---
title: Division of Work with the Foreign Born
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/23-division-of-work-with-the-foreign-born/
description: Division of Work with the Foreign Born, from Complete Report of the Chairman of the Committee on Public Information by George Creel, Chairman, Committee…
section: FRAME
---

![Illustration: an interwar radio-and-newsreel intelligence collage with a 1930s map of Europe and propaganda poster proofs.](https://propagandaarchive.org/static/generated/detail/hero-interwar.jpg)

[Library](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/) · Report · [Complete Report of the Chairman of the Committee on Public Information](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/)

# Division of Work with the Foreign Born

This text

- **Work:** [Complete Report of the Chairman of the Committee on Public Information](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/)
- **Author:** George Creel, Chairman, Committee on Public Information
- **Published:** 1920

Full details

- **Rights:** A work of the United States government, printed by the Government Printing Office in 1920, so not protected by copyright in the United States (17 U.S.C. 105) and in the public domain by age as well. The Library of Congress states that it is unaware of any copyright restrictions on the item.

Chapters

1. [Letter of Transmittal and General Survey](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/01-letter-of-transmittal-and-general-survey/)
2. Part I: The Domestic Section
3. [Work of the Domestic Section](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/02-work-of-the-domestic-section/)
4. [The Voluntary Censorship](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/03-the-voluntary-censorship/)
5. [Division of News](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/04-division-of-news/)
6. [Division of Civic and Educational Cooperation](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/05-division-of-civic-and-educational-cooperation/)
7. [Division of Production and Distribution](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/06-division-of-production-and-distribution/)
8. [Four Minute Men](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/07-four-minute-men/)
9. [The Speaking Division](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/08-the-speaking-division/)
10. [The Division of Advertising](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/09-the-division-of-advertising/)
11. [Film Division](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/10-film-division/)
12. [Bureau of Distribution of the Division of Films](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/11-bureau-of-distribution-of-the-division-of-films/)
13. [Educational Department of the Division of Films](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/12-educational-department-of-the-division-of-films/)
14. [Scenario Department of the Division of Films](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/13-scenario-department-of-the-division-of-films/)
15. [Bureau of War Expositions of the Division of Films](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/14-bureau-of-war-expositions-of-the-division-of-fil/)
16. [Bureau of War Photographs of the Division of Films](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/15-bureau-of-war-photographs-of-the-division-of-fil/)
17. [Official U. S. Bulletin](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/16-official-u-s-bulletin/)
18. [The Service Bureau](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/17-the-service-bureau/)
19. [Division of Exhibit at State Fairs](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/18-division-of-exhibit-at-state-fairs/)
20. [Division of Syndicate Features](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/19-division-of-syndicate-features/)
21. [Division of Women’s War Work](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/20-division-of-women-s-war-work/)
22. [The Bureau of Cartoons](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/21-the-bureau-of-cartoons/)
23. [Division of Business Management](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/22-division-of-business-management/)
24. [Division of Work with the Foreign Born](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/23-division-of-work-with-the-foreign-born/)
25. [Showing America to the Foreign Press](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/24-showing-america-to-the-foreign-press/)
26. Part II: The Foreign Section
27. [Work of the Foreign Section](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/25-work-of-the-foreign-section/)
28. [Wireless and Cable Service](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/26-wireless-and-cable-service/)
29. [Foreign Press Bureau](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/27-foreign-press-bureau/)
30. [Foreign Film Activities](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/28-foreign-film-activities/)
31. [Foreign Picture Service](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/29-foreign-picture-service/)
32. Reports from Foreign Commissioners
33. [Report on the Work in Mexico](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/30-report-on-the-work-in-mexico/)
34. [The Work in France](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/31-the-work-in-france/)
35. [The Work in Holland](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/32-the-work-in-holland/)
36. [Work in Switzerland](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/33-work-in-switzerland/)
37. [Work in Italy](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/34-work-in-italy/)
38. [Work in Spain](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/35-work-in-spain/)
39. [Work in Denmark](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/36-work-in-denmark/)
40. [Work in Russia: General Introduction](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/37-work-in-russia-general-introduction/)
41. [Work in Russia: The Installation](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/38-work-in-russia-the-installation/)
42. [Work in Russia: Siberian Activities](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/39-work-in-russia-siberian-activities/)
43. [Work in Russia: Archangel](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/40-work-in-russia-archangel/)
44. [The Work in China](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/41-the-work-in-china/)
45. [Work in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/42-work-in-argentina-uruguay-and-paraguay/)
46. [Work in Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/43-work-in-peru-ecuador-and-bolivia/)
47. [Other Work in South America](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/44-other-work-in-south-america/)
48. [Work in Sweden and Norway](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/45-work-in-sweden-and-norway/)

[← Division of Business Management](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/22-division-of-business-management/) [Showing America to the Foreign Press →](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/24-showing-america-to-the-foreign-press/)

**Content note:** Quotes wartime anti-German language, including "Hun", and period terms for racial and national groups. This object is shown as it was published. [Why](https://propagandaarchive.org/about/#as-it-was)

Nothing is more true than that people do not live by bread alone. The majority live on catch-phrases. For years the average American has discharged his duty to the alien by glib references to the " melting pot," with never a thought to see whether the pot was really melting. Hopeful thousands, coming to this land of promise with their hearts in their hands, have been treated with every neglect and indifference, and only in the most haphazard way have they been brought into touch with the richer opportunities of American life.

When America went to war, however, these unregarded millions took on a new importance, for our unity, our striking force, our front to the enemy, depended in large measure upon the attitude of Americans of foreign birth or descent. Let it be stated at the very outset that this attitude was indeed that " 100 per cent Americanism " of which politicians talk, expressing itself from first to last in volunteering and every form of service and sacrifice. Harassed by so-called " patriotic societies," instinct with the spirit of Chauvinism, hounded by laws conceived in intolerance, and with their notable contributions to the common cause permitted to go unnoticed, the foreign-language groups established records of patriotism not outshone by those of native stock.

The Committee on Public Information at the very outset realized the importance of bringing the truths about the war home to the foreign born of carrying straight to the heart of every alien, enemy and neutral, the tremendous idealism of America. We felt strongly that this work, if attempted by the usual type of " Americanizers," would fail just as it had always failed, and our effort was to find group leaders able and willing to undertake this virtual evangelization, to develop " loyalty leagues " within the groups themselves that would discharge the task.

