Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1943-02-10
WinchelI Answers
!
Criticism for Noi
Following Script
DEGREES Loss Of Free
Speech on Radio; Sees
Press Still Holding Out
By the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
NEW YORK. Feb. 10-Marl
Woods, president of the Blue Net
work, says several commentator
have violated the networks polio,
by departing from prepared texts t,
discuss controversial subjects in a,
''inflammatory manner" and tina
network editors have been reminded
that broadcasts must conform tt
regulations.
Although Mr.. Woods statement
issued yesterday, did not identity
the commentators to whom hi
referred, newspapers here published
reports that the action was aimed
at Walter Winchell and Drew Pear
son. columnists and commentators
In an interview in Miami, Fla.
last night, Mr. Winchell declared:
I'D like to say this-which 1 can t
say on the radio any more-the
fathers and mothers of this country
who have sons and other kin fight
ing and dying to preserve freedom
OF speech and press should realize
that the war is already lost back
home.
Newspaper Only Thing Left.
THE only thing left is the news
paper. I hope the newspapers will
fight harder for freedom which the
radio has so meekly surrendered.
THE Blue Network has been very
liberal and generous, and 1 can't
squawk. They reminded me that
there were certain rules that must
be followed. They told me they
knew, l wanted to stay on the radio
/ and they wanted to helpme stay
s1'' However, the fact remains that
certain people would like to stop
Drew Pearson and me, and my fangs
shave been removed and my tpye-
writer fingers raped with the butt
OF gun"
One published report here said
broadcasts by Mr.. Pearson and Mr..
Winchel were censored to eliminate
criticism of members of Congress in
connection with coming trial in
washington of 80 persons charged
with sedition.
Knox Files Reports.
In washington yesterday Secre-
tary Of the Navy Knox told the
House Naval Affairs Committee that
statements Representative Hoffman
Republican, of Michigan, attributed
to the columnist while Mr.. Winchell
was on naval duty were mot con-
sldered as scandalous conduct tend
ing to the destruction of public
morals"
The Knox report was filed in
answer to a series OF questions pro-
pounded in a resolution introduced
by Mr.. Hoffman. The resolution
said Mr.. 1Winchell made contempt
tuous remarks about Congress and
as an of1cer should be punished
under the United States Code.
Information on Mr.. Winchel's
full status" in the Navy will be
sought from high Navy ofncials at
P~DAAS AiCoA0l6 SOO1l, NllAlTInd0
Vinson of the Naval Affairs Com
mittee told the House yesterday,
adding thatrtfeaineuiry will be In
response to Mr.. Hoffman's questions.
Radio Talk Quoted. ~
The Secretary said Mr.. Winchell
was on active duty as lieutenant
commander in the Naval Reserve
January 81, 1943, when he broadcast:
You bet I'm prejudiced against
those in high ONCE who guessed
wrong before Pearl Harbor. They're
still guessing wrong / am not in
the least comforted by their con-
LESSONS of.ignorance. What worries
me most are adj those damn fools
who reelected them"
Mr.. Knox also was asked why Mr..
Winchell had not been punished for
asking radio audience July IL,
1912, How about the voters going
after those other saboteurs who