The sun., 1917-05-28

problem. A printed story Ii tangible
even II false. II can be denied It's
falsity can be proved. II In not nearly
so dangerous as a false rumor. The at
mosphere created by common knowledge
that news is being suppressed is an ideal
culture for the propaganda (sic) or the
bacteria OF enemy rumors. This state
of mind was the thing which most I'M
pressed Americans visiting belligerent
countries"
The committees statement also has
this remarkable paragraph:
"'Our special correspondents are at
the moment a serious problem Their
dispatches are anonymous and often ap-
surdiy and dangerously false. This
committee believes that IT would be 10
the public good II such dispatches were
signed so that the reader would be able
to distinguish between the honest re-
ports OF people who were Wiling 10
stand for their statements and the al
legged news which Is often sent from
the Mexican border. for instance. by
agencies known by our secret service 10
be supported by the enemy
SO much for the committees pre-
liminary statement" Its regulations
for the periodical press of the United
States during the war" with explana-
ton OF the same by the State, WAR and
Navy departments. MI seven pages OF
the pamphlet. As dangerous matter
ie classed news not officially given out
regarding naval military operations In
progress, news OF the secret police and
Of the movements of alien labor through
the United States and threats and plots
against the life of the President or other
high officials. II arrests are made in
relation to these plots the papers are
requested to minimize them by mention
ing the charge as merely "disorderly
conduct
Other "DanRerous Matter"
Other dangerous matter includes
movements Of troops and ships and other
military and naval affairs which the
press voluntarily ceased reporting at the
beginning OF the war. The state Depart
ment. in its footnote. introduces new
phase Of censorship, saying:
THE Department OF State considers 1t
dangerous and of service to the enemy
to discuss differences of opinion between
the Allies and the difficulties with neu-
trail countries. The protection Of in
formation belonging TO friendly coun-
tries is most important. Submarine war
fare news Is a case In point. England
permits this Government to have full
information. but as 1; Is England's 8
policy not to publish details this Govern
ment must support this policy.
Speculation about peace is another
| topic which may possess elements of
\ danger, as peace reports may be OF
| enemy origin. put out to weaken the
combination against Germany"
The War Department desires silence
regarding aircraft used at aviation
schools and under experimental tests as
there may be secrets embodied in ma
chimes not Of standard types.
| The Navy Department urges that nc
accounts be printed OF active naval OPP
erations, successes or mishaps until after
they are officially announced" and says
such announcements will be made as
soon as accurate reports are at hand
The Department does not wish TO hold
back information. but TO assure the pub
lie OF correct Information.
statements from survivors Of mer
chant ships or transports which hAvt
oeen attacked or sunk by enemy shell
nre or by submarines or have beer
damaged or sunk by mines should mo-
be published until the statements hav'
been referred to and passed by the com
mittee.
"QuestiOnabIe' Matter.
..,.o eious Uu' &c ques.io"
ra,;,,o naa.,, "e Soe a' @ s,,. oses "HI
au.e accounts Oh havai or mhltary op
| in traip,nc cawn. Tn oraar Tho, M -
porter may trndver,en,ly Gov, sor,o,h,r.
~ ,a,u. - ~. aus,,, 1, :. a,,...
VI value 10 the ehein! IL is requested
that all such articles should be submitted
to the Creel committee, also article:
dealing xv,,h ,echpicaI iovention. nor
,t,,,., -. S, P"'
'icuIAriy ahtl-suDmarlne ueVlces.
The pamphlet says: THE name o.