The first success was in the formation of the Friends of German Democracy, a name derided at the time. Franz Sigel, worthy son of a great father, accepted the presidency ; Mr; Julius Koettgen became the secretary, and about them they rallied such patriots as Eudolph Blankenburg, Dr. Abraham Jacobi, Dr. Karl Mathie, Frederick Hoffman, and many other true Americans of German descent.

Mr. Alexander Konta then organized the Hungarian- American Loyalty League, and despite the attacks of those who believed in "hate," he rallied his race to the banner of America until the war record of the Hungarians stands equal to any.

Mr. Edwin Bjorkman, the writer, was chosen to form the John Ericsson League for work among the Swedish, and when this was well under way, he drew to himself such men as Judge Harry Olson, Dr. Max Henius, and Mr. Magnus Svenson, and instituted similar activities among the Norse and Danish.

With respect to the other foreign language groups, close relations were established with Paderewski, Dr. Masaryk, the Serbian Legation, the Italian Embassy, and the Japanese Embassy. As time went on, however, it was seen that more direct methods were necessary, and in May, 1918, the Division of Work Among the Foreign Born, Miss Josephine Roche, in virtual charge of all thfese various activities from the first, was made director of the new division, and it is to her faith, vision, and rare devotions that the amazing results are due. Under Miss Roche, the Government frankly established direct and continuous contact with 14 racial groups through the following bureaus : The Italian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Russian, Jugoslav, Czechoslovak, Polish, German (American friends of German Democracy), Ukrainian, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Dutch, and the Foreign Information Service Bureau.

The report of Miss Roche is such that I beg to submit it as presented :

EEPORT or THE DIRECTOR.

Started as a war activity this division's purpose was directed toward meeting certain long-existing needs which war emergencies emphasized and forced into recognition. It was not only that we had to meet and conquer the bitternesses bred by years of neglect and even injustice, but there was also the need of giving European countries an immediate and convincing realization of America's aims and ideals in the war. Bringing their former countrymen, now American residents, into closer cooperation with this country's activities meant that our message would reach these people abroad from the source they most trusted.

Plan of Organization.

It was realized that the work could receive unreserved confidence and support from the foreign born only if conducted on a thoroughly democratic plan. Therefore, cooperation and suggestions of their leaders of the foreign language press and organizations were sought. Representatives were appointed from the foreign language groups to act as managers of the Foreign Language Bureaus of the division. They were given the responsibility for the development of this work among their people ; for sending them official information in their language through their press, their organizations, and through wide correspondence and personal work; for endeavoring to rectify wrong conditions affecting the foreign born; and for making available to the native born important facts about their groups.

Fourth of July Demonstration.

The eagerness for real partnership and complete service on the part of the foreign born in America was made evident at the outset of the work of this division. The Fourth of July demonstration, and events leading up to it, gave a nation-wide and enduring vision of what these new Americans feel and do for this country.

On May 21 the following petition asking that the Fourth of July be specially recognized in 1918 as a day for the foreign born to demonstrate their loyalty to their adopted country was presented to President Wilson by representatives of all the foreign-language groups :

To the President of the United States:

On the Fourth of July, 1776, the founders of this Republic began the movement for human liberty and the rights of nations to govern themselves. One hundred and forty-two years later we find the world democracy, of which this Nation was a pioneer, formidably assailed by the powers of reaction and autocracy.

We represent these peoples whose sons and daughters came to this land later than the founders of the Republic, but drawn by the same ideals. The nations and races and peoples which we represent are taking their part, in one way or another, in the struggle. Some, happily, enjoying a political entity, are fighting openly and with arms against the enemies of progress. Others, unhappily, submerged, can give but a passive opposition. Others have been forced against their will into the armies of the common enemy. Finally, a few still remain outside, hard pressed, threatened by the mailed fist, dreading alike to be drawn in and to be found apart from the rest when the hour of settlement comes. But all, through infinite suffering, struggle, either blindly or open-eyed, toward the same end, the right of peoples to govern themselves as they themselves see fit, and a just and lasting peace. The higher interests of the races which we left behind have become identical, in this significant year, with the higher interests of the United States. We regard ourselves not only as members of an American commonwealth, one and indivisible, but of the world commonwealth, equally indivisible. United for the principles of that democratic world-state which is fighting now for its being on the battle fields of Europe, we intend, on July 4, 1918, to manifest, by special celebrations, our loyalty to this country and to the cause for which we fight ; and we respectfully request that you call attention of your fellow citizens to this fact, in order that they may join with us in commemorating this, the anniversary not only of national freedom, but of universal freedom.

From President Wilson came the sympathetic and favorable reply:

To our citizens of foreign extraction:

I have read with great sympathy the petition addressed to me by your representative bodies regarding your proposed celebration of Independence Day ; and I wish to convey to you, in reply, my heartfelt appreciation for its expression of loyalty and good will. Nothing in this war has been more gratifying than the manner in which our foreign-born fellow citizens, and the sons and daughters of the foreign born, have risen to this greatest of all national emergencies. You have shown where you stand not only by your frequent professions of loyalty to the cause for which we fight, but by your eager response to calls to patriotic service, including the supreme sacrifice of offering life itself in battle for justice, freedom, and democracy. Before such devotion as you have shown all distinctions of race vanish ; and we feel ourselves citizens in a Republic of free spirits.

I, therefore, take pleasure in calling your petition, with my hearty commendation, to the attention of all my fellow countrymen, and I ask that they unite with you in making the Independence Day of this, the year when all the principles to which we stand pledged are on trial, the most significant in our national history.

As July 4, 1776, was the dawn of democracy for this Nation, let us on July 4, 1918, celebrate the birth of a new and greater spirit of democracy by whose influence we hope and believe, what the signers of the Declaration of Independence dreamed of for themselves and their fellow countrymen, shall be fulfilled for all mankind.

I have asked the Committee on Public Information to cooperate with you in any arrangements you may wish to make for this celebration.

WooDEOW Wilson.

