---
title: Work in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/42-work-in-argentina-uruguay-and-paraguay/
description: Work in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, from Complete Report of the Chairman of the Committee on Public Information by George Creel, Chairman…
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 Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay

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/)

[← The Work in China](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/41-the-work-in-china/) [Work in Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia →](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/43-work-in-peru-ecuador-and-bolivia/)

**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 H. H. Sevier, Commissioner.)

On June 19, 1918, your commissioner assumed tlie direction of the activities of your committee in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, taking over the headquarters offices which had been opened by your representative, Lieut. F. E. Ackerman, U. S. N, E. The inauguration of an educational, campaign along the lines decided upon by your chairman and the then director of your Foreign Educational Division immediately followed.

The preliminary organization effected by Lieut. Ackerman was perfected and arrangements for the carrying out of the work on a broad and comprehensive scale were made. Most attention, at the outset, was devoted to the mobilization of the press of the three republics and the establishment of such relations with each individual newspaper as would insure the widest publicity for informative reports of America's effort in the great war, our war aims and peace purposes, the magnitude of our preparations, and the determinatioii of the American people to engage their entire resources, if necessary, to bring about complete victory for the cause to which they had committed themselves.

Your commissioner was at once convinced that the most effective means of securing the attention and respect and sympathy of the most of the peoples of our sister republics was to tell them our story, day after day, as forcefully as possible, through the medium of their newspapers. The percentage of literacy in Argentina and Uruguay, particularly, is remarkably high, and every newspaper of any importance at all in those countries has a considerable following. The good will and cooperation of the leading journals was secured at the beginning, and within a reasonable length of time 90 per cent of the publications, of all classes in the countries named, were receiving and using our service. The newspapers of the cities and towns carried daily a specially prepared cable service covering official announcements from Washington, the development of our war preparations, and the extent of our participation in the acutal fighting; the progress of our shipbuilding, munitions manufacture, and the financial, moral, and other aid extended to our Allies. These news stories were frequently played up with illustrations of our air and sea craft, our camps, cantonments and trenches, our factories, and our guns ; and with photographs of our statesmen, soldiers, and citizen workers in every branch of war activity.

Weekly and class publications were regmlarly supplied with special articles and illustrations, carefully prepared to meet their particular requirements and style. The triweekly, semiweekly, and weekly press of the Provinces was furnished with condensed news stories assembled from the more important developments of the period between publication.

It should be mentioned that all news stories and special articles were translated by experts in our offices, and always in the language of the publication receiving our service. During the periods of important military operations and through the exciting times preceding the armistice a day and night service was maintained, with our offices in constant touch with the great newspapers of the three countries. In submitting our matter we invariably stipulated that it was offered for reproduction either in total or in part, at the discretion of the editor, and that no credit to the committee was necessary. In many instances, however, our credit line was carried, and in no instance, to our knowledge, was our, matter garbled or falsely construed.

The value and importance of such a service may be more fully appreciated if it is understood that before the advent of your committee the amount of news of any character concerning the United States carried by South American publications was practically negligible. The European news agencies occupied the field without opposition of consequence. The French and English associations naturally devoted their services to the interests of their own countries. The affairs of the United -States, even our war activities, were treated lightly. Under subsidies of the German Government and German capitalists three daily newspapers were published in Buenos Aires. One, written in the Spanish language, was a positive force, because of the skill with which it distorted the facts and the cleverness of its editorial misrepresentation of the cause of the Allies. The other two, printed in German, gave aid and comfort to the Teutonic element.

Fortunately, there are now two American news associations— ^the Associated Press and the United Press — operating successfully in South America with a rapidly increasing clientele. They are furnishing an excellent and comprehensive service and will undoubtedly prove indispensable in carrying on the campaign, for the permanent establishment of mutual knowledge, understanding, and friendship which your committee conceived and placed in operation.

An important feature of the work of your Buenos Aires office was the preparation, printing, and distribution of pamphletSj posters, circulars, etc. A list of all American business concerns was secured. A card index indicated how much matter each could eff-ectively distribute. The packing houses, banks, shippers, merchants, and selling agencies cheerfully agreed to inclose our literature in their daily correspondence. Many patriotic institutions and individuals took from us copies of the speeches of President Wilson and other leaders by the thousands, forwarding them to their representatives and customers in all sections of the country. The ever increasing demand from these sources indicated the interest with which America's message was being received.

The photographs sent from Washington were captioned and catalogued on their arrival. They were used in profusion in newspapers and magazines both with and without explanatory articles. In addition, and perhaps most effective, were the exhibitions of the pictures in public places. For such displays some 100 or more light, attractive frames were designed, each frame carrying 12 photographs. These were placed in the show windows of the largest business houses, the lobbies of the leading hotels, and the reading rooms of various social, commercial, and workingmen's clubs. In every city or town of any importance one or more of these frames was conspicuously located. By a carefully workedout system we were able to change these displays once a week. In the offices of the committee files of such American newspapers, magazines, trade journals, etc., as were sent us or could be purchased, were kept. These, together with our Government reports, the Official Bulletin, authoritative articles on banking, industrial, manufacturing, agricultural, and other subjects by American experts were at the disposition of the general public. From them data was obtained by educators, journalists, and students. We wrote articles on given subjects and assembled facts and figures for addresses delivered to various organizations and societies. Editors of Argentina, Spanish, French, Italian, and British publications were constantly supplied with material which was desired in order to answer statements of enemy writers.

Personal association with leaders of South American thought, was not overlooked or neglected. Your commissioner was frequently extended the privilege of addressing the universities and schools in response to requests from the student bodies for information concerning " North America." -A sincere desire on the part of many students to attend universities in the United States, in order that they might perfect themselves in the English or " North American " language and study our life, our laws, and our business methods, was developed, and at the suggestion and with the assistance of Dr. Ernesto Nelson, of Buenos Aires, and Dr. Galves, of the University of Chili, a plan for an exchange of North American for South American students was worked out and about to be placed in operation when the activities of the committee were suspended.

The moving-picture feature of the committee's work did not develop until the arrival of Mr. Ernest L. Starr, who arrived in October. No films of any consequence had been received from the Division of Films up to that time. Mr. Starr was assigned to both Argentina and Chili by your commissioner, and later to Uruguay. It should be stated that Mr. Starr achieved remarkable success with his exhibitions, conducting the film campaign with energy and ability. In view of the early closing of the committee's activities it was agreed that Mr. Starr would report direct to the committee, covering all phases of film propaganda.

Your commissioner is under obligations to Mr. Frederico Crocker, of Montevideo, who acted as local representative in Paraguay; to William Dawson, Esq., American consul at Montevideo, and to the American colony of Uruguaj'- in general. The assistance of Hon. Daniel Mooney, American minister, and the American residents of Asuncion, was of much value in our efforts in Paraguay.

The committee's activities in Chili are covered by the reports of Mr. A. A. Preciado up to October, 1918. Mr. Presiado served as the committee's representative until that time, when the writer assumed charge of the Santiago office under instructions from Washington. The armistice shortly followed Mr. Preciado's retirement, and the activities from then until the close were mostly in the handling of the important news incident to that event.

[← The Work in China](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/41-the-work-in-china/) [Work in Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia →](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/43-work-in-peru-ecuador-and-bolivia/)

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/).