A spokesman for the Order confirmed to the News Letter that Robert Saulters wrote back to Mr Adams in the form of a "short letter", which included some literature and leaflets on the traditions and history of Orangeism.

Mr Adams had written again to confirm that he had received the information.

It is understood that any meeting between the two men is not likely at this stage. The correspondence is believed to have taken place over the summer and there has not been any communication since then.

Mr Saulters made the revelation on Saturday at a Grand Orange Lodge meeting in Cavan, which the Grand Master described as a "historic occasion".

The Grand Lodge agreed at the meeting to support plans for a homecoming parade for troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan in Belfast in November.

A resolution said: "The Orange Institution has always encouraged its members to serve the Crown and tens of thousands of Orange brethren have done just that in conflicts all over the world."

The Grand Orange Lodge has previously voiced its support for the News Letter's campaign for a parade for armed forces.