Following this pronouncement of President Wilson the governors of the various States and mayors of cities issued similar proclamations regarding the Fourth of July. As a result of President Wilson calling upon the Committee on Public Information to cooperate with the citizens of foreign extraction in making arrangements for the Fourth of July, this division of the committee, under the direction of Mr. Will Irwin, was afforded a rare opportunity for intimate acquaintance with these people.

The division bureaus reported on what their people did throughout the entire United States. Similar material, though not in such detail, was obtained for those groups for which the committee had no bureaus through the generous cooperation of their leaders, organizations, and newspapers.

Demonstrations of the 33 nationalities took place not only in all the cities and towns, but in practically every community where any of these people dwelt. For weeks prior to the day their national and local organizations were working on plans that would insure their peoples' complete participation in the Fourth of July demonstration. No pains were spared to make the day all they longed to have it. Probably never were there such gigantic preparations throughout the entire country for Independence Day ; and certainly never was there such an outpouring of the Nation's millions of new citizens and citizens to be, as on July 4, 1918. Reports of parades, pageants, and mass meetings, resolutions, declarations, and inscriptions on banners could be enumerated for everj^ foreigii-born group and for each ssparate community, but it would only be a repetition of the story of their devotion.

The Mount Vernon Pilgrimage.

While Albanians, Armenians, Assyrians, Belgians, Bulgarians, Chinese, Czecho-Slovaks, Costa Ricans, Danes, Dutch, Ecuadorians, Finns, French, French-Canadians, Germans, Greeks, Hungarians, Italians, Japanese, Lithuanians, Mexicans, Norwegians, Poles, Filipinos, Russians, Venezuelans, Roumanians, Spaniards, Jugo-Slavs, Swedes, Swiss, Syrians, and Ukrainians were thus acclaiming America as their country, representatives of each of these 33 groups, as the guests of President Wilson, were making a pilgrimage with him to the tomb of Washington. In response to President Wilson's Mount Vernon speech to this delegation, the delegate present there for Americans of Belgian descent delivered the message bearing the signatures of all the 33 representatives and expressing the feelings of the great masses of new Americans :

One hundred and forty-two years ago to-day a group of men animated with the same spirit as that of tlie man who lies here, founded the United States of America on the theory of free government with the consent of the governed. That was the beginning of America. As the years went on, and one century blended with another, men and women came from even the uttermost ends of the earth to join them. We have called them alien ; but they were never alien. Though they spoke not a word of the language of this country, though they groped only dimly toward its institutions, they were already Americans in soul or they would never have come. We are the latest manifestation of that American soul. ...

We, who make this pilgrimage, are the offspring of 33 different nations — and Americans all. We come not alone. Behind us are millions of our people united to-day in pledging themselves to the cause of this country and of the free nations with which she is joined. From coast to coast, in city, town, and hamlet our citizens will be demonstrating that the oath which they took upon their naturalization was not an empty form of words. Yes, more than that. When, to-morrow, the casualty list brings heaviness to some homes and a firm sense of resolution to all, we shall read upon the roll of honor Slavic names, Teutonic names, Latin names. Oriental names, to show that we have sealed our faith with the blood of our best youth. To this beloved shade we come to-day with the hopes of our races garnered in our hands.

Significance of the Day to the Native Boen,

Great as were the meaning and hope which the spirit of 1918's Fourth of July brought the foreign born, of equal importance were the foundations it laid for an understanding by our "Americans for generations back " that these "Americans by choice " came here with the same hopes as did our pilgrim ancestors, and willing, as they were, to make the supreme sacrifice for their nation's safe continuance, and knowing, as they did, the cost of freedom.

In " The Solemn Declaration of the Czechoslovak People to the Republic of the United States of America and its Great President, Woodrow Wilson," the Czechoslovaks gave fine expression of this spirit of America in the hearts of the newcomers.

We came here from the land of suffering and oppression. It is on this account that we hailed America like a rising sun after the dark night of humiliation.

We learned to love America for we are the sons of the land which in the twilight of history was the first in the world to rise and fight the battle of democracy and self-determination of her people. We are the sons of the land which shone like a great beacon light of truth and faith in the life of the fifteenth century. When the whole world slept, we were awake.

We love this land— for the ideals of July 4, 1776, incorporated by her great leaders into the law of life — and written indelibly into the hearts of the nation by the blood and sacrifices of her sons; the ideals of democracy which Lincoln set before his united country cleansed of the stain of slavery ; these are the heritages of the glorious past and present of the Czechoslovak people as well. In our blood and in the beating of our hearts we bore the sacred law of freedom, democracy, and brotherhood. This is our country. We are and will remain to be true to her in laboring for her, true to her in her struggle, in her sufferings, true to the grave.

What the Fourth revealed in the way of courageous heritages and ideals among the recently arrived races in America was brought out repeatedly in the ensuing work and relation of this division and its bureaus with the foreign-spealdng groups.

A summary of the reports of the 14 foreign-language bureaus follows :

Scandinavian Bueeau.

The Scandinavian Bureau, under the direction of Mr. Edwin Bjorkman, included not only the Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish but also the Finnish ; and later, by reason of Mr. Bjorkman's knowledge and sympathy, he took over the work among the Dutch. His first work was the formation of the John Ericsson league for patriotic service among the Swedish born in America. Other organizations, the Jacob A. Eiis and the Lincoln Loyalty League, were afterwards formed to do similar work among persons of Danish and Finnish descent.

News Service

A major activity was the news service to the Scandinavian press, and later to the Dutch and Finnish, through weekly bulletins. For the five groups 998 articles, based on material from Government departments, have been released. During the draft many special releases were sent, and full explanations made of the draft questionnaires. The majority of the papers made extensive use of the articles, many using practically every one.

Stvedish service. — This service, first in charge of Mr. Olaf P. Zethelius, and after his death in charge of Mr. H. Gude Grinndal, sent out 309 releases to the Swedish language press. Over two-thirds of the 50 papers printed very extensively or to a fair degree these releases. No paper failed to use some, and the use and appreciation of the material steadily increased among the editors.

Norwegian service. — Similar cooperation came from the 40 Norwegian language newspapers in their use of the 257 releases sent out by the manager of the Norwegian service, Mr. H. Sundby-Hansen. Many personal requests for information through calls and correspondence were attended to.

