

In a case that is being watched closely in academia, and on both sides of the Atlantic, Boston College has filed a motion in US District Court to quash subpoenas from British authorities seeking access to a confidential oral history project involving paramilitary fighters in Northern Ireland.

In papers filed with the US attorney’s office, which delivered the subpoenas on behalf of unidentified British authorities, BC lawyers said the release of audiotapes and other materials connected to interviews with former members of the Provisional Irish Republican Army could jeopardize the safety of those interviewed for the project, the former paramilitary members who conducted the interviews, and BC staff involved in the project.

BC’s lawyers also said giving British authorities access to interviews that were granted with the understanding that they would not be disclosed until the participant’s death could threaten other history projects, as well as the ongoing peace and reconciliation process in Northern Ireland.

Jack Dunn, a BC spokesman, said BC’s lawyers expect a hearing in US District Court within the next few weeks. He said the court filings were self-explanatory, and that BC would have no further comment....