Friends of Irish Freedom

[1] Supported by the United Irish League, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and other leading Irish-American organisations.

[2] Among the first members of the Executive Committee were Victor Herbert (President), Thomas Hughes Kelly (Treasurer) and John D. Moore (Secretary).

In 1917, the Executive Committee of the Friends of Irish Freedom circulated a petition calling for the Independence of Ireland throughout the US and secured several hundred thousand signatures.

President Wilson in turn directed Secret Service agents to examine the membership and funding of the organisation.

Prior to his departure from the US, de Valera founded a rival organisation—the American Association for the Recognition of the Irish Republic—to take over the activities of the Friends.

Membership application card for the Friends of Irish Freedom for 1921. Dues were set at $2 for the year.