Dmiish service. — Mr. Viggo C. Eberlin, in charge of the Danish service, released to their 24 papers 212 articles, which with few exceptions were given wide distribution.

Finnish service. — Mr. Charles H. Hirsimaki, in charge of this service, sent out 107 articles to his 24 papers with very gratifying results, considering the fact that three-fourths of the Finnish papers are highly religious or devoted largely to socialistic propaganda. Of the nine papers not using the releases eight belong in these two groups.

Dutch service.- — The Dutch service, under Mr. James J. Van Pernis, sent 108 releases to 14 Dutch papers, and all but 2 of these made extensive and appreciative use of the material.

Polish Bureau.

Until November, 1918, the work among the Poles was done by Mr. John Wedcla. Extensive contacts with local and national Polish Committees were established, originally in connection with the Fourth of July preparations. The Polish press gave splendid publicity to these plans, and proclamations on the subject were issued by the largest organizations. Splendid work on the draft was also done; full information was sent out through the organizations and press, and on the Sunday before registration the Polish clergy devoted their sermons to the subject of registration.

In November, 1919, the work was reorganized under the direction of Miss K. Wanda Wojcieszak. A regular and extensive press service was started. Since November the bureau has sent out to the 56 Polish papers 159 releases giving Government information. Every paper used many of these and most papers used the majority of them.

Numerous meetings have been attended. Trips made to 10 cities where there are the largest settlement of Polish people. Conferences with their leaders, editors, and officers of organizations brought out a splendid point of view and desire to cooperate with the bureau. Many letters asking information of Government laws and material from Government departments have been attended to.

As a result of demands following the publication of releases based on material from the Surgeon General's Office, " Venereal Diseases and How to Prevent Them," a pamphlet was issued using the material more extensively. Fifteen thousand copies, given out only to organizations, committees, and individuals asking for them, were immediately placed.

Help has been given Government departments in translating letters, in giving information desired on the Poles and in explaining through personal efforts as well as news releases Government laws and activities, such as the income tax, the Federal Employment Service, and Department of State rulings on passports.

Ukeainian Bubeau.

The Ukrainian Bureau has been under the direction of Mr. Nicholas Ceglinsky.

Seventy-two articles on Government material were sent out to the eight papers, all of which carried some of the articles. Not a single paper used less than 25 per cent of the material, most of them used • 75 per cent ; one paper used every article.

Important conferences and conventions were attended by the manager, and several thousand Ukrainians were reached through the meetings addressed by him on his trips to six of the largest Ukrainian centers.

Material regarding Ukrainians in America and Europe has been furnished Government departments requesting it. Much information and personal assistance has been given to Ukrainians on Government laws and regulations. The Bureau published to meet a general demand a pamphlet, "America in War and Peace."

Lithuanian Bureau.

The Lithuanian Bureau started its work under the direction of Lieut. Mostowski and Mr. Julius Kaupas, the latter assuming the management entirely in August, 1918.

An excellent press service on Government information released 149 articles to the 16 Lithuanian papers. Not a paper failed to use the bureau's material, most of them printing a majority of the articles.

The press among the Lithuanians was the most effective and sure way of reaching all the people with the information. " The Lithuanian press has played a more important part in the lives of the Lithuanians than any other group of immigrants. The reasons are obvious. For over 40 years Russia forbade the printing of anything in the Lithuanian language, and, due to the hard fight for printed literature in their own language, these people have held their press as something almost sacred."

Besides the releasing of articles, close relations were maintained with leading organizations which sent out numerous circular letters drawn up by this bureau enlisting the Lithuanians in War-Savings Stamps and the Liberty Loan campaigns. Constant cooperation came from the Lithuanian organizations. Letters to the various organization leaders regarding the Fourth of July brought overwhelming response from all Lithuanians throughout the country on that day.

Practically all large conventions and mass meetings were attended and information given on Government activities and need for patriotic service, with splendid results. Lithuanian settlements in 25 cities and communities were visited once or more. Reports on Lithuanians here and in the old country were furnished several Government departments.

Czechoslovak Bureau.

The Czechoslovak Bureau, under the management of Mrs. Anna Tvrzicka, did extensive work in reaching all Czecho- Slovak organizations regarding the Fourth of July preparations. Many hundred telegrams were received telling of the demonstrations held in every Czechoslovak community on that day. Word even came from the boys in the Czechoslovak army in France of their celebration.

Czechoslovak newspapers number about 100 and reach practically every Czechoslovak family in the United States. To these papers 96 news releases were sent out, 40 papers using every one of them and the balance giving an extensive space. Particular attention was paid to releases on the draft and income tax, some 15 articles being released on these two subjects.

Considerable translation was done for various Government departments, such as the Eed Cross, the Fuel and Food Administrations, etc. During the fourth Liberty loan a personal letter to the Czechoslovaks was written by Prof. Masaryk, at the request of the bureau, which released it to all the Czechoslovak papers. The bureau manager visited the leading Czechoslovak communities and conferred with their leaders, their editors, and their organization officers.

German Bueeau.

In October, 1917, the American Friends of German Democracy was organized to aid in holding the German born loyal to America and " to encourage the cause of democracy by aiding the German nation to establish a government responsible to the people." This organization functioned as the German Bureau of this division. Mr. Julius Koettgen has acted as executive secretary of the organization and as manager of the German Bureau from the first. Branches of the American Friends of German Democracy carried on local tvrork in the 12 main German- American centers.

The main work of the organization was done through the press and through pamphlets. There was issued each week a bulletin up to November, 1918, and after that weekly news releases were sent out containing important Government information and specialized material on the war and conditions in Europe which would have wide influence on persons of German descent. Much German propaganda was overcome in this way. Nearly 150 articles of this sort were sent to the 200 most important German-language papers, to about 400 American papers reaching persons of German descent, and to 200 special individuals. About 2,000,000 readers were reached through these articles. A million copies of the following 20 pamphlets were distributed :

The Root of the Evil; Democracy, the Heritage of All; German Militarism and Its German Accusers ; The American Friends of German Democracy ; The Spirit of America ; Lieber and Schnrz, Two Loyal Americans of. German Birth ; A Call Issued by .the Friends of German Democracy ; No Qualified Americanism ; A Plea to German- Americans for Unity of Purpose; What President Wilson Thinks of the Friends of German Democracy ; On Americanism ; The Poison Growth of Prussianism ; The Government of Germany ; On Loyalty, Liberty, and Democracy ; The Democratic Rising of the German People in the Years 1848 and 1849 ; Germany's Confession ; Meine Londener Mission, 1912-1914 ; America's War Aims and Peace Program ; Amerikas Kriegsziele und Friendensprogramm ; Editions of Freie Zeitung, of Berne, Switzerland.

