3 December, 1919. MY DEAR BISHOP SHAHAN: Allow me to acknowledge your letter of November 30th written in behalf of the rector and faculties of the Catholic University of America, and to say that it will be my endeavour in regard to every question which arises before the Peace Conference to do my utmost to bring about the realization of the principles to which your letter refers. The difficulties and delicacy of the task are very great, and I cannot confidently forecast what I can do. I can only say that I shall be watchful of every opportunity to insist upon the principles I have enunciated.     Cordially and sincerely yours,       WOODROW WILSON.     The Rt. Rev. Thomas J. Shahan, Rector,       Catholic University of America,       Washington, D. C. On December 3, 1918, he addressed a letter to Senator Thomas J. Walsh, of Montana, as follows: THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON 3 December, 1919. MY DEAR SENATOR: I appreciate the importance of a proper solution of the Irish question and thank you for the suggestions of your letter of yesterday. Until I get on the other side and find my footing in delicate matters of this sort I cannot forecast with any degree of confidence what influence I can exercise, but you may be sure that I shall keep this important interest in mind and shall use my influence at every opportunity to bring about a just and satisfactory solution. I greatly value the expressions of your confidence and feel very much strengthened by them. With the best wishes,     Cordially and sincerely yours,       WOODROW WILSON.     Hon. Thomas J. Walsh,       United States Senate. While the President was in Paris, I constantly kept him in touch with the situation in this country, and that he was interested in bringing to the attention of the Peace Conference the cause of Ireland is made clear by the following cables that were exchanged between us. On June 7, 1919, I cabled Admiral Grayson, for the President as follows: The White House, Washington, 7 June, 1919. You cannot overestimate real intensity of feeling behind Irish question here. It is growing every day and is not at all confined to Irishmen. The passage of resolution of sympathy with almost unanimous vote in Senate last night is but a slight evidence of interest here. I wish the President could do just a little for I fear reaction here upon League of Nations. If this situation could be straightened out, it would help a great deal. TUMULTY. The President himself replied to this cable, showing the depth of his interest in the matter: Paris, 8 June, 1919. I have tried to help in the Irish matter, but the extraordinary indiscretion of the American delegation over here has almost completely blocked everything. WOODROW WILSON.