When Mr Charles Haughey was told by Garda detectives in May 1970 that his name had come up frequently when they were investigating the importation of arms, he replied: "My name comes up in a lot of things."
The detectives spoke to Mr Haughey in his home at Kinsealy, Co Dublin, on the morning of May 25th, 1970, almost three weeks after he had been dismissed as Minister of Finance by the then taoiseach, Mr Jack Lynch, on foot of the arms crisis revelations.
Mr Haughey's solicitor, the late Mr Pat O'Connor, pointed out that his client had suffered a riding accident on April 22nd and that "Mr Haughey was not yet fully recovered from his injuries and that he was unable to concentrate for long periods".
In his report of the interview with Mr Haughey, Chief Supt John Fleming, head of the Special Branch, wrote: "I told him I was investigating the alleged illegal importation of firearms and ammunition into the State. I said that I had taken statements from a number of people in connection with the matter and that his name had come frequently in these statements and that I felt he may be able to assist in the investigation. He said my name comes up in a lot of things."
Mr Haughey said he would like to help, and that he felt it was his duty as a citizen and as a former minister.
"Before making any statement or answering any questions, however, he felt that as this was a very delicate situation, he should be given a list of the questions which I desired to ask him, as before answering he would have to keep in mind his position as a member of the government and that he may be disclosing secret matters on government policy and decisions, which he would not be at liberty to do under the Official Secrets Act."
When Mr Haughey requested the list of questions, Chief Supt Fleming said he would have to consult the Attorney General first.
"Mr Haughey asked is there any question of a prosecution at this stage, and I said that the matter has not been fully investigated yet."
Chief Supt Fleming's report to the Attorney General, with a proposed list of 56 questions, is among State papers on the Arms Trial which have just been released to the National Archives.