Four organizers were in the field constantly until the first of the year 1919 visiting the German- American colonies, arranging and addressing meetings and establishing close personal contacts. One organizer spoke at 50 meetings, reaching 32,000 people. In the draft, Liberty loan, and war savings stamp campaigns and in all other war activities this organization was one of the chief instruments for reaching those of German descent.

An important achievement of the American Friends of German Democracy was the sending of frequent letters and appeals, which told the truth about America in the war, to certain groups in Switzerland who were able to get many of them into Germany, also the generous support given to the Freie Zeitung, the German paper in Berne that preached against Prussianism with such tremendous effect.

Trips by the bureau manager to communities having numbers of persons of German descent revealed many possibilities for bringing a fuller understanding of America to these groups. A spirit of cooperation was found among many of the organizations and societies.

The German Bureau has collected valuable information on the various German groups in this country, their organization, their press, the methods by which German propaganda made headway and the successful methods of overcoming it. Many reports have been furnished various Government departments on matters pertaining to this group, and it can be stated that the Bureau has a very thorough grasp on the German- American situation as it exists at present.

Hungarian Bureau.

This bureau, under the management of Mr. Markus, received whole-hearted support from the Hungarian language press. From November, 1918, to April 15, 1919, 54 articles based on Government material were released by the bureau and published in practically all the 28 Hungarian papers extensively.

As a result of many inquiries coming to the Hungarian Bureau a pamphlet was compiled, "A Message to American Hungarians," in Hungarian and English, containing much practical and official information; 25,000 of these were distributed to organizations and individuals, employers, boards of education, and libraries. All were given on request only. An additional 10,000 copies had to be printed almost immediately.

Several circular letters containing Government information were sent to 600 or more organizations and societies. Close contacts with these latter were also maintained through two questionnaires sent out to learn of their activities and information that they desired.

Besides the extensive dissemination of information on Government activities through the press, the Hungarian Bureau also aided the Labor Department by furnishing the employment service with a complete list of Hungarian organizations and societies in the United States and by making an interesting study, through one of its questionnaires, of the help Hungarians were receiving from the employment service's local offices. The Liberty loan committees were supplied with 25,000 names of Hungarians. For the Red Cross numerous letters were translated.

The manager of the bureau visited six important Hungarian communities and attended several mass meetings and conferences.

Italian Bueeau.

The Italian Bureau was organized under the name of the Eoman Legion of America in April, 1918, with Dr. Antonio Stella as president and Dr. Albert C. Bonaschi as executive secretary. After the armistice the name, " Eoman Legion," was dropped and the organization's work was continued by the Italian Bureau under the management of Dr. Bonaschi. Divisions of the Roman Legion of America were established in every State and their members rendered splendid service throughout the war period. Particular aid was given in all Liberty loan and war-savings stamps campaigns, in patriotic celebrations, in the distribution of official pamphlets, and in rendering any service any Government department aske,d. Much aid was given the authorities during the draft. Following the disbanding of the Eoman Legion of America its members continued to give this same cooperation to the Italian Bureau.

Four hundred and eighty-eight articles based on Government material and on foreign information had been released to the 256 Italian newspapers. Practically the entire Italian population is reached through their press. Its unanimous cooperation with the It^-lian Bureau therefore gained for our material the widest possible attention. Every Italian paper used the bureau's releases.

One trip covering all the large Italian centers was made by the Italian Bureau's manager and the heartiest relations with the various Italian organizations and leaders were established.

For the month previous to registration a large part of the bureau's activities were devoted to seeing that full information reached every Italian on the provisions of the law. Close connections were maintained with the Provost Marshal General's Office and practically all their material was translated and released by the bureau.

Following the armistice the Italian Bureau cooperated with the Internal Revenue Department in not only releasing numerous articles giving full explanation of the income tax law, but also gave personal assistance to hundreds of cases referred to it.

Russian Bureau.

The Kussian Bureau started its activities in November, 1918, under the management of Mr. Joseph Polonsky. Its work has been carried on through its press releases; trips by the manager and assistant to the principal Russian centers ; cooperation with Russian societies ; pamphlets ; and lectures.

The bureau has released 97 articles to the 19 Russian papers. All but two have used these releases; an excellent degree of support has come from all but these two.

Close contacts with Russian groups have been established through the visits made on one or more occasions to the chief Russian colonies.

Russian societies have assisted the bureau in giving much information as to the kind of bureau activities most needed and acceptable among Russian speaking people, and in helping arrange for the three lecture tours made by Prof. Galatsky and Dr. Krinkin.

These lectures were on " Abraham Lincoln and the American Democracy," " What we Russians can learn from America," and the " League of Nations," and were followed by most favorable results.

Pamphlets on Abraham Lincoln and the League of Nations were published in response to requests, and 35,000 were distributed to organizations, societies, libraries, and individuals. Many hearty endorsements of the pamphlets and lectures have been received.

Besides giving wide circulation to the information from the various Government departments, the bureau has given much assistance to individuals, through letters and calls, on matters such as the income tax, war risk insurance, and agricultural and land reclamation matters.

The bureau has had a most difficult task owing to the situation in Russia, and the many misunderstandings prevalent, but nevertheless it has steadily gained and its work has been shown not only to be necessary but increasingly appreciated.

Jugoslav Bureau.

The Jugoslav Bureau was organized with Mr. Peter Mladineo in charge. Its work has been along the equally important lines of work with the press, with Jugoslav organizations and societies, and through trips and meetings attended by the manager.

Through the press work about 65 Government information articles were released to 26 papers. All but 2 used extensively the bureau's material. These releases all had to be written in two lang-uages — the Serbo-Croatian and Slovenian.

