GD467/5/1: A large loose leaf folder with 4-5cms thick of letters, press cuttings relating to the International Gay Right Congress, Edinburgh, 1974.

Headed notepaper: Congress Organiser: Derek A. Ogg; Congress Secretary: Ian C. Dunn; Bankers: Bankers: Bank of Scotland; Solicitors: James Young & Co.

Letter from David Steel MP, on House of Commons headed notepaper;

Date 3 Sep 1974
To; Ian C Dunn, 8b Mayfield Gardens, Edinburgh.

Dear Ian, [handwritten]

Thank you for your letter enclosing a draft one to town councilors. I think the approach is right but may I query your sponsors? My father was talking to me on the phone just before he left for Africa. I think he will meet a deputation as you ask but he couldn't do so in the 48 hours before he left. You cannot therefore even unintentionally convey to others that he is a sponsor. Likewise the Bishop of Edinburgh, who I heard, had not agreed. Is Robin Cook the only other M.P. Who has agreed? What about a Tory like Rifkind or Fletcher? And the SNP?

My second query is the title “Gay Rights”. I support both CHE and SMG, but have serious doubts about Gay Lib. Is this Congress intended to embrace then? (Double entendre unintentional).

[signed] ??? David Steel

1. International Gay Rights Congress, Edinburgh, 1974

Congress Organises: Derek Ogg Secy: Ian C Dunn
24 October, 1974.

File copy of letter sent to:
Members of the Collective,
Gay Montreal Association,
3664 rue Ste. Famille,
Montreal H2X 3N4,
Canada

Dear Collective,
I am writing to ask a very special favour of you ­ a request which will involve some sacrifice, but a sacrifice for a worthy cause. Allow me to explain my request ...

This International Congress is the first of its kind and therefore is experimental to some degree. We are aware( because we ­ Derek Ogg & myself, Ian Dunn ­ have traveled widely and have spoken with many gay individuals & groups in the U.S., Canada & Europe) of the great diversity and strengths and weaknesses of the various gay movements.

Now is the time for an international exchange of viatl information ... a time to meet other gay ­ sisters and brothers ­ and to listen and learn from one another over a period of 4 days. I enclose an agenda to let you see what format our discussions will take.

[etc] But the crucial bit! ­ we are very short of ready money to finance the venture... [read about Gay Montreal's ­ s great discos etc ... asks for $600 ... ]

In love and liberation, YS Ian Dunn.

Reply: Letter from Gay Montreal Association

Montréal le 11 octobre 74

Dear Ian,

personal letter explaining to Ian how to write his letter [of 24 Oct?] asking for $600