The Sentinel=record., 1917-04-15


 Washington, April l4-Control of publicity In connection with the gov ernments war activities was placed 1 by President Wilson today in the hands of a comimttee Of public inior- nation. whose task will be Co safe. guard secrets of value to the enemy and at the same time 10 see that all affairs Of the nation are laid before the people as fully and frankly as possible
 The committee named by the presi. dent is made up of Secretaries Lans- ing. Baker and Daniels. who recom- mended the step with George Greet. n magazine writer. as civilian chair. man Announcement of its creation was made in the following executive order made public at the White House
 T hereby create committee on public information to be composed of the secretary of state, the secretary of war. the secretary of navy and q civilian who shall he charged with the executive direction of the com. mittee.
 As civilian chairman of tho com. mittee appoint Mir George Greet The secretary of state, the secretary of war and the secretary of the navy are authorized each to detail an of ticer or officers to the work of the committee
 Mir Creel has accepted the post
 The presidents action was based on the following letter signed by the .cabinet officers:
 Dear Mir President: Even though the cooperation of the press has been generous and patriotic. there is steadily deyelopins need for some au. thoritatiye agency to assure the pub hcation of all the vital facts of na. tional defense. Premature or iH- advised announcement Of policies. plans and specific activities whether innocent or otherwise. would consu. ute a source of danger
 While there is much that is prop erly secret in connection with the de partmeuts of the government, the total is mall, compared to the vast amount of information that it is right and proper for the people to have.
 Americas great present needs are confidence. enthusiasm and service and these needs will not be met com pIetely unless every citizen is girua the feeling or partnership hat conn with tuu. frank statements con.cm ing the conduct of the public bus. ness.
 Tt is our opinion that the two uuctions-censorship and puaucity-- can be- joined in honesty and with profit and Ec recommend the crea. lon of 6 committee on public imorma. iion The chairman should be citil ian preferably some writer of proved courage ability and vision, able to gain the understanding and cooperation Of the press and at the same time rally the author, of the country to a work of service Other members should be the secretary of state, the secretary of war and the secretary of tho navy or an officer or officers detailed 10 the work by them
 We believe you have the uudoubt ed authority to create this commit. lee on public information withour waiting for further legislation and he. cause of the importance of the task and its pressing necessity we trust that you will see fit to do so.
 "The committee upon appointment can proceed 10 the framing of regula. tious and the creation Of machinery that will safeguard all information ot value to an enemy and at the same time open every department of gov. ernment to the inspection of the peo- pie as far as possible Such reRula- tions and such machinery will of course, be submitted for your approv- al before becoming effective"