While the Jugoslav press influence is very important, it does not reach the people so universally as that of other groups.

Of equal importance, therefore, was the information sent and relations maintained with the organizations and societies which are exceedingly numerous and representative in their membership.

Ten circulars were sent to about 2,500 societies, on such important matters as the draft, income tax, and relief for Jugoslavs in Europe.

Several trips by the manager were made to Jugoslav settlements, including the very important ones in Texas and Louisiana, Chicago and other points in Illinois, Kansas City, St. Louis, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh. The most helpful understanding was thus established between all the Jugoslav groups and the bureau, and the latter was enabled to learn what information and work were most necessary among its people.

Considerable aid was given the Jugoslav relief, through press notices and through personal counsel of the manager.

Much data has been filed by the manager on the Jugoslavs, their European history, their immigration to America, and their present status here. Great help was given in the draft by seeing that all Jugoslavs were fully informed on the questionnaires. The Internal Revenue Department was greatly assisted by the news releases sent the press and organizations giving the provisions of the law, and, further, by the numerous individual cases aided by the bureau. Translation work was done for several Government departments.

The above summaries are no more than suggestions of the work of the 14 bureaus. A full report is on file from each one, together with detailed information on their newspapers. A brief statement of the important aspects of the work as a whole follows.

Method. — Along its first general line of giving Government information to the foreign born and cooperating with Government departments, the division's activities fall under the five heads of work through the foreign-language press; work through the foreign-language organizations; field work ; pamphlets; While the bureaus all had the same aim for their work, and all employed certain similar methods, each group presented problems entirely its own and demanded specialized attention. The press and the organizations, national and local, were the nucleus of the work of all the bureaus. For some they assured a hearing for the bu- .reau's message among practically all the members of that group. Chief among this class are the Italian, the Czechoslovak, and the Scandinavian groups.

These bureau managers devoted practically their efforts to the press work and to circular letters to organizations, although they established contacts with their people through trips made to their largest colonies during the initial stages -of their work.

For other foreign-language groups, such as the Russian, Polish, Jugoslav, and Ukrainian, the press alone was not a sufficient means of contact. The publication of pamphlets and considerable work through trips was therefore undertaken by these bureau managers.

The Polish, Lithuanian, Hungarian, and Ukrainian Bureaus did about an equal amount of their work through press and organization contacts and through field work.

Press work. — For these 14 foreign language groups there are approximately 865 foreign language newspapers. About 745 of this number are issued regularly and were received by the bureaus. One-third of the remaining 150 not received by the bureaus were published at very irregular intervals.

The news service was not started by five bureaus until November, 1918. By these five bureaus, together with the other nine, whose news releases started during the spring of 1918, there were sent out an approximate total of 2,318 news releases to these 745 foreign language newspapers. Only 32 papers did not use the material, all but three of these being small papers of a highly specialized character ; 96 per cent of the papers availed themselves extensively of the material. Very many papers used all but a few releases. It was a frequent occurrence to have foreign language papers come in carrying on their front page two or three columns of the bureaus' material. These 2,318 releases were based on material from the following Government sources:

State Department (Bureau of Passport Control) ; Departments of War and Navy; Military Intelligence; Provost Marshal General's Office; Department of Labor (United States Employment Service, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Naturalization Bureau, Immigration Bureau) ; Fuel Administration; Food Administration; Treasury Department (Internal Revenue, Public Health, Foreign Language Division) ; Department of The Interior (Bureau of Mines, Rec-» lamation Service, Bureau of Education) ; Department of Agriculture; Railroad Administration; Shipping Board; War Trade Board; Department of Commerce; Council df National Defense; Post Office; War Labor Policies Board; Red Cross.

The Departments of Labor, War, Internal Revenue, and Agriculture are those whose material was most extensively used and most desired.

Work with organizations. — National and local organizations, fraternal, educational, religious, beneficial, and social in type, are a powerful factor among the foreign speaking groups. Their conventions bring together hundreds of deleates from all the various centers of the foreign-language groups, and their activities and influence are far-reaching.

The information on Government activities prepared in the form of bulletins or circular letters by the bureaus and sent these organizations was insured a complete hearing by their members. Draft and registration circulars, regulations issued by the Passport Control Division of the Department of State, income-tax provisions, were carefully and thoroughly distributed by them. They also gave most valuable and suggestive advice as to the needs and desires of their groups for instruction and. understanding.

Pamphlets. — While there was no need to issue pamphlets in any large quantity because of the facilities offered us for reaching foreign-language groups by their press organizations, the following (in addition to the German pamphlets) were printed as a result of a desire and need found to exist for them and had a distribution of about 120,000 : "America in War and Peace," in Ul^:rainian ; " Venereal Diseases and How to Prevent Them," in Polish ; " A Message to American-Hungarians," in Hungarian ; " Abraham Lincoln," in Russian ; " League of Nations," in Russian.

Field work. — -All bureau managers, either when initiating the work or at frequent intervals during its continuance, learned through personal conference the situation among their groups and gained complete confidence from their people in their work. A total of 124: trips was made to 53 different cities and towns, all but 10 of these being visited by the majority of the managers.

The lectures arranged by the Russian Bureau as a result of the manager's trips proved so successful that one of the largest Russian settlements wanted the lecturer to come and live there. The following is quoted from the letter extending him the invitation :

You have done very much for the Russian colony of the city of . You even made our Bolslievicks thlnlj and spealv about education. I often tliink now that if we had in several people like you, many of the Russian workmen would have been saved from the Utopian Bolshevism, would not believe its idle promises, and would learn to govern themselves independently. Several of our members were present at the lecture and all were very much pleased and grateful to you. Our group has authorized me to ask you to come to live in . You are a man of science, and we have no educated people among us. You know that the mind of the Russian workmen has been moved from its former standpoint; It wants to go somewhere, but it does not know the way. If you, the intelligent people, will not help it to find the way, other unscrupulous people will take advantage of the occasion.

The never-failing response to the bureaus' work and purpose was the best proof of the attitude of the foreign-speaking people toward it. Many other indorsements were given in editorials and news columns and in letters to the bureaus.

