[* Horowitz *] GOVERNMENT INFORMATION POLICY AND PRACTICE A. We can't believe what we're told; news is withheld and distorted. 1. "After the election we'll be told the truth about the war." (Illinois) 2. "We are not being told of all the ship sinkings." (Ohio) 3. "We are not being told the truth about our losses." (Missouri) 4. "Washington is withholding true information on the status of the war." (Wisconsin) 5. "War news is sugared. Government is withholding bad news." (California) 6. "If we can believe half what we read of the war information (and I don't) there is something wrong with our Government." (Alabama) 7. "Newspapers are not giving us the true war news. They don't want the public to have the right news. They just fix up the war reports to sell their papers. One day the Americans win -- the next day the Japs, the next day the Russians or the Germans." (Arizona) 8. "Why all the secrecy on this war business. Instead of the Government putting up a story about the least little victory that we have had, they ought to let us know the true facts and tell us that we have got to get out and work and fight if we are going to win this war." (Utah) 9. "Good news is being held back until such a time as it may be advantageous to release in order to off-set the bad news." (Ohio) B. Enemy sources have the information. 10. "We don't know what's happening on the war fronts. It looks like the only way we can find out for sure about what's happening is to read the Tokyo and Berlin reports." (Minneapolis, Minnesota) 11. "We are losing as many ships from our convoys as the Germans claim. I was on two ships that were sunk and know of several convoys where over half the ships went down. The Navy ought to tell the people because Germany already knows the facts." (Texas) C. Japs have made large gains. 12. "Why must we get our really first hand news from Jap sources? They have half of our islands in the Pacific, but we won't admit it." (Alabama) - 2 - 13. "Did you hear the report that the United States Navy did not sink that Jap aircraft carrier? I heard this is the fourth time the Navy has claimed to have sunk the same boat." (Alabama) 14. "Why don't they tell us about the Aleutian Islands. Why don't they tell us about the rest of it. Our losses have been terrific. Somebody is making mistakes and now trying to cover up." (Indiana) 15. "That the mainland of Alaska has probably been attacked but that the government is withholding information to the public." (Minnesota) D. Pearl Harbor casualty repercussions great. 16. "I don't think the Government is giving us correct information as to what is actually happening. We know that things were much worse at Pearl Harbor than indicated. I think we American people can take it on the chin because we do not like to be fooled." (Utah) 17. "My godmother in Los Angeles told me this story about what happened to a friend of her next-door neighbor. It seems that she was notified that her son had been killed at Pearl Harbor. Then several weeks later the Government informed her that her son had not been killed but had been wounded. Then just a few weeks ago she was notified to meet a certain train on which her son would arrive. She and her daughter met the train but the son did not get off; they waited a short time not knowing what to do and were finally approached by an officer who took them to an ambulance in which was the son. He had lost both arms and both legs in the Pearl Harbor bombing. He was taken home and a week later the mother lost her mind and is now in a California insane asylum." (Arizona) 18. "The first comment came from an Omaha mail carrier who stops in the office once in a while to "visit". He is thoroughly reliable and very sincere, and often gives very representative opinion and comment. He said: 'People are becoming dissatisfied with the lack of information regarding the whereabouts of our boys in service. I have heard so many complaints from parents who have sons scattered to the four winds who are now either prisoners, or who have given their lives. I have a neighbor....a mother who gave her only son at Pearl Harbor....she waited for five months before she heard a word which finally came in form of an official death notification. During those five months she actually suffered so much anxiety that when the news did come, even though it was of his death, it was a welcome relief. Now, it seems to me the necessary official red tape clearance wouldn't have to take that - 3 - long. It all seems ridiculous there should be so much delay. The mental anguish caused that mother during this long delay is terrible, and I know many who are feeling that same way about it. Something is wrong, or those missing could be accounted for before five months' time." (Nebraska) 19. "You remember the McGee boys -- They were in the Phillipines and the government reported that only the youngest was missing. But you can't depend on the government reports and I just know all three of them are dead -- I feel so sorry for their mother I don't know what to do -- after raising them and all." (New Mexico). E. We are treating Japanese wards too well (?) 20. "The government ain't tellin us nothing about it but this whole country is going to be filled with japs -- and the government is a feedin' them better than our own soldiers." (Texas) F. Concerning Mr. Davis. 21. "I guess they've got Elmer Davis throttled at last. I had a lot of confidence in him but he is a sad disappointment." (Indiana) 22. "Well, Roosevelt pulled another smart one. He kicked Elmer Davis 'upstairs' in order to get him off the air and shut him up. I guess the administration was afraid of what Davis might say." (Indiana) G. Navy men who talk. 23. "Navy Commander just returned from Pearl Harbor said, 'Enlisted men in Navy just don't talk. Officers on the other hand release more information than is proper." (Washington) H. General 24. "The next comment came from a Judge of the State Supreme Court in Lincoln, and it was considered worth passing along in this report, because it was a splendid point of view; He said, 'Our constitution gives us our freedom of press, freedom of speech and freedom of religion, but in time of a crisis, these freedoms should yield to the Government.' My friend, who was also present and heard the Judge's remark, said: 'I never thought of it in just that light, but how right the Judge is in that thought, because we accept and exercise these freedoms and quickly challenge the right of any one to take them away, yet without our Government they would be no good, therefore, we should consider its safety first. That's just why all these conflicting statements coming out of - 4 - Washington through press and radio should be eliminated. People are getting so they don't know what to believe, and so many have just quit listening and reading because they have no faith in any of the news sources.' " (Nebraska) 25. "Two old gray-haired gentlemen were standing on the corner by the Post Office. One made the statement to the other that this war will have to be won by deeds and not words." (Colorado) [* Horowitz *] ECONOMIC FRONT - WAR BONDS AND STAMPS A. Is money really coming in from bond sales? 1. "I wonder how much money actually reaches the Government to be used in the prosecution of the war effort from the purchase of bonds? In my opinion if other companies are handling this matter like the one that I'm working for I doubt if I want to buy these bonds for the reason that our company seems to keep the money on hand in the safe for a long time and I understand that the banks are keeping it on hand for quite a long while and there is a question in my mind as to just when the Government actually gets this money so they can use it." (Colorado) 2. "Just how much money is Uncle Sam getting on these war bonds from people who are pledging a certain percent of their salary, etc.? People are quitting this company so fast that it seems if you have worked here only a short time you are considered an old timer. When they leave they go to the cashier and say, 'I have a certain amount coming to me: I was going to buy a war bond with it but I am leaving so give me my money', and the cashier gives them the money that was intended to purchase a bond." (Colorado) B. Buying is very uneven, different groups not holding up their end. 3. "This is one of the high ranking states in the Union as far as the purchase of bonds is concerned and further they are taking more of our men for the Armed Forces per capita than any other state. The eastern states are not buying the bonds even though they have the war industries, nor are they furnishing their share of the men for the Armed Services." (North Dakota) 4. "It is my understanding that the Republican precincts in Des Moines have a lower percentage of War Bond purchases than the other precincts." (Iowa) C. People are buying under pressure -- buy, then cash in. 5. "A lot of workers are buying bonds because they feel they are being compelled to and then they are cashing in these bonds soon after they buy them." (Minnesota) 6. "I understand that many federal government employes have been very cooperative in regard to giving 10% of their income to the Government for the purchase of war bonds. They tell me though that some of these people are pretty hard up -- some of them don't make very large salaries and about a third of them cash in their bonds just as quickly as they can. Some of them have bought four or five $50 bonds but they have cashed in all but the one on which they are making payments. Is there anything to such rumors?" (Colorado) - 2 - 7. "They're pushing this bond sales stuff too far. People have their own plans for buying bonds and stamps now, and as they push more sales of them on people, they're dipping into cash they should use for household purposes." (Wisconsin) D. Resent buying of bonds because government wastes the money. 