--- title: Work in Italy url: https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/34-work-in-italy/ description: Work in Italy, from Complete Report of the Chairman of the Committee on Public Information by George Creel, Chairman, Committee on Public Information. 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/) # Work in Italy 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/) [← Work in Switzerland](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/33-work-in-switzerland/) [Work in Spain →](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/35-work-in-spain/) **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) (By John H. Heaeley, Commissioner.) In February, 1918, Hon. Thomas Nelson Page, America^ \ ambassador to Italy, opened an American news bureau at^ Eome and named Mr. John Hearley as its director. Two months later Capt. Charles E. Merriam, professor at the University of Chicago, arrived as the commissioner to ItalWy for the Committee on Public Information. Using the news bureau established by Ambassador Page as a nucleus, Commissioner Merriam opened the committee's offices in Rome' and attached Mr. Hearley to his staff. Afterwards Miss Gertrude Barr and Lieut. Walter Wanger, of the American Air Service in Italy, were added as executive secretary and American liaison officer, respectively, both of whom must be especially commended for efficient and loyal service. Capt. Piero Tozzi and Lieut. Albert Peccorini were attached as Italian liaison officers. Under Commissioner Merriam's direction and guidance the committee in mid-April entered upon its task of mass education in Italy. The activities inagurated varied in nature but all aimed at the instruction of the Italian people in the meaning, method, and progress of America's war. From the very beginning Italian officialdom exhibited a sympathetic interest in the committee's work and aided the committee's representatives on innumerable occasions. Like all Europeans, the Italians were remarkably ignorant of America and things American and it was early found advisable to use a variety of channels to reach Italy's millions. The medium embraced public and private prints, such as official documents, newspapers and magazines, the speakers' platform, moving pictures, photographic displays and post card, flag, and kindred distribution. Commissioner Merriam remained in Italy for six months, returning to America in late September. From the time of his departure to the closing of the Rome offices on March 7, 1919, Mr. John Hearley served as the committee's commissioner in Italy. News Department The news i!;ems distributed by this department were received daily by cable and wireless from either Paris or Washington or carried in a news feature letter called the Poole service, which was mailed weekly from New York. The Agenzia Stefani, Italy's largest press association, was furnished with a budget of spot news every day. The Stefani in turn supplied this news material to its several hundred newspapers and other clients throughout Italy. Moreover, these daily news items were gathered together in a journal, mimeographed and circulated by this department. Approximately 200 copies were mailed daily and penetrated into military, journalistic, educational and governmental circles. Mr. Hearley, assisted by Mr. Kenneth Durant, directed the news department. A feature section was in charge of Miss Alice Rohe and Kingsley Moses. It furnished feature articles or material for feature articles to the Italian newspapers and magazines. Photographic and Miscellaneous Distributions Under the direction of Mr. Byron M. Nester, the following distributions were made: The department of photographic and miscellaneous, 4,500,500 post cards ; American bow pins, Italo- American ribbons and Italo-American buttons, 154,854 ; President Wilson posters, 68,574; assorted American war posters, 66,640 ; American flags in paper, 200,000 ; American flags in cloth, 30; sheet music, Star-Spangled Banner, 33,300 ; booklets containing extracts from President Wilson's speeches, 326,650; pamphlets containing American war statistics and other information, 364,235; United States maps, 200; President Wilson photographs, 500; President Wilson engravings, 35. Eeprints from American photographic displays were exhibited in 3,000 Italian towns and cities. In some form or other American educational information was disseminated through 16,000 towns and cities of Italy by this department alone. Speakers [Under the direction of Prof. Rudolph Altrocchi and Kingsley Moses.] Through the hospitality of official and private institutions of Italy and the American Young Men's Christian Association, speakers, representing the committee, came in contact with all " classes " in the Italian peninsula and Sicily. These orators carried America's message of hope and strength to the Italian people and had large and enthusiastic audiences everywhere. The names appearing on the committee's list of speakers in Italy include Dr. Kudolph Altrocchi, Chicago University ; Congressman Capt. La Guardia ; Senator Cotillo, New York State Legislature ; Judge Ben Lindsey ; Arthur Bennington ; Agostino d'Isernia; Dr. Prof. Satorio; Dr. Prof. Penunzio; Signor Poggiolini; Judge Cravates, United States judge at Cairo; and the 13-year-old Alberto Gelpi. Besides, Professoressa Gugliesmina Ronconi, a prominent Italian social worker, and her several associates were attached to this department. These concerned themselves with the women workers, peasant women, and school children, holding fre- (}uent morale and educational conferences or discussions for them in popular halls, workshops, and farm centers. Whenever possible, American moving pictures or lantern slides were used to illustrate all these discourses. Moving Pictures. ' J>iieut. Walter Wanger, E. Q. Cordner, and Herbert Hoaglaiid built the machinery for handling American war, industrial, and agricultural films. These films were selected and forwarded to the bureau at Rome by the committee's office at either Paris or New York and were subsequently given Italian titles and prepared for "popular consumption" in Ualy by this department. The perfected films were shown to both military and civilian populations, at the front and behind the lines. In its exhibitions this department employed both private and public agencies, such as Italian cinema houses, patriotic associations, schools, Italian offices of naval and military propaganda, the American Young Men's Christian Association, etc. Once a week this department supplied the Inter- Allied Weekly, a war-time Pathe of the Italian Government, with appropriate film material for display in theaters throughout Italy. Conclusion Fortnightly or monthly reports, detailing the variety and extent of the activities of the committee's representatives in Italy are gathered in the official archives of the Committee on Public Information at Washington. Exhibits evidencing the committee's operations in Italy are also on file at Washington. These include newspaper and magazine clippings from the Italian press and periodicals, testimonial letters from Italian official and unofficial sources, a statistical map and specimens of the post card, pamphlet, and picture material, distributed by the committee's bureau in Italy. The clippings and testimonial letters alone adequately demonstrate that the committee's educational appeal not only reached the Italian masses but psychologically did much toward steadying and heartening them through a critical period of the world war. John H. Heaeusy, Commissioner of Italy. [← Work in Switzerland](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/33-work-in-switzerland/) [Work in Spain →](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/35-work-in-spain/) 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/).