What the work has revealed about the foreign-language groups. — Of equal importance with this work of reaching the foreign-speaking groups with information as described has been what this work has revealed about these groups. The war gave a chance for a dramatic and striking manifestation of their services and loyalty to the country. After the armistice their interest and devotion Avas just as great in helping in the difficult transition and reconstruction problems. The same unreserved spirit with which they had enlisted in the Army, and in the Liberty loaa and war-savings stamp campaigns, marked their efforts in peace, in encouraging all their people to become citizens, to learn English, to carr}^ out any suggestions coming from Government sources. Numerous printing concerns have offered to print and distribute among their people books on American history, civics, and the Constitution. Editors of several groups have been running serials on citizenship and wish to carry translations of the best American stories in their papers. They have asked us to suggest these and to get translation rights for them.

While it is true that large numbers of these foreign-born people are at the present moment returning to the old country, it is the consensus of opinion among the best informed among them that very few of them expect to remain, or in going cease to consider America their home. It is a most understandable desire to find out what has happened to their families, their little property, after four years of war sufferings, and complete lack of communication with them.

A remark in the Czecho-Slovak manager's report, equally applicable to the other groups, sums up the situation. She had been talking with many editors and leaders among Czecho-Slovaks, particularly on various Americanization projects.

The reception was everywhere favorable, although some men felt that they were asked to do what they have been doing all along.

Foreign Information Service. — To bring to the attention of the public some of these significant facts we started in August, 1918, the Foreign Information Service, directed by Mr. Donald Breed, until November, and after that by Mr. Barett Clark. To quote from Mr. Clark's report :

It has been the policy of this service to encourage the foreign-language groups of America by releasing stories telling of their cooperation with the Government in such matters as the Liberty loan, the Red Cross, etc., and to assist the foreign-language press not only in securing prompt and efficient cooperation with the Government departments, but by informing the American people through the native-language press of the work that had been done and was now being done by the foreign-language press in helping the foreigner to become a better American.

Over 50 such stories were released to 3,300 American papers and from clippings kept until the first of the year showed a wide and interested use. Typical among them are : " The Jugo-Slav Club," " Greek- American Boys Are Genuine Patriots," " Lithuanians Support Fourth Liberty Loan," " The Czecho-Slovaks in America," " Ukrainians in America Eager for Education," and " Russian- Americans Aid America in Bond Sales." Fourteen "News Bulletins," giving a number of very brief accounts on the activities of the foreign born, were also sent out.

The Foreign Information Service acted also as the chief liaison between the Foreign Language Bureaus and the Government departments in getting the former the official information for their releases and also for the individual cases appealing to them. Also Mr. Clark had charge of translation rights for textbooks, stories, and plays for the foreign-language groups.

Cooperation icith Government dejxirtments. — In addition to information service through press organizations, all bureaus did considerable translating of letters and articles for several Government departments and furnished them numerous reports concerning their group. Among these departments are especially the Fuel and Food Administrations, Departments of War, Labor, Interior, Internal Revenue, and Liberty loan committees.

Draft and registration tvork. — Highly intensive as well as extensive work Avas done in cooperation with the office of the Provost Marshal General. All the bureaus released for days before registration the fullest and clearest instructions which received columns of space daily in the press. Three enormous packages of the clippings and marked copies of one day's papers from the various bureaus were collected as an exhibit. Provost Marshal- General Crowder wrote us the following letter in regard to the bureau's achievements:

I have already expressed to Mr. Creel my appreciation of the invaluable work done by all members of his staff in contributing to publicity on Registration Day. But I have an especial sentiment of gratitude to yourself, because the task of reaching the foreign born, who are unfamiliar with our language, seemed to me to be one of the most difficult, an 1 perhaps beyond power of achievement. But as I read your report of the methods employed, I am convinced that the task was fully accomplished. The daily arrivals of newspapers in foreign languages show how widespread are the ramifications of influence of your office, and have revealed to me what a powerful and effective agency the Government possesses. Your tact, energy, and ingenuity in utilizing this agency to its fullest, command my admiration, and I offer my personal thanks.

Income-tax work. — Far more exhaustive was the work clone in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Department in explaining and helping work out the provisions of the revenue bill affecting aliens. A most critical situation was created among the foreign-speaking people by the law's failure to sufficiently define the terms " resident " and '' nonresident " aliens, and by its provision that employers shall Avithhold 8 per cent from the wages of their nonresident employees, their total tax being 12 per cent as against the 6 per cent paid by citizens and resident aliens. The matter came to the attention of our bureau managers through letters and personal appeals from their people all over the country. Altogether nearly 3,000 of these appeals came in, showing a state of complete bewilderment and wretchedness.

It is almost impossible to choose from among these letters the most representative as all give a vivid picture of the conditions, but the following four from different language groups will give some idea of the situation :

Gentlemen : Please send me information as to income tax. How toreigners have to pay * * * to whom.

The people that belong to my parish have paid more than they sliould — many married men who did not make to $2,000 paid income tax more than $35.

Please let me know to whom I am to appeal, ^'nily yours,

Russian Bueeau: I, , beg the Russian Bureau to help me.

The Russian immigrants are not able to pay the war (probably income) taxes. Some time ago I read in the papers that only those who earned more than $1,000 a year have to pay the tax and only on what they earned over $1,000; and I have paid $12.07. But now in tlie factory they withhold more, and teU that I myself must pay $145 for last year, and if I have to pay for this year also, I will have to pay more than $300. And so I have to work, but do not get money to live on. And please explain me why they force us to take the American papers. Those who do not want to take the papers are put out of work. And if I take the papers will I be able to go back to Russia? And why did they put the Russian people in such helpless position? They do not allow us to return to Russia, and here it is now impossible to live.

And I beg the Russian Bureau to answer to my prayer, and to tell me what is going to become of the Russian immigrants.

Deae Sie : Allow me to ask your advice concerning the income tax.

I am working for the , Pittsburgh, Pa. The company withholds the tax from the Avages. In 1918 I earned $920. I paid $18.40 income tax. That means two cents for each dollar. Now they make me pay 10 per cent more for 1918 — that means 12 per cent altogether, and more over 8 per cent for 1919, and do not give any receipts. I can not understand how it is. There is nobody here Avho could explain it to me, for I do not speak English. I believe Avhatever anybody tells me and I pay.

