Allan Donnelly, according to the Government Telephone directory, was employed in the Prime Minister's Office as an Assistant Press Secretary, 1968-1975. He reported to Press Secretaries, Romeo Le Blanc (1968-1972) and Pierre O'Neil (1973-1975).
As Assistant Press Secretary, Allan Donnelly was "to assist the Press Secretary", who was the Prime Minister's principal adviser with regards to all matters relating to the transmission by the government of information of all kinds to the communications media.
In a memorandum to Press Office staff from Pierre O'Neil, 1974, Alan Donelly's responsibilities are described as:
-Regular PM briefing notes on press content. Short and medium-term view
-Inaccurate and biased reporting
-Invitations Committees meetings
-Interview requests, correspondence
-Liaison with regional offices on interviews
-Setting up of interviews here
-Briefings on same (written, and following input of office and departments)
This sub-series is divided into two blocks of documents: correspondence and memorandum; and subject files.
Correspondence and Memorandum (arranged chronologically)
The documents found in this block include, for example: correspondence with various press medias; individuals requesting information, such as, copies of statements made by the Prime Minister to the press; and speaking invitations to the Prime Minister from organizations/groups.
The memorandum include media overviews. In a memorandum to Jim Coutts, Principal Secretary, Alan Donnelly describes these memorandum as a way of "explaining to the PM what the press needs and is doing. On that point I've been writing--theoretically once a week--memos giving an overview of the main issues exercising the press and sometimes making suggestions on possible reactions by us."
Subject files (arranged alphabetically)
This second block complements the Press Office Series, as well as the Staff sub-series of Pierre O'Neil and Peter Roberts.
