New-York tribune., 1919-01-19
4 I'n,yii,,ss, Spy
L rom,

Claus5en, Fuehr, Albert, George Sylvester
Nicrcck of ".Ihc Fathorand" magazine, and
DR.. Edward Rumcly, later prominent as the
nominal proprietor Of the German owned
New York Fvening Mall The minutes Of
this committee have fallen into the hands Of
the Department of Justice, aud a few ex-
tracts from them give vivid picture Of
the aims and methods of the Reptile at this
time. The extracts given arc from the first
meeting, held on November s.
"Our efforts must not only be continued
but must be greatly enlarged. The major
lty of Americans will evidently not through
choice, be restricted in this way, but
through the consciousness that America is
entirely unprepared, and therefore not in
position to carry out a strong independent
policy With dazzling German successes at
arms the balance of public opinion here
would presumably be shifted
"The belief which apparently spread very
recently that Americans received only one
sided or colored news from Europe has not
for eight weeks been true The fact that
from the German side this is still being
emphasized is calling forth unwilling com
ment in the local papers
1.-TWO subjects which must be strictly
avoided are Kultur and every criticism of
American sympathy.
"The daily news letter from the Foreign
Office will be very effective. 1t is, how
ever, necessary that for the news contained
therein proofs should be sent here.
with reference to the handling of Ameri-
+
emphasized that as much as possible should
be shown them. We must avoid every APP
pearance of mixing in Americas matters,
but at the same time continue to demand
fair play
"In detail, the following is to be re
marked; The wishes Of the Amcrican-Irish.
OF Importance, in connection with
the Irish question, is that the German press
will suppress anti-Catlolic utterances as
much as possible, and, on the contrary, all
Catholic utterances should be minutely
reported here.
$50 far as German Americans are con-
cerned, they desire to assume a frmer tone,
and His EXcellency is Of the opinion that
in this they should not be hindered 1t is
to be regarded as justifiabe for them to
say: we are good Americans Let it, how
ever, IN memory of our ancestors, not hap
pen that Germany is debased here
with reference to the American press, it
IS to be remarked that public opinion hero
on vital questions cannot be influenced in
any substantial way through the press
In spite of all this the American
press demands evidently our greatest atten-
ton and activity. State Secretary Dern-
burg has decided to do substantially more
IN this direction. Through direct bribery
there is nothing to be done. But it is said
that one can work on reporters and with
the smaller editors who edit the cable news
and the headlines
"lIis Excellency has considered taking
into the service the famous clever Journal
lst Mcclure as manager for an exhaustive
press campaign, which Will cost about $50
600 at the very least. 1t will probably re-
suit from this that shortly, through agents.
the attitude of the influential people in the
large cities will be established, and then the
pro-German element will be called upon to
so work upon the individual anti-German
organs that the papers will change their
tone. Substantial voice of the masses can
be trained against England through inter-
views with such business men as are inter
estcd in neutral shipping.'