Of course, I am willing to pay according to the laAV, because I know that the GoAernment needs the tax, but I am afraid of being mislead too often. I am a poor man, married, and have five children in Europe. So please let me know whether I have paid right. Answer soon. Respectfully, yours.

Gentlemen : I wish to send my complaint against the , in

St. Joseph, Mo. I am a poor man, and Avorking very hard for my living. I do not know Avho is Avronging me, either United States Government or the company. In the office they asked me Avhether I Avill go back to Europe ; I answered yes. Then they told me that I have to pay the tax. I asked them Avhat kind of a tax? For the year 1918. I said, all right, hoAV much I have to pay? $25, they told me. I said, never mind ! Then they Avithhold my one Aveek and half Avages. I thought that I Avould get the third Aveek pay, so I could pay to the grocer and the storekeeper. But nevertheless they Avithheld the third pay. I was supposed to get $19.58, and they gave me only $3.80. What Avill I do ; poor unfortunate man? I Avent to the superintendent and asked him for receipt. He refused. Noav, Avhom shall I ask for it? I asked him Avhether I Avill get full pay for the fourth Aveek? He said, no ! To tell you the truth, I cried after I left the office. I really do not knoAv hoAv I can make a living.

Please accept my request, and help me in my grievance. Is it the same proceeding for everybody, or only for me? Does America alloAV the companies to exploit the poor people in such Avay ? Respectfully, yours,

Extensive overpayment of the income tax was shown in these complaints. Resident aliens were denied their exemption rights by being wrongly classed as nonresidents; and nonresident aliens legally alloAved certain exemptions did not receive them. Instead -of withholding the tax on each pay day, many employers were taking it in a lump sum, frequently amounting to an entire week's wages, or more. Many aliens in the resident class were being considered nonresidents because of their refusal to sign a " blue sMp " stating intention of residence (see attached Form 1078 A) , which they believed meant they could never go back to Europe for a visit, and was some sort of an enforced citizenship paper. An additional grievance was that receipts for wages thus withheld were rarely given.

In attempting to alleviate the various grave injustices thus resulting, the Internal Eevenue Department in Washington showed most unusual sympathy and breadth of vision. Treasury decisions were extensively revised and any number of regulations drawn up with the intent of bettering matters. Form 1078 A, certificate of residence, was changed to Form 1078 B, which was a material improvement. Each of our bureaus released from 10 to 20 explanatory articles and gave their attention and answers to all the individual inquiries.

HoAvever, few employers have been informed throughly on the regulations and the situation is far from satisfactory. In our opinion it never can be as long as emplo3'ers are made withholding agents. A complete report on the income tax as it has affected our groups with'an analysis and translations of typical letters of complaints and with our suggestions is being submitted to the Commissioner of Internal Revenue.

More detailed information on all aspects of the work, records of newspapers, clippings, and special bureau reports are on file.

For years national unity and progress have demanded the release of the neglected potentialities of our millions of new Americans into a fuller participation in our country's life. For this there is necessary a mutual process of education of native and foreign born. Full information on American life, opportunities, customs, and laws must reach the men and women coming here from foreign lands immediately upon their arrival. Necessarily it must be in their own language. The more they learn in this way of our fundamental democracy and the possibilities for them and their children in this country, the keener becomes their desire and efforts to learn "America's language." To withhold this information or delay it until, according to theoretic calculation, these immigrants have had time to acquire English, is to deliberately create a period of cruel bewilderment and false impressions for them which dampens whatever enthusiasm they had originally to study English. The numerous un-American conditions and injustices to which so many immigrants have fallen victims must be wiped out. Explanations and instruction about America given to the fullest extent carry little weight when individuals have been wronged.

The ignorance of many native-born Americans about European peoples and their contemptuous attitude toward persons with different customs from their own are just as serious obstacles to assimilation and unity as the tendency of some immigrants to cling to Old World ways ; understanding must come, on our part, of the heritages of these newcomers, their suffering and struggles in Europe, and the contributions they bring us if we will only receive them.

GUARDING America's reputation abroad.

By action of Congress motion-picture film could not be exported except under license from the War Trade Board. This provision was used by the Committee on Public Information of getting helpful pictures into foreign countries even while keeping out the hurtful kind. By courtesy of the War Trade Board all applications for export licenses were referred to the committee and were granted or refused as the report was favorable or unfavorable.

Wliat we wanted to get into foreign countries were pictures that presented the wholesome life of America, giving fair ideas of our people and our institutions. What we wanted to keep out of world circulation were the " thrillers " that gave entirely false impressions of American life and morals. Film dramas portraying the exploits of " Gyp the Blood," or reproducing the lawless life of the old western frontier, were bound to prejudice our fight for the good opinion of neutral nations.

Offices were opened in New York and when applications for export licenses were made the pictures themselves were examined by competent committees in which the Army, the Navy, and the customs were equally represented. As the motion-picture industry commenced to understand our purpose and realized that we stood ready to expedite all proper licenses, as well as to make the fight for shipping space, the cooperation became enthusiastic. Not only was it the case that all harmful film was barred from export, but producers became more and more willing to incorporate a large percentage of " educational pictures " in their shipments. " Educational" in our sense of the word meant film that showed our schools, our industrial life, our war preparations, our natural resources, and our social progress.

The spirit of cooperation reduced the element of friction to a minimum. Oftentimes it was the case that a picture could be made helpful by a change in title, or the elimination of a scene, and in no instance did a producer fail to make the alterations suggested. During its existence, according to the report of Lieut. John Tuerk, loaned to the committee b}^ the Army, over 8,000 motion pictures were reviewed, the greater percentage of which went forward into foreign countries with the true message from America. The Secretary of War has been informed of the splendid service rendered by Lieut. Tuerk in the conduct of this important division.

[← Division of Business Management](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/22-division-of-business-management/) [Showing America to the Foreign Press →](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/24-showing-america-to-the-foreign-press/)

Complete Report of the Chairman of the Committee on Public Information, George Creel, Chairman, Committee on Public Information. A work of the United States government, printed by the Government Printing Office in 1920, so not protected by copyright in the United States (17 U.S.C. 105) and in the public domain by age as well. The Library of Congress states that it is unaware of any copyright restrictions on the item. [Provenance and rights](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/).