New-York tribune., 1918-11-22
Federal Agents Instructed
to Report Activities of
German Sympathizers
Pleas for Leniency
To Foes Prohibited
Protective Leagues Work
for Government Recog-
nized by Gregory
Tribune WASHINGTON Buyeux

WASHINGTON, Nov 2L - German
propaganda in the United States Will
not prosper if the authority of the De
partment of Justice and other watchfnl
agencies of the Federal government is
not lessened by Congress, officials of
the Attorney Generals department as
serted to-day. Operating on the theory
that the provisions of the present Laws
governing disloyalty will continue In
effect, the Bureau of Inves tigation of
the Department of Justice has issued
instructions to all its agents in the
field to continue their watchfulnecss
and to report every activity Of German
sympathizcrs in their communities
Already the Department Of Justice
hAs received information that so-cal1ed
German-Americans have resumed their
work Of fostering Gernany's cause
American than we're tolerated prior to
the signing of the armistice- Instruc-
tions have been sent out broadcast to
report Immediately to the Department
of Justice any instances where German
socistiss or other organized bodies of
Gsrman-Americans become SO bold as
to resume propaganda activities in be
half of the Fatherland. Steps will i'm
mediately be taken, it was asserted, to
prevent any fragrant efforts to spread
disloyalty-
"Leniency" Speeches Barred
Government agents combating en-
emy propaganda do not desire to sup
press free speech SO long as the public
expressions cannot be construed as un-
American All speech, however, that is
calculated 20 encourage public opinion
to favor granting Germany's pleas of
leniency in the armistice and final
peacs terms will be vigorously resisted
by the departments agents.
The authority Of the Department OF
Justice TO continue interning enemy
aliens, despite the signing of the ar
noistice, has already been demonstrated
IN several cases, and Federal officials
declare drastic steps will be taken to
discourage success Of any enemy prop
agandists who resume their activities
because Of the imminence of the ending
of the great war.
The plea of Foreign Minister Solf
for notifications of the armstce terms
and the wireless message from the So
called committee of German women
cials as samples of German propaganda
to be avoided
Leagues Work Praised
In its work to combat disloyalty the
Federal officials have been greatly aid
ed by the American Protective League,
recognition OF which was made to-day
IN letter sent the league by Attorney
General Gregory. Mr.. Gregory urged
the league to continue its good work.
His letter follows:
Il feel it my duty at the present
5uncture to call upon the officers and
members Of the American Protective
League throughout the country to carry
on steadfastly for the present their
most effective aid and cooperation with
the Department of Justice
'4The sudden termination OF hostill-
ties has reacted strongly upon the pub
lie, and there is everywhere evident
desire on the part Of patriotic citi-
zens, heretofore intent upon winning
the war, to with draw immediately from
war work Such a course, if generally
followed, would involve serious conse.
Quences.
Important Work Done
"The American Protective Leagu,
has performed great task both il
active and passive service. The mum
Der Of investigations participated il
by you, many of which have resulted
In the uncovering Of serious enemy ac
tivities and disloyalties, and the appre
hcnsion and prosecution of the indiyid
rals concerned, the large number O
draft evaders detected, and your man,
other activities, have been an impor
tant factor in winning the war.
"A service Of equal value has bee,
the passive but powerful influence ex
erted by your organization upon alie1
enemies and disloyal persons. Th
knowledge upon their part that every
where about them were the ewes an,
ears Of great organization auxiliar,
TO the government, raised fear i,
their hearts as to the consequences O
hostile action, and became a powerful
deterrent Of enemy and disloyal actiyi
ties
Wants Work Continued
These services cannot vet be dis
pen:ed with Illegal activities harmf,1
TO the public morals during the discus
SION OF peace terms must be watche
for and reported. Violations Of tn
war statutes, all Of which are still i
Iorce, must be prosecuted. Pending in
Vesngations must be continued an
others instituted.
sincerely trust that, in view O
these grave considerations, your mem
pers VIII be aroused to the need O
carrying on your work for the imme
olsee future with the fullest degree O
emciency. / earnestly ask your con
dnued aid and co1peratior