William G. Wiseman to Colonel House

#737Cable.
London, August 11, 1917.

Observations from Horace Plunkett on first meeting of the Convention For the confidential information of the President.

Convention has very wide powers to draw up a constitution for Ireland within the Empire. There were greater difficulties in bringing convention together than are generally realized. Success in electing Chairman with businesslike opening is hopeful beginning, and has already had good effect in Ireland. Moreover, Convention yesterday elected standing committee, approved rule procedure, planned method inquiry with complete unanimity and good-will. Belfast and Cork have both invited delegates, who agreed to meet in Belfast in September and Cork later. Proceedings hitherto unexpectedly successful. Following refused to take part: SINN FEINERS, because main object of their leaders is to destroy present "nation" party, and some of their extremists insist on nothing less than an independent republic. It is possible that many supporters of the party are more reasonable than their leaders. Undoubtedly they begin to feel convention gaining ground, not only in Ireland but estimation of world outside. The O'Brienites, who are comparatively unimportant, because they insist on the conclusion of the Convention being put to an Irish referendum and the Government feels that it would be a mistake this to tie the hands of the Convention before they start.

The extreme labour party, because they are also controlled by advanced socialists.

It is impossible to judge how far the Convention represents the Irish people but it is generally felt to be representative of a large majority including political, agricultural, commercial and labour The Catholic Church is strongly represented. Leaders, who in the past have been bitterly opposed, are meeting for the first time, The greatest difficulty will probably come from Ulster because the Convention is undoubtedly against partition and Ulster may insist. General determination of Convention is to keep on until they reach some conclusion, which may take several months.

Will forward you similar confidential reports at each stage of the proceedings.
(Signed) William Wiseman.