Sir, - I admire Colm Toibin's writing, and share much of his outlook on political and social issues. However, in his treatment of the controversy surrounding Roger Casement and the Black Diaries persistently associated with him (Weekend, March 2nd) there are points which require clarification.
The two recent books referred to were published in 1997, not 1996 as stated, and only one of the authors is an Englishman. These details would perhaps matter very little, if Mr Toibin had not chosen uncharacteristically to indulge in anti-English banter. As the allegation concerning the Black Diaries is that they were forged by the English to present Casement as a promiscuous homosexual, some greater accuracy is advisable.
Like many people who comment on this topic, Mr Toibin has not troubled to look at the originals nor (it seems) the commercially available microfilm (£45 sterling from the Public Records Office in Kew) of all five items. Printed texts are highly misleading, even such a conscientious one as that produced by Roger Sawyer of the 1910 Black Diary with portions of the White.
Until the issue of forgery is clarified one way or another, it seems quixotic to jump to conclusions. Last autumn, The Irish Times generously publicised my commissioning of a forensic examination.
The resulting report, from the Giles Document Laboratory, will be made public next Tuesday, March 12th at a press conference in Goldsmiths College, London. A photocopy of the report can be obtained for €15 (cheques payable to the undersigned), from the address below. - Yours, etc.,
BILL McCORMACK,
Professor of Literary History,
Goldsmiths College,
New Cross,
London SE14 6NW.