8. "We buy defense bonds and the money is being thrown away paying defense workers high wages. And these guys squander their money in beer joints." (Minn.) 9. "Fellows from Cudahy's and some of these big companies around town say they won't buy bonds. Why should they? Why should they give the Government money so it can buy expensive cuts of meat for the soldiers and other food and materials to be wasted in the defense program. Tons of food are just thrown away in the army camps, all over. The food in some places isn't cooked fit to eat and it has to be hauled away." (Utah) E. Bonds won't be paid off. 10. "I'm buying whiskey with my money. That gives the Government a big revenue and they don't have to pay me back anything ten years from now. They're not going to pay off the principal on war bonds let alone the interest. I'll take whiskey, it's more patriotic." (Utah) 11. "Why, the Government will never be able to pay off all these war bonds in ten years. It's impossible. I hear they will be extended another ten years." (Utah) 12. "Did you know that these Defense Bonds we are being asked to buy are not going to be paid back in cash in ten years? They're really going to be refunded at a lower rate of interest." (Oklahoma) 13. "War bonds will never be paid." (Connecticut) 14. "In two different instances I have heard references made to the possibility of the Government 'writing-off' its obligations represented by the War Bonds and crediting the individuals with whatever amount was involved as their patriotic contribution to the 'all-out' effort. Something should be done to neutralize the effect of such rumors and reassure the public of the stability of the Bonds." (Ohio) - 3 - 15. "I wouldn't be surprised if ten years from now we were asked to make our bonds a contribution to the Government." (Iowa) 16. "Do you really expect to get paid off on these Government bonds?" (Utah) 17. "Some people say the Government isn't going to pay off on its war bonds." (Utah) 18. "Isn't it true that the government will be so heavy in debt that they will have to take the bonds as taxes or else just won't try to pay them? This question I hear very often." (Iowa) 19. "The Government has no intention of honoring its war bonds. It's a form of contribution. You'll get thanks, that's all, just thanks." (Utah) 20. "I've heard a lot of people say they're going to spend all they can get their hands on because we are going to lose the war anyway. The War Bonds will never be paid back. We will all be asked to contribute them to the Government so you might just as well quit buying them." (Iowa) 21. "This friend told me that war bonds will be no good because they will never be redeemed since the Government is going so much in debt, and especially if Hitler wins, they will be worthless. This friend advised putting money into land." (Kansas) F. Miscellaneous 22. "Savings Accounts and money now in lock boxes in banks may be paid in War Bonds before long." (Tennessee) 23. "There are going to be compulsory savings and a stiff tax program but not 'till after the election." (Minnesota) [* Horowitz *] RACE DISCRIMINATION - NEGROES A. Trouble is brewing. 1. "There is going to be trouble the way this negro issue is headed." (Alabama) [B. In part, the trouble is due to Government action.] 2. "We are nearer race trouble in this section than we have been since Reconstruction days." (Tennessee) 3. "At lunch the other day I heard 4 business men talking about the race problem and they agreed that after we won this war we'd have another civil war right here at home to settle the Negros once and for all." Mr. Y: "I should say so. They say that the police are equipped with special arms to use during blackouts in case of Negro uprisings." Mrs. X: "Yes, and on the other side you hear that the Negroes are so scared of blackouts that they disappear and barricade themselves in their houses." (Virginia) [4.] "There have been uprisings among the negroes. Policeman patrolled up and down the alley back of my friend's house all last night. (Servant houses are built on the backs of Dallas lots pretty generally) Texas 5. "There's a lot of talk about the Negroes. A friend of mine called me today and said a mob of Negroes in Suffolk have bought up all the icepicks in preparation for race riots." (Virginia) 6. "The attitude of negroes has certainly changed. They are defiant driving automobiles, in buses and such places. OH yes, they stay within the law but--" (Tennessee) 7. "We're in for a change as far as the negroes are concerned and it going to mean blood-shed. The negroes are content, if they were just left alone." (Tennessee) B. In part, the trouble is due to Government action. 8. "The federal government is going to try to use negroes in the Army to subdue the south and impose a second reconstruction on us." (Alabama) 9. "The present administration is catering to the negro vote and its going to cause trouble." (Tennessee) 10. "Violence is inevitable if the government insits on stationing negro troops down here." (Alabama) [11.] RACE DISCRIMINATION - NEGROES C. Mrs. Roosevelt is also partly responsible. 11. "Statement was made that white and negro racial trouble is inevitable; that it is caused by pampering of negroes by various Government agencies; and that it is getting to a point where it is almost impossible to discuss the negro question without the name of Mrs. Roosevlet as their champion being brought into the matter." (Florida) 12. "Washington is fearful of race riots in that city. Feeling has become especially bitter since Mrs. Roosevelt's luncheon for a group of negro women at a swank hotel and they're afraid it's going to get clear out of hand. Some white war workers are leaving Washington because negroes are becoming so offensive." (Nebraska) 13. "The papers say there were race riots last night in Dallas, New Orleans and Atlanta. Mrs. Roosevelt has sure started something." (Washington, D.C.) 14. "Mrs. Roosevelt was thrown out of the Hermitage (Nashville Hotel) because she wanted negroes to stop in the hotel too" (Alabama) 15. "These Negroes are being provoked by enemy aliens who hand out propaganda. It's terrible to get help nowadays. Out at the Beach (Virginia Beach) my friends' maids have all joined the Eleanor Club. They say the aim of the club is to have all white women doing their own work by October first." (Virginia) 16. "Negro women in Pensacola have organized a group which they have named "The Eleanor Society." Their principal objective is understood by white people to be aimed at declining household work in order to force white ladies into their kitchens." (West Florida) 17. "I understand the negro women have formed Eleanor Roosevelt clubs and have chapters all over the country." (Alabama) D. The domestic servant situation is terrible. 18. If the government doesn't stop giving relief and old age pensions, we won't be able to get any help. I've trained five cooks in 6 weeks -- and I don't have one now. There are plenty of jobs for those able to work without government spending money feeding them. (Georgia) 19. RACE DISCRIMINATION - NEGROES 19. Colonel Nelson at Moody Field says he's going to fire all the negroes at Moody Field the servant problem has gotten so bad.here. If the husband or sweetheart works at Moody Field the negro woman won't work and so many [other] of them are making money off of the white soldiers that they won't work." (Georgia) 20. "A female negro called a white lady who had run an advertisement for a colored servant. The negro was asked what whe expected in the way of payment. Her reply was "$12.50 per week." The white lady protested, saying that the current wage scale for colored domestic help did not exceed one dollar per day and car fare. The negress replied to the effect that when Mr. Hitler won the war, the whites would be working for the negroes and at less wages than $12.50 per week. According to the conservation, the negress further amplified her statement by saying that the colored folk knew which side their bread was buttered on in the present world situation." (Texas) 21. "The servant problem is not so much one of scarcity but of the attitudes of the negroes." (Tennessee) 22. "It is evident that negroes are being stirred up. The attitude of domestic servants is so different." (Tennessee) 23. "This family came down from the north with a negro servant who ate at the table with them and slept in the house. It got around and then somebody burned a cross in the yard. The negro servant left town right away and they packed up and moved a little later." (Alabama) 24. "A story that two white ladies went to the negro section to employ maids. They saw two negro women sitting on the front porch and asked directions to find negro girls who wanted employment. The colored women replied: "We don't know, Mam, we are looking for maids ourselves." (Florida) E. Problems of social Equality are arising in job situations, stores, restaurants, as well as in general. 25. "The colored people all over the country are rising up and demanding equal recognition with the white people. They have sent colored troops overseas to be mowed down for a democracy they have never experienced." (Arizona) RACE DISCRIMINATION - NEGROES 26. "This country faces possible rouble with the Negro race, that trouble is already brewing in many of the Southern states, and particularly in Washington, D. C. Incidents in the nature of riots have not been published in Washington, such as hotels using tear gas bombs and police aid to eject Negroes from premises; that it is not an uncommon sight in Washington to see Negroes escorting white women on the streets. This trouble is caused by Negroes demanding equal rights with the white people throughout the country, particularly in the South. This rumor was heard several times, once on August 3, and again on August 7." (Pennsylvania) 27. "The following rumor was reported to me, when in the course of a conference I asked a gentlemen if he had heard any rumors of late. This is the statement of talk which is going around: "Hitler's agents are doing a good job of sabotaging the White House by stimulating actions of various Negro organizations to demand what they think is right and to obtain recognition. The CIO sent organizers into the Shreveport area over one year ago to urge Negroes to get together in order to assert their rights. The indirect object being to play the Negro against the white. Behind this is some clever work on the part of the Nazi organization to stir up trouble among the southern white people. One northern worker told a negro woman "If Hitler does win the war the Negroes will not be worse off than they are now." (Louisiana) 28. "Unidentified negro made statement that after the war the colored people will be in charge of things, and that they will have full racial equality." (Florida) 29. "A white man has never considered the Negro his equal but Jap and Negro will be equal." Another rumor that persists in this Negro area and is quite current is "For what reason should the Negro fight in this war?" (Illinois) 30. "This business of trying to get jobs for negroes and put them in charge of white people is going to start trouble. We are going to have violence yet." (Alabama) 31. "Of course they don't let Negroes work out at the ordnance plant. If they did, all the white men would quit. They can't afford to antagonize them." (Iowa) 32. "Negroes are being discriminated against in defense jobs." (Chicago) 33. "Treasury Department order in Washington that white female employees and Negro female employees are to be given separate lavatories." (Chicago) RACE DISCRIMINATION - NEGROES 34. "This negro woman went into a store to charge something and when the clerk wrote the 'Sally Cook' on the slip she looked at it and said, 'Make that Mrs. Sally Cook'." (Alabama) 35. "I heard the same thing happened at (-----) store. It was a negro man and he told the clerk to put 'Mr.' in front of his name." (Alabama) 36. "Did you hear about those negro soldiers trying to eat in a white restaurant on (----) street?" (Alabama) 37. "The two negro soldiers went to the white rest room and tried to go in." (Alabama) 38. "I hear that they are trying to keep the niggers out of this school and we won't have very many at the worst." (Arkansas) 39. "They tell me that we are going to have 750 Negro cadets stationed at this school and that white men are going to do the menial jobs. I hear that they have been having race riots down at Montgomery, Alabama and that they have had to shoot a bunch of niggers." (Arkansas) 40. "A union official says the Negro program for race advancement in Detroit includes placement of a Negro family in every white block." (Michigan) 41. "This man wrote an editorial against inciting the race issue and his draft board has practically said he was going in the army if they have anything to do with it. He has taken his physical examination. The head of the draft board said he was dangerous and that they were going to get him out of town." (Alabama) F. The induction of Negroes into the Army is raising problems. F1. Boards discriminate and Negroes duck the draft. 42. "The Army is not taking as many negroes as they are whites." (Arkansas) 43. "In my presence some men were joking with a Negro young man about his being "fit to fight." When he left, a soldier said to me: "That is a touchy subject around here. The fact that so many of the Negro boys are being sent back while the white boys are being accepted is making the community pretty apprehensive over leaving most of the colored boys here with white women while most of the white boys are being taken." (Louisiana) RACE DISCRIMINATION - NEGROES 44. "Colored boys on learning that many of their race are being rejected by the Army because they are afflicted with syphilis are deliberately acquiring this disease." (Louisiana) 45. "Many colored boys just prior to coming up before the examining board are having doctors give them a shot of something to make them appear mentally unbalanced. Others are resorting to the drinking of some kind of wine so as to appear woozy when before the examining board." (Louisiana) F2. Negroes make inferior soldiers. 46. "I overheard on the train going down to Richmond that the person who was talking had on the highest authority the fact that colored soldiers were exceedingly poor troop material and that in the last World War many colored troops had actually refused to fight." (Virginia) 47. "All negro troops thus far sent beyond the borders of the United States have been assigned to service-of-supply or labor battalion activities." Note: This statement implies that there has been prejudiced treatment of colored soldiers in that many of them desire assignment to combat units." (Minnesota) 48. "Negro soldiers are being used to garrison air fields because they are no good as combat soldiers." (Alabama) F3. Negro soldiers introduce difficulties in contact with civilians 49. Inspectors of the Federal Alcohol Tax Administration are authority for a report that civil police authorities at Sault Ste. Marie and Battle Creek are having tremendous difficulty effecting any co-operation with Negro MP's at both places, that the tendency of Negro soldier police is to take the side of the Negro soldier in any dispute with the civil authorities to conveniently disappear or even to hide out colored offenders to the civil authorities cannot reach them." (Michigan) 50. "My informant yesterday stated that "the Negro civilian men residents of Anniston, Alabama are on the verge of mass open clashes with Negro troops stationed at nearby Fort McClellan. The Anniston courts are busy disposing of numerous cases involving irregular domestic relations offenses. A few days ago a Negro servant obtained a marriage license and married with ceremony the common- law wife of seven years standing of an Anniston Negro. The robbed "husband" took his grievance to court and lost." (Alabama) RACE DISCRIMINATION - NEGROES 51. The chief surgeon of Henry Ford Hospital advises us a man told him August 5 that an Australian man who came over here recently on official business said that in one Australian city there were 8,000 American Negro soldiers and several thousand American white soldiers, and that considerable conflict existed between the groups owing to the attitude of Australian girls toward the Negroes. Australian girls were said to prefer the colored to the white because they think the Negro "funny and happy-go-lucky" and regard him as a better dancer. White soldiers are said to resent this no end." (Michigan) [* Horowitz *] RACE DISCRIMINATION -- JEWS A. Jewish problems are at times reviewed with the Negro situation. 1. "There is a strong feeling against the Jews in this area, especially Omaha, I think because that is where most of them are located, and many times, I am inclined to believe they are to blame for this feeling, themselves. I find many people even prefer the Negro to the Jew and while we have cut down discrimination in the State, many employers still have a very strong feeling of resentment against them and won't hire them at all." While there is no doubt that a certain resentment against the Jewish people does exist, there are no open or noticeable conflicts on the Negro or Jewish question in this area. The Martin Bomber Plant, for instance, does not discriminate and at the present time, approximately 200 Negroes are employed on the grounds and in the plant, in fact, I am told one of their best welders is a young Negress. While there are still some organizations who refuse to hire colored people, generally speaking, there are no racial conflicts in this area at this time." (Nebraska) 2. "Man 'A' was discussing Jewish people, and said that they will make trouble after the war because most of them are prospering at the present time, and they will resent surrendering a part of their earnings in anticipated post- war high taxation. Man 'B' agreed and mentioned trouble in Jacksonville colored section Sunday, where police reserves were required to arrest Negro as prevention from attack with knife upon a Negro woman, and a group of Negroes attempted to prevent arrest." (Florida) B. This is the Jews' war. 3. "This war is being fought for the Jews and they should put all their money in war bonds." (Minnesota) 4. "The Jews have caused this war. If it wasn't for them there wouldn't be a war. They are running the country." (Minnesota) 5. "The Jews brought on the war." (Illinois) C. Jews control the government 6. "Jews have control of the Government in Washington." (Illinois) 7. "The Jews put Roosevelt in. After the war there will be a revolution. Roosevelt won't be President and all the Jews will be chased out of the country." (Minnesota) 8. "Roosevelt has a lot of Jew advisers around him and they are telling him what to do." (Minnesota) 9. "The Jews are getting all the jobs in Washington. The - 2 - other day I heard that a Gentile family was finally lucky enough to land a job there." (Minnesota) D. Jews in the Army Cause trouble. 10. "Girls at USO Centers are primarily Jewish and soldiers stay away as they don't want to dance with them." (Illinois) 11. "I think there is something more to this Aroff affair than meets the eye. Now you know there's a lot of gifts and such given to to Army officers who help get appointments and commissions for people. I don't think that's all wrong. There's nothing so awful about giving a man a car you can't use, or giving him anything else no more valuable than that. I don't think that's bribery or anything. But here's why I think Aroff is getting into trouble: he's Jewish and they're after him -- that's all." (Colorado) E. But Jews don't go into the army. 12. "No Jews are volunteering for war service." (Illinois) 13. "Jews are making every effort to avoid the draft." (Tennessee) 14. "Mr. T. had heard that a large number of Jews are managing to get draft deferment." (Minnesota) 15. "A local Selective Service Board (Minneapolis) is having trouble in getting any man inducted because nearly all the registrants in that district are Jews." (Minn.) 16. "Deferments are granted Jews and Selective Service Boards do not check up to determine whether the dependents (parents in most cases) are the same as those listed by other members of the family also claiming deferment." (Minnesota) 17. "The Jewish boys are all being deferred or comissioned. You don't see any of those scoundrels as buck privates, and you'd think of any race should hate Hitler and be ready to fight against him they would." (Alabama) 18. "I haven't seen any Jews volunteering in the Army or being drafted. Most of them are trying to get commissions or to become officers, instead of going in as others do as privates." (Minnesota) 19. "I haven't seen any Jewish volunteers or any drafted. Most of them figure they can get commissions and be officers and not go through the normal channels of being privates. There are few Jewish privates in the regular Army." (Minnesota) - 3 - F. Jews avoid the draft and are getting rich. 20. "I heard from a shipper who has been packing and shipping melons in Blythe, California, that the fruit buyers are all young Jewish men who have ben deferred, and one of the local shippers, a man 40 years of age with a wife and child, is classified as 1-A and is having to appeal his case." (Arizona) 21. "Motion picture actors get the easy jobs and you know who runs Hollywood -- the Jews." (California) 22. "Jews are getting all the important jobs and will be rich after the war." (Illinois) 23. "The Jews are making a lot of profit in this war, particularly in the retail business. I will say nothing now, but we will take care of it after the war." (Iowa) RACE DISCRIMINATION -- OTHER G. Japanese 24. "The great majority of Japanese-American children who attended high schools in Portland attended private Japanese schools at night so as to familiarize them with the language and traditions of Japan." (Oregon) H. German 25. "German religious groups are at the Cape (Cod) and are trying to push out other religious groups." (Rhode Island) [* Horowitz *] A. Antecedents of the War Causes, guilt 5 B. Military Front Movement of troops 28 Operations, actual and potential in U.S. and along coasts 15 Russian front 3 Aleutions 14 Recruitment including Selective Service 68 Military affairs 3 Military Women's Auxiliaries 17 Army-navy commissions 24 Army-navy training, quarters, programs, etc. 20 Treatment in camps, recreation morale 39 Armed forces-health 19 Military high command 11 Tactics 5 Strength 22 Statements of how war is going, generally pessimistic 22 C. Strategy General 1 Far eastern front 6 Russian front 5 American front 6 Second front 51 Russia's aims and efforts unfavorable 16 Mutual and favorable 21 Losses, human consultants 8 Shipping 8 Warships 4 Treatment of prisoners 2 D. Civilian Front Social problems (gen'l) 9 Poverty and unemployment 4 Security 67 Criticism of Government 77 Farmers 9 Civilian Defense 5 E. Economic Front War bonds-stamps 23 Miscellaneous including price control, rationing 215 WPB management 20 Defense workers-accidents- efficiency-hiring attitudes 27 Pay 5 Labor relations, union activities, labor control, Manpower Comm. 14 Morals 2 F. Psychological Front Information policies 25 G. General and Miscellaneous Duration 15 Miscellaneous 189 H. War Aims and Results Post war world 18 General and miscellaneous 5 Anti-British 51 Negro 51 Jewish 23 Other races 2 [* Horowitz *] ANTI-BRITISH RUMORS A. There will be war between England and the U.S. 1. "England is just trying to get all our boys trapped in Britain where they'll be slaughtered and then England and Germany will gang up against the United States." (Oregon) 2. "It's common knowledge that England won't fight. She never has. She has always hired her fighting done - but when we know this why should we pay the price of our sons for her? When England and American fight it out we'll fight her to a finish." (Alabama) 3. "Trouble between United States soldiers and British soldiers is commonplace." (Illinois) B. It is England' War. 4. "England got us into this war -- and the last one." (Wisc.) C. At any rate, there is a difference between England's War and ours. 5. "We can't fight our war and England's too." (Alabama) 6. "I am not pro-German, but England has got to be beaten in this war, she has sneaked out of everything for too long." (Massachusetts) D. The British are not working efficiently. 7. "England was impeding the prosecution of the war efforts." (Missouri) 8. "Something is definitely wrong with England's management of the war, [that] they are holding back." (Missouri) 9. "England is trying to name the general for us when she can't even combined her own land and air forces." (Kentucky) E. British bungling characterizes relation to colonies. 10. "Leave it to the English; they are always 105% for themselves, but they are certain to lose now everything they have held on to for centuries, that's all over wait and see." (Massachusetts) 11. ["A number of people said that] "England has demonstrated a lack of capability in administration of an empire. This is proven by the fact that she does not enjoy the same loyalty from her colonial troops as the United States has received from native Philippine troops." (Arizona) 12. "The British lost Tobruk because so many of their soldiers were colored natives who didn't give a damn about winning for Britain." (Michigan) - 2 - 13. "The British empire is shot. When India goes the backbone of the empire goes with it. Britain will never be able to subdue India." (Pennsylvania) 14. "Ghandi, in his loin cloth and with his goat is outsmarting the British Empire." (Arizona) 15. "The English have always taxed the Indian people too heavily and have shown them no consideration in other ways." (Arizona) 16. "If England doesn't give India her freedom it will prolong the war by five years." (Colorado) F. The British have personal characteristics and habits which prevent them from being good allies. 17. "The Limeys are yellow cusses and stuck up. They're certainly learning how to run backwards, fast." (Cal.) 18. "How can England expect to win battles with her boys drinking whisky and playing cricket behind the lines?" (Alabama) 19. "There is too much tea drinking and too little paying attention to business among the English officers." (Arizona) 20. "England and her people are going to have to learn to work - no more 'blue bloods'." (Alabama) 21. "The English have had Rommel in a corner twice but both times they have stopped for tea instead of finishing their job." (Arizona) 22. "We returned from a visit in Canada about a week ago and all those people talk about is how much they hate the English. We picked up two boys who are members of the air force and took them with us for about 100 miles. They called the English everything they could think of, said they had been to a training school in Eastern Canada, where the instructors took a very arrogant attitude toward the Canadians, did not know their business, and did very little except drink tea." (Arizona) G. The British do not fight. 23. "British do not fight." (Illinois) 24. "England is not doing her proper share in winning the war. She lets us bear the brunt of it all." (Colorado) 25. "What the hell is the reason for our troops in the British Isles? Are we going to fight another battle for England?" (Indiana) - 3 - 26. "England is afraid to take her soldiers away from England." (Kentucky) 27. "England wants America to fight the second front". (Kentucky) 28. "The British are now sending on air raids over the Continent only Canadian, Australian and American pilots and keeping their own pilots at home." (Mich.) 29. "The British are waiting for Americans to come to England to do their fighting for them." (Illinois) 30. "British are keeping their troops at home while the Colonials and now the Americans fight for the British Empire." (California) 31. "England is letting others fight their battle, and now they want America to do it for them." (Minnesota) 32. "Churchill is trying to out-smart us like Lloyd George tried to do." (Kentucky) (use Americans as replacements under British generals). 32a. "England can't win without us and wants to tell us how to do it." (Kentucky) 32b. "England wants us to save her and wants to run the show." (Kentucky) H. We can't trust the British. 33. "President Roosevelt is not as smart as Mr. Churchill. Mr. Churchill can always out-trade him." (Tennessee) 34. "Churchill's last visit to the United States was made because he wanted to run out of England to escape the wrath of parliament caused by Egyptian campaign reverses." (Illinois) 35. "We had better watch the Russians. I would not be surprised if they would double cross us at any time with the result that we will all be hanging high and dry. I think England is again playing us for a bunch of suckers." (Utah) 36. "England and Russia are playing us for suckers; they're expecting the U.S. to bear the brunt of the war, both financially and with manpower." (Colorado) 37. "It looks to me as though England wants to keep this war going." (Ohio) - 4 - I. Relations to Russia are complicated by Britain. 38. "Britain is telling us what to do about the war. That's why we're not doing anything to help Russia." (Minnesota) 39. "You know a friend told me something the other day that I think is about right. He says that they are just playing Russia against Germany, letting them decimate themselves; but if it hadn't been for Russia, last year, England would have fallen; they would have had the English fleet, and the Axis would have licked us sure by this time." (Louisiana) 40. "I understand that England has about three or four million well trained soldiers. They are claiming that if they sent their soldiers to aid Russia, Germany would invade England and capture it without much trouble. I agree with some of the boys at the plant that we should send a few million of our soldiers over to England and tell them that we will guard England for them and then they can send their soldiers to help Russia. It seems to me that the English are looking out for England and for themselves." (Colorado) 41. "England doesn't want the war to end now because Russia would be too powerful and how too much to say at the peace conference." (Ohio) 42. "It seems as though England wants the Germans and Russians to kill each other off." (Ohio) 43. "Winston Churchill visiting Moscow to persuade Stalin from signing a separate peace with Germany now." (Alabama) J. Our internal affairs are influenced (adversely) by Britain 44. "We have to pay high taxes just on account of England. Everything is going to be tough because we got ourselves tied up with trying to pull England out of the hole." (Minnesota) 45. "Churchill's visit to America was a sign of increased taxes on the American people." (Illinois) E. England will be unreliable when it comes to settling the peace. 46. "England is smart. If they have the general, they can win the peace conference." (Kentucky) 47. "England will again give us the short end of the stick in the discussions over the peace after the war." (Ohio) - 5 - 48. "England is taking advantage of this country. It's getting everything from us and giving back nothing. It never expects to repay anything but at the end of the war it will be ready to grab all it can get and it will do it, too. That's England." (Arizona) L. Of a significance difficult to evaluate without context. 49. "John told me he saw in some paper that Roosevelt, Churchill and some other big man (can't think of his name) were cousins." (Massachusetts) COPY AMERICA'S FIGHTING JEWS A poet wrote a tribute To our country's fighting Jew So we'll join our friend the poet And drink to that Jew too. But now where are all his pals Saulie, Abe, and Sam? They have now left him all alone As if he were a ham. They are fighting at the race tracks To place their show bets down; They'll fight for ring side tables At the Swanky joins in town; They fight like hell at Jordan's and cousin Filene's too; Wherever there's a bargain, You'll find the FIGHTING JEW. Onward Christian Soldiers! That is their battle cry. They fight to save Old Glory At gentile soldiers passing by. Now Able, Saul, and little Sam Stay home and have your fun But when the doughboys come back home, Then you had better run; For when he's through with Hitler, The Japs and Mussy, too, Johnnie Doughboy has a date With America's FIGHTING JEW. COPY AMERICA'S FIGHTING JEWS A poet wrote a tribute To our country's fighting Jew So we'll join our friend the poet And drink to that Jew too. But now where are all his pals Saulie, Abe, and Sam? They have now left him all alone As if he were a ham. They are fighting at the race tracks To place their show bets down; They'll fight for ring side tables At the Swanky joins in town; They fight like hell at Jordan's and cousin Filene's too; Wherever there's a bargain, You'll find the FIGHTING JEW. Onward Christian Soldiers! That is their battle cry. They fight to save Old Glory At gentile soldiers passing by. Now Able, Saul, and little Sam Stay home and have your fun But when the doughboys come back home, Then you had better run; For when he's through with Hitler, The Japs and Mussy, too, Johnnie Doughboy has a date With America's FIGHTING JEW. COPY AMERICA'S FIGHTING JEWS A poet wrote a tribute To our country's fighting Jew So we'll join our friend the poet And drink to that Jew too. But now where are all his pals Saulie, Abe, and Sam? They have now left him all alone As if he were a ham. They are fighting at the race tracks To place their show bets down; They'll fight for ring side tables At the Swanky joins in town; They fight like hell at Jordan's and cousin Filene's too; Wherever there's a bargain, You'll find the FIGHTING JEW. Onward Christian Soldiers! That is their battle cry. They fight to save Old Glory At gentile soldiers passing by. Now Able, Saul, and little Sam Stay home and have your fun But when the doughboys come back home, Then you had better run; For when he's through with Hitler, The Japs and Mussy, too, Johnnie Doughboy has a date With America's FIGHTING JEW. First Analysis Negro rumors Curl Horowitz Newman Martin Riley RACE DISCRIMINATION-NEGROES A. Trouble is brewing. 1. "There is going to be trouble the way this negro issue is headed." (Alabama) [B. In part, the trouble is due to Government action.] 2. "We are nearer race trouble in this section than we have been since Reconstruction days." (Tennessee) 3. "At lunch the other day I heard 4 business men talking about the race problem and they agreed that after we won this war we'd have another civil war right here at home to settle the Negros once and for all." Mr. Y: "I should say so. They say that the police are equipped with special arms to use during blackouts in case of Negro uprisings." Mrs. X: "Yes, and on the other side you hear that the Negroes are so scared of blackouts that they disappear and barricade themselves in their houses." (Virginia) 4. "There have been uprisings among the negroes. Policeman patrolled up and down the alley back of my friend's house all last night. (Servant houses are built on the backs of Dallas lots pretty generally) Texas 5. "There's a lot of talk about the Negroes. A friend of mine called me today and said a mob of Negroes in Suffolk have bought up all the icepicks in preparation for race riots." (Virginia) 6. "The attitude of negroes has certainly changed. They are defiant driving automobiles, in buses and such places. OH yes, they stay within the law but--" (Tennessee) 7. "We're in for a change as far as the negroes are concerned and its going to mean blood-shed. The negroes are content, if they were just left alone." (Tennessee) B. In part, the trouble is due to Government action. 8. "The federal government is going to try to use negroes in the Army to subdue the south and impose a second reconstruction on us." (Alabama) 9. "The present administration is catering to the negro vote and its going to cause trouble." (Tennessee) 10. "Violence is inevitable if the government insits on stationing negro troops down here." (Alabama) [11.] RACE DISCRIMINATION-NEGROES C. Mrs. Roosevelt is also partly responsible. 11. "Statement was made that white and negro racial trouble is inevitable; that it is caused by pampering of negroes by various Government agencies; and that it is getting to a point where it is almost impossible to discuss the negro question without the name of Mrs. Roosevlet as their champion being brought into the matter." (Florida) 12. "Washington is fearful of race riots in that city. Feeling has become especially bitter since Mrs. Roosevelt's luncheon for a group of negro women at a swank hotel and they're afraid it's going to get clear out ofhand. Some white war workers are leaving Washington because negroes are becoming so offensive." (Nebraska) 13. "The papers say there were race riots last night in Dallas, New Orleans and Atlanta. Mrs. Roosevelt has sure started something." (Washington, D.C.) 14. "Mrs. Roosevelt was thrown out of the Hermitage (Nashville Hotel) because she wanted negroes to stop in the hotel too." (Alabama). 15. "These Negroes are being provoked by enemy aliens who hand out propaganda. It's terrible to get help nowadays. Out at the Beach (Virginia Beach) my friends' maids have all joined the Eleanor Club. They say the aim of the club is to have all white women doing their own work by October first." (Virginia) 16. "Negro women in Pensacola have organized a group which they have named "The Eleanor Society." Their principal objective is understood by white people to be aimed at declining household work in order to force white ladies into their kitchens." (West Florida) 17. "I understand the negro women have formed Eleanor Roosevelt clubs and have chapters all over the country." (Alabama) D. The domestic servant situation is terrible. 18. If the government doesn't stop giving relief and old age pensions, we won't be able to get any help. I've trained five cooks in 6 weeks--and I don't have one now. There are plenty of jobs for those able to work without government spending money feeding them. (Georgia) [19.] RACE DISCRIMINATION-NEGROES 19. Colonel Nelson at Moody Field says [his] he's going to fire all the negroes at Moody Field the servant problem has gotten so bad.here. If the husband or sweetheart works at Moody Field the negro woman won't work and so many [other] of them are making money off of the white soldiers that they won't work." (Georgia) 20. "A female negro called a white lady who had run an advertisement for a colored servant. The negro was asked what whe expected in the way of payment. Her reply was " $12.50 per week." The white lady protested, saying that the current wage scale for colored domestic help did not exceed one dollar per day and car fare. The negress replied to the effect that when Mr. Hitler won the war, the whites would be working for the negroes and at less wages than $12.50 per week. According to the conservation, the negress further amplified her statement by saying that the colored folk knew which side their bread was buttered on in the present work situation." (Texas) 21. "The servant problem is not so much one of scarcity but of the attitudes of the negroes." (Tennessee) 22. "It is evident that negroes are being stirred up. The attitude of domestic servants is so different." (Tennessee) 23. "This family came down from the north with a negro servant who ate at the table with them and slept in the house. It got around and then somebody burned a cross in the yard. The negro servant left town right away and they packed up and moved a little later." (Alabama) 24. "A story that two white ladies went to the negro section to employ maids. They saw two negro women sitting on the front porch and asked directions to find negro girls who wanted employment. The colored women replied: "We don't know, Mam, we are looking for maids ourselves." (Florida) E. Problems of social Equality are arising in job situations, stores, restaurants, as well as in general. 25. "The colored people all over the country are rising up and demanding equal recognition with the white people. They have sent colored troops overseas to be mowed down for a democracy they have never experienced." (Arizona) RACE DISCRIMINATION-NEGROES 26. "This country faces possible trouble with the Negro race, that trouble is already brewing in many of the Southern states, and particularly in Washington, D.C. Incidents in the nature of riots have not been published in Washington, such as hotels using tear gas bombs and police aid to eject Negroes from premises; that it is not an uncommon sight in Washington to see Negroes escorting white women on the streets. This trouble is caused by Negroes demanding equal rights with the white people throughout the country, particularly in the South. This rumor was heard several times, once on August 3, and again on August 7." (Pennsylvania) 27. "The following rumor was reported to me, when in the course of a conference I asked a gentlemen if he had heard any rumors of late. This is the statement of talk which is going around: "Hitler's agents are doing a good job of sabotaging the White House by stimulating actions of various Negro organizations to demand what they think is right and to obtainrecognition. The CIO sent organizers into the Shreveport area over one year ago to urge Negroes to get together in order to assure their rights. The indirect object being to play the Negro against the white. Behind this is some clever work on the part of the Nazi organization to stir up trouble among the southern white people. One northern worker told a Negro woman "If Hitler does win the war the Negroes will not be worse off than they are now." (Lou[s]i[i]siana) 28. "Unidentified negro made statement that after the war the colored people will be in charge of things, and that they will have full racial equality." (Florida) 29. "A white man has never considered the Negro his equal but Jap and Negro will be equal." Another rumor that persists in this Negro area and is quite current is "For what reason should the Negro fight in this war?" (Illinois) 30. "This business of trying to get jobs for negroes and put them in charge of white people is going to strarttrouble. We are going to have violence yet." (Alabama) 31. "Of course they don't let Negroes work out at the ordnance plant. If they did, all the white men would quit. They can't afford to antagonize them." (Iowa) 32. "Negroes are being discriminated against in defense jobs." (Chicago) 33. "Treasury Department order in Washington that white female employees and Negro female employees are to be given separate lavatories" (Chicago) RACE DISCRIMINATION-NEGROES 34. "This negro woman went into a store to charge something and when the clerk wrote the 'Sally Cook' on the slip she looked at and said, 'Make that Mrs. Sally Cook'." (Alabama) 35. "I heard the same thing happened at (-----) store. It was a negro man and he told the clerk to put 'Mr.' in front of his name." (Alabama) 36. "Did you he[r]ar about those negro soldiers trying to eat in a white restaurant on (----) street?" (Alabama) 37. "The two negro soldiers went to the white rest room and tried to go in." (Alabama) 38. "I hear that they are trying to keep the niggers out of this school and we won't have very many at the worst." (Arkansas) 39. "They tell me that we are going to have 750 Negro cadets stationed at this school and that white men are going to do the menial jobs. There will be plenty of trouble if that is the case. I hear that they have been having race riots down at Montgomery, Alabama and that they have had to shoot a bunch of niggers." (Arkansas) 40. "A union officialsays the Negro problem for race advancement in Detroit includes placement of a Negro family in every white block." (Michigan) 41. "This man wrote an editorial against inciting the race issue and his draft board has practically said he was going in the army if they have anything to do with it. He has taken his physical examination. The head of the draft board said hewas dangerous and that they were going to get him out of town." (Alabama) F. The induction of Negroes into the Army is raising problems. F1. Boards discriminate and Negroes duck the draft. 42. "The Army is not taking as many negroes as they are whites." (Arkansas) 43. "In my presence some men were joking with a Negro young man about his being "fit to fight." When he left, a soldier said to me: "That is a touchy subject around here. The fact that so many of the Negro boys are being sent back while the white boys are being accepted is making the community pretty apprehensive over leaving most of the colored boys here with white women while most of the white boys are being taken." (Louisiana) RACE DISCRIMINATION-NEGROES 44. "Colored boys on learning that many of they race are being rejected by the Army because they are afflicted with syphilis are deliberately acquiring this disease." (Louisiana) 45. "Many colored boys just prior to coming up before the examining board are having doctors give them a shot of something to make them appear mentally unbalanced. Others are resorting to the drinking of some kind of wine so as to appear woozy when before the examining board" (Louisiana). F2. Negroes make inferior soldiers. 46. "I overheard on the train going down to Richmond that the person who was talking had on the highest authority the fact that colored soldiers were exceedingly poor troop material and that in the last World War many colored troops had actually refused to fight." (Virginia) 47. "All negro troops thus far sent beyond the borders of the United States have been assigned to service-of-supply or labor battalion activities." Note: This statement implies that there has been prejudiced treatment of colored soldiers in that many of them desire assignment to combat units." (Minnesota) 48. "Negro soldiers are being used to garrison air fields because they are no good as combat soldiers." (Alabama) F3. Negro soldiers introduce difficulties in contact with civilians 49. Inspectors of the Federal Alcohol Tax Administration are authority for a report that civil police authorities at Sault Ste. Marie and Battle Creek are having tremendous difficulty effecting any co-operation with Negro MP's at both places, that the tendency of Negro soldier police is to take the side of the Negro soldier in any dispute with the civil authorities to conveniently disappear or even to hide out colored offenders to the civil authorities cannot reach them." (Michigan) 50. "My informant yesterday stated that "the Negro civilian men residents of Anniston, Alabama are on the verge of mass open clashes with Negro troops stationed at nearby Fort McClellan. The Anniston courts are busy disposing of numerous cases involving irregular domestic relations offenses. A few days ago a Negro sergeant obtained a marriage license and married with ceremony the common- law wife of seven years standing of an Anniston Negro. The robbed "husband" took his grievance to court and lost." (Alabama) RACE DISCRIMINATION-NEGROES 5[0]1. The chief surgeon of Henry Ford Hospital advises us a man told him August 5 that an Australian who came over here recently on official business said that in one Australian city there were 8,000 American Negro soldiers and several thousand American white soldiers, and that considerable conflict existed between the groups owing to the attitude of Australian girls toward the Negroes. Australian girls were said to prefer the colored to the white because they think the Negro "funny and happy-go-lucky" and regard him as a better dancer. White soldiers are said to resent this no end." (Michigan) From OGR Rumor study April 1942 Florida "Enemy propaganda is being counteracted in Manatee County where 500 members of the Florida defense force are being given special instruction upon recognizing and reporting rumors and false statements." PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL RUMORS -- VOLUME, NATURE, SOURCE SUMMARY While many rumors are current in 19 states, in none is the situation critical, and in most the flood of rumors has abated in the last six weeks: Alabama Arkansas California Florida Georgia Indiana Iowa Kansas Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Missouri New Jersey New York Ohio Oregon Pennsylvania South Dakota Texas In only three States, Colorado, Connecticut and Illinois, the volume of rumors is extensive or growing. The North Central section of the country is most beset with rumors while the Southeast is freest. Exaggeration of losses at Pearl Harbor is still prevalent in 10 States, in all of which, however, speculation on this subject has markedly decreased: Idaho Michigan Montana New Jersey New York Pennsylvania South Carolina Texas Virginia West Virginia Other rumors reported from at least four States are: Our democratic system will not survive the war-- the President desires a socialistic state. (Seven widely scattered States) Japanese are perpetrating atrocities. (Seven, majority Midwestern States) Japanese trust Negroes as equals--this is a white man's war. (Seven States, Southeast and Northeast) Labor is profiteering. (Six States, five west of the Mississippi) After the war there will be trouble with Russia. (Five States, widely scattered) - 2 - Commissions are being obtained by the use of influence. (Four States, two in New England) State Directors were able to report very little of a concrete nature with regard to the source of rumors. There was almost no uniformity in the sources reported and no evidence of an organized rumor campaign. Directors in Illinois, New York and South Dakota blame former isolationists and those in Alabama, Kansas, Oregon and South Dakota blame opponents of the Administration. "Social Justice" was mentioned in Ohio and Rhode Island. PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL Office of Government Reports April 10, 1942 Report RUMORS -- VOLUME, NATURE AND SOURCE. ALABAMA Rumor is current that if FSA is continued farms will be confiscated and turned over to the Negroes. Petitions are being circulated in all counties by the Farm Bureau calling on Congress to abolish FSA. Most generally widespread rumor was that "Roosevelt pushed us into this war in order that he may become a dictator." This rumor seems to have the greatest volume. Another rumor, "as soon as this war is over we will have to fight Russia." was heard from several sources in Marion County. Latest propaganda is that labor and Roosevelt have entered into a conspiracy to create a socialistic state after the war. This line is being spread by forces affiliated with Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Manufacturers, principally the Associated Industries of Alabama. Another threat concerns work that is being done among the Negro population. Story attributed to a Pittsburgh Negro paper is that the Negro wants democracy but does not have it, and he is seeking a trade with the Administration, "give us democracy, equality of opportunity, and non-segregation and we'll fight for you. Deny us this and the war is yours -- not ours." ARIZONA Enemy is listening posters as well as educational programs discouraging idle talk, are having quite an influence toward killing rumors. Among very few rumors heard recently is one that Japanese planes have flown over Phoenix. There is also a rumor that propaganda is being spread among colored people that Japanese like and honor Negroes, allow intermarriage, allow Negroes to stay at their hotels and grant other privileges which are denied by white people. There is also a report circulated that Japanese to be stationed at Parker were to be paid $50 per month for farming. Several bitterly antagonistic comments to any such plan have been brought to attention of the State Director. ARKANSAS Most prevalent rumor has been concerning Japanese atrocities. Another was that stores were receiving a percentage of sales of defense bonds and stamps. There are few rumors concerning the Allies. It is reported that imported workmen at the munitions plant at Jacksonville have been spreading stories that cause unrest among Negroes working on the project. These stories follow line that Negroes have nothing to lose, and therefore, have no interest in the war. CALIFORNIA Much discussion exists of rumor that American naval vessels have been forced to use World War 1 ammunition. There is some criticism of number of alleged Communists closely connected with White House and other important Government positions. Claim is made - 2 - that there are too many Jews on Supreme Court and in other branches of Government. More well-to-do people are becoming critical of the number of Jewish people in the Government. Fear of Government repudiation of debts in post-war period is slowly but definitely growing. COLORADO Rumors are at peak and are impossible to track down to their source. Whispers of sabotage and fifth column work are rampart. Rumors appear that men with influential connections besides necessary requirements can more easily procure commissions in armed forces than those without any connections. President Roosevelt's warning against repetition of rumors has been widely acclaimed on all sides. CONNECTICUT Rumors are increasing and State Council of Defense plans to expose ultimate dangers of such false reports and will urge necessity for full cooperation in stopping spread of such rumors. Reports to effect that surprise blackouts are to be expected on certain evenings are quite prevalent. FLORIDA One rumor appearing is that "the President is jealous of General MacArthur as a future political opponent, and that he was being sacrificed on Bataan to eliminate him as such a menace." Subsequent developments have effectually squelched this rumor. Enemy propaganda is being counteracted in Manatee County where 500 members of the Florida defense force are being given special instruction upon recognizing and refuting rumors and false statements. GEORGIA Most persistent rumor is one regarding a letter received from an American prisoner in Japan who alleged, under the stamp, that his tongue had been cut out. IDAHO Most widely circulated rumor was that Pearl Habor damage was minimized, that the bulk of Pacific fleet was destroyed, and hinted at disloyalty of high officials. This topic is being dissipated. Sources of rumor are probably letters written just after the first attack, talk of return sailors and civilian workers, and sheer invention. MacArthur's arrival in Australia has served to rid the State of such rumors and whisperings. Labor racketeering stories have such themes as: Walking delegates hold workers down to union production limits; enforcement of craft rules such as refusal of carpenters to pull and electric switch and demanding that a full-time electrician be employed to do it; initiation fees raised up to as high as $300; dropping of many after they have worked out initiation fees and hiring new ones for the same purpose; sharp dealing by labor in applying concessions on double time for holidays. Administration is accused of playing politics with labor, which is said to be leading us down France's road. Labor leaders ascribe them to employers and to editors catering to advertisers. Public regards them as facts. Failure of small industries to get war contracts given strength to tales of big industries' greed and contracts secured by dollar-a-year executives. Labor uses these rumors - 3 - to justify its demands. ILLINOIS One rumor is that Government is about to take over private bank deposits; another is that war bonds will be worth less in ten years then now and should not be bought; another that the Government is conspiring with Russia -- fanned by Dies' statement -- and the Government demise of the Toledo, Peoria and Western Railroad is just the beginning. Because of influence of Chicago Tribune, Hearst press and undercover isolationist groups in continually giving currency to rumors and even manufacturing them State might be considered to have a rather acute rumor situation. INDIANA Rumors concerning Pearl Harbor and our war production effort have all earmarks of organized propaganda. A new line is being taken now in use of smutty stories which most people like to hear. These stories range from disrespectful stories of White House and its occupants to inanities about shortages and daylight saving time. Rumors to effect that it is necessary to have political pull to obtain an officer's commission are current. Another rumor which concerns Selective Service states that men with wives and children will certainly be called into service within a few months. IOWA State apparently has its fair share of rumors floating about as evidenced by a recent editorial in a Des Moines paper, which traced a story of Japanese mutilation of prisoners to three unconfirmed sources. Because exact cause of recent explosions at Burlington ordnance plant has never been given to the public, there are many rumors of sabotage. Mother of a young draftee reported that her son who, before his induction, was imbued with patriotism, having put all his savings into defense bonds, had now become supercritical and bitter against commercial institutions which he felt were exploiting the men in uniform. Being alarmed that such a change could come over the young men in a very short period, the mother suggested the possibility that some of his bitterness might be caused by subversion elements. Generally, however, there are a minimum of rumors. KANSAS Some arch-critics of the President have convinced a few poorly informed persons that the President will ban all Congressional and State elections this fall. Such rumors are of local origin and usually of a strictly partisan character. Anti-New Dealers have stated quite openly that Nelson's plan for joint management- labor committees is a Communistic brain-trust scheme to sovietize American industry, but few people have listened to such gossip. There is no tangible evidence that these reports emanate from subversive or actively disloyal groups. Number of unthinking sixth columnists in State is probably relatively large, but the deliberate rumor-monger is exceedingly rare. - 4 - KENTUCKY Most rumors in State are about labor problems and profits made by companies constructing various projects for Government, particularly in Army camps throughout State and neighboring States. Also, a few disputes between labor and management, equitably settled very quickly, were enlarged upon and spread throughout State in form of rather damaging rumors. Rumors of this type are now believed to be few in number and previous ones had very little tangible effect upon public. There are very few rumors about various religious, racial and social groups in State. MAINE Rumors are constantly on the decrease. People are cautious in talking to strangers, and sailors seldom talk about incidents at sea. Favoritism in appointment of reserve officers in the Navy is frequently commented on. "Social position and financial influence are said to be the essential in obtaining a commission." Such appointees are referred to as "90 day wonders." Opinion is that many of these officers appear to be inefficient, snobbish and know little about the Navy. An unwholesome condition is growing up between officers on sea duty and reserve officers on shore duty. Enlisted men are talking about outsiders easily getting Navy ratings that they have been working years to get and have not received as yet. A great deal of complaint is heard about the non-delivery of mail in the Navy. MASSACHUSETTS State has had its share of rumors. One of most serious was that Army planes upon sighting submarines along coast could not proceed until authority was given by Navy. Public came to conclusion that there was woeful lack of coordination. Many people have powerful short-wave receiving sets and repeat propaganda heard from European radio stations without realizing danger in doing so. For example, one Government official whose loyalty to Government is beyond question quotes statements of Lord HawHaw to associates and acquaintances. MICHIGAN Rumors do not seem to be current in most parts of the State. In a survey at Wayne University in Detroit, however, it was found that many rumors were making the rounds. Among these is the rumor that Detroit will be bombed within six weeks to three months; that Australia, Canada and India will break completely with England at end of war; that we have a "great, secret weapon"; that Russia is selling Japan the supplies United States is sending her; that Russia will make a separate peace and will bear much watching; that the Pacific fleet was almost completely wiped out at Pearl Harbor; that knitted sweaters are being destroyed by the Red Cross in San Francisco because warehouses are overstocked. - 5 - MINNESOTA Rumors regarding rationing are extensively current-- motor oil stocks being latest product mentioned. These stories often appear at conventions. A rumor that Lloyds of London was offering odds that war would be over in six months circulated in Minneapolis and St. Paul to such an extent that a State OCD official mentioned in an address that it was probably Axis inspired to reduce war production. Other stories repeated to but a limited extent are: That England is playing us for the goat; that Russia will sue for peace; that an Allied win will sweep Communism over the world; the stock "postage stamp-tongue cut off" tale; that Red Cross workers are overpaid and avoid battlefield dangers; that rationing and labor-management committees are not war essentials, but Socialist ground work. Information that war plant workers are making exorbitant wages and that war industries are amassing huge profits is extensively repeated and is making something of an impression on general public. MISSISSIPPI There is no evidence of rumors of any consequence. Editorials are warning against obstructionist spirit which is manifesting itself. MISSOURI State has its share of rumors, most of which are believed to originate in New York and Pacific Coast. Publicizing of total British losses has done much to dispel rumors that Allies are fighting Britain's battles even though Anglophobes continue to spread anti-British stories. A variation of an old story is that New York bookmakers are taking even money on war being ended before December 1942 despite long range plans of Allies. A businessman told the story at a luncheon-club meeting, to point out absurdity of some rumors when analyzed, and cautioned gathering to think through every story, determine source and decide whether it is a rumor. Rationing has been subject to rumors of may kinds. Press is not entirely blameless, since some papers have printed fanciful stories tending to create confusion. State Director says: "If there is any one thing which would do more than anything else to solidify the American people, it would be an official source of war information with the strictest sort of regulations restricting distortion or garbling." MONTANA Most widespread rumor is that the bulk of our Navy was destroyed at Pearl Harbor, and this emanates from Navy circles. There are horror stories of brutalities practiced on captured American soldiers at the Pacific outposts. NEBRASKA No comment. NEVADA No comment. - 6 - NEW JERSEY Many of current rumors are concerned with shipping activities along New York waterfront. Rumor of 1,500 corpses being returned by ship to Brooklyn Navy Yard from Pearl Harbor persists. Rumor mongers appear to be people who have nothing else to do. NEW MEXICO Rumor that United States lost half its fleet at Pearl Harbor has been finally discredited. There are recurrent rumors that anti-Semite sentiment is growing along Atlantic seaboard, and Jews whisper that they fear they will be a persecuted race after the war. NEW YORK Public is showing far greater resistance to rumors than in December and January; farmers usually pay little attention to them. Greatest rumors were concerning Pearl Harbor incident when it was said that our losses "were a thousand times worse than the casualty lists show" circulated by ex-members of America First Committee, and that a great Navy ship had arrived in Brooklyn with thousands of bodies of dead soldiers from Hawaii. Commandant of the Third Naval District issued a statement denying this tale. It is thought that Axis agents are responsible for two rumors now occurring in Harlem. First is that, although many Negroes in Harlem are not getting enough to eat, shipments of food are piled up on piers and are allowed to rot because ships are not available. Second is that unit of American Negro troops was deliberately left behind on Bataan Peninsula, and that Filipinos made up rest of force left behind. Rumor apparently originating in Yorkville section of Manhattan, a Nazi stronghold, is that President has agreed with Stalin to abolish Congress and make this a Soviet nation. NORTH DAKOTA Few rumors heard are unimportant -- having to do with Japanese escaping from internment camps and the number of our soldiers being shot by guards when coming in after hours. OHIO There are many rumors and reports of rumors; however, they carry little weight with the average citizen. Social Justice is held responsible for the spreading of much propaganda which circulates in the form of rumors. Another breeding ground for propaganda of the rumor kind is found in the "letters to the editor" columns of newspapers. Many church groups feel that everything they hear is closely related to the "gospel truth." Director feels that definite steps should be taken to enlist active war effort support among church leaders of this country. OKLAHOMA While exhorting public to examine all rumors, press has set up its own definitions for rumors, consequently quotes unindentified experts only to extent it so desires and frequently gives public an incomplete story. Public realizes that press and radio are supplying only incomplete pictures, but is at a loss as how to determine between rumor and fact. Consequently public is highly skeptical of everything given it through regular channels and is not infrequently relying on information from somewhat unreliable sources. - 7 - OREGON Workmen themselves are the sources or rumors that two or three do the work of one man in the shipyards. Such tales have had foundation but are corrected when made known. Workmen also fostered a less widespread rumor that completed ships are ready for sea but engines are unavailable. Members of most groups discuss claim that Britain has us do her fighting. Anti-Administration elements, possibly unwittingly, talk most frequently of the possibility that our democracy will be lost in the war, and this group also makes claim that our leaders are incompetent, and the Government is inept in conducting the war. Secretary Morganthau's speeches have helped dissipate talk that the war will bankrupt the country. PENNSYLVANIA There are not many rumors as far as war is concerned in Pittsburgh area, but they are rife in Philadelphia, and take usual form of Axis propaganda against British and Russians. RHODE ISLAND Most rumors can be traced to Father Coughlin's Social Justice. Aside from this, no real rumors exist in State. SOUTH CAROLINA Rumor-mongers have been meeting with scant success. Public morale remains unshaken. Rumors regarding Pearl Harbor losses were prevalent for a time, but have now ceased. SOUTH DAKOTA Gossip intended to portray labor in a poor light, although declining in volume, is still heard. Purveyors of such gossip usually are declared union foes, persons strongly isolationists before December 7 and politicians attempting to discredit the Administration. A typical story is one telling of a California airplane worker who receives top wages for passing one small machine part to another twice a day. TENNESSEE State is comparatively free of rumors. TEXAS Most rumors appear to be based on misunderstanding of radio reports and messages received from Army and Navy acquaintances, and circulated by simple folk who mean no damage. The "We Want Action" movement has been nourished by rumors: rumors of union atrocities holding up production; rumors of our armed forces suffering from lack of equipment, etc. These stories were probably inspired by special interests, but have been accepted so completely because names and addresses of persons with "union trouble" have been given. A disturbing rumor is that defense plants already do not have necessary materials for production. Another, and very persistent story, concerns the "true damage to our fleet at Pearl Harbor." - 8 - UTAH No comment. VIRGINIA Rumor situation is not considered serious. There are just occasional stories of "the true Pearl Harbor damage", large scale naval engagements off the coast, etc. Propaganda about complete Negro equality resulting from an Axis victory is heard quite often. WASHINGTON Rumors take the story form illustrating supposed British selfishness and our about-face regarding Russia. Proximity to Puget Sound Navy Yard makes for caution as to repeating rumors and to spreading the knowledge of ship movements. WEST VIRGINIA Rumor to effect that whole Pacific fleet was sunk at Pearl Harbor followed the initial Japanese attack. Origin apparently was armchair guesswork on the part of private persons seeking an explanation for the lack of publicized activities of the fleet. Such tales are no longer current, and the State is little troubled by war whisperings. WISCONSIN No widespread rumors noted. WYOMING No problems of rumors. August 26, 1942 Mr. Eugene Katz Eugene Horowitz Rumor Project - First Study The period for our first Bureau study was August 3rd through 15th. Surveys went into the field and did an intensive rumor study in New Brunswick, New Jersey and Portland, Maine. The original plan and involved formula was not closely adhered to, but the spirit of the inquiry was retained with an emphasis upon rumor content and community rather than rumor and the personality of the individual. For our nation-wide study, rumors were reported in by the BPI men, the Polls staff, the Surveys staff, the Federal Security Administration field offices, and the Librarians Panel. (We received no cooperation from any staff which reported rumors current in Washington, D.C.). Rumors flooded in. We received a total of about three thousand rumors. The first batch of rumors reported on the basis of the period August 3rd through 6th, were sorted by the people in Government Sources Unit. Based upon their categories a few were selected for further study by Special Services. Analysis of these categories was made in terms of content themes. These themes were then turned over to Media, Government Sources, and Enemy Sources, who are at present trying to match themes against news and Source material. The analysis so far makes quite clear that it would be futile to attempt a quantitative study of the present rumor material. People's conceptions of rumor differed, they were not reported verbatim, in different sections of the country different circles within the community were tapped for the rumors, and at the present time there is no comparable base from which a statistical evaluation would be meaningful. [Even the classification by sources cannot be satisfactorily used, because of the way in which different states are represented and the difficulties in establishing similarity of frame of reference.] This, however, represents a criticism of this particular study and by no means a necessary criticism of this type of study. Further, it is rather difficult to try an interpretation of the emotional tone or significance of these rumors using terms like those of Allport's (pipedream, anxiety, and wedge-driving), because of the lack of context which accompanies these rumors and the carelessness in giving verbatim quotes. Mr. Eugene Katz - 2 - August 26, 1942 The rumors reported in seem to be selected for their representing an antagonistic or hostile attitude. This probably is due to the lack of clear formulation of rumor definition, and we cannot therefore attempt to outline the totality of people's attitudes, though we can outline some major components of hostile attitudes which may be prevalent. From those already studied, it would seem as if there is close correspondence between aspects of rumor study and some of the better-known approaches to attitude study. At the present time this would confirm the belief of those of us who have been working with rumor study that it would be worthwhile continuing the process. It is suggested that a continuing rumor study would make it possible to train reporters so that quantitative analyses will be possible. Rumor can be defined so that it