The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-10-05
Lest It Be Again

The death of Sir Gilbert Parker, the famous Brit
ish novelist brings to mind more the extremely
effective character of British propaganda in the
United States during the World war Sir Gilbert
was in charge of British publicity in the United
States for some two years and half. How well he
succeeded already part of the ndeble historical
record.
Rarely has propaganda so clearly summarized
his methods and activities. In "Harper's Magazine"
for March, 1913 he very candidly revealed how he
and England had set straight the issue of the
war Probably the explanation for this extraordinary
frankness lies in the fact that the World still
was actively raging and most Americans considered
it favor to have been converted to entering the
on the side of Britain
British enlightenment, it then was believed saved
us from making irreparable mistake and moral
blunder:
practically since the day war broke out between
England and the Central powers, became responsible
for American publicity. need hardly say that the
scope of my department very extensive and its
activities widely ranged Among the activities was a
weekly report to the British cabinet the state of
American opinion, and constant touch with the
permanent correspondents of American newspapers
in England.
L also arranged frequently IOT important puDLCa-
ton men in England to act for us by interviews in
American newspapers; and among these distinguished
people were Lloyd George Cthe present prime min
lster); Viscount Grey Bafour Bonar Law, the arch
bishop of Canterbury, and fully hundred others.
Among other things, we supplied 800 newspapers
In the smaller cities of the United States with an
English newspaper, which gives weekly review and
comment of the affairs of the war. We established
pictures of the army and navy as well through in
terviews articles pamphlets, etc. and by letters in
reply to individual American critics, which we're
printed in the chief newspaper of the state in which
they lived, and were copied in newspapers of other
and neighboring states
1--WE advised and stimulated many people to write
articles we utilized the friendly services and assist
ance of confidential friends; we had reports from
important Americans constantly and established as
ISOLATION, by personal correspondence with in
auential and eminent people of every profession in
the United States beginning with university and col
lege presidents, professors and scientific and
running through all the ranges of the population.
1--WE asked our friends and correspondents to arr
range for speeches. debates and lectures by American
citizens but We did not encourage Britshers to go
to America and preach the doctrine of entrance into
the war.
Besides immense private correspondence with
individuals, we had our documents and literature
sent to great numbers of public libraries Y. M. c. A.
societies, universities, colleges historical societies.
clubs and newspapers.
also, it should be remembered that the Society
of Pilgrims, whose work for international unity can
not be overestimated, has played part in promoting
understanding between the two peoples.
ut also should be remembered that it was the
Pilgrims society which took charge of James M.
Beck when he visited England in 1916, and gave him
so good chance to do great work for the cause of
unity between the two nations"
In the light of the fact that historians since have
proved that we had fully much reason for fight
ing Britain in 1917 for declaring Germany,
and that should have fought both neither, it is
apparent that Americans would have done well to
have preserved some independence of thought and
action from 1914-1S17.
This is the great lesson of the propaganda episode
for the future. Let us do our own thinking and be
nobody's sucker in the next world war, no matter
whether it is Great Britain Germany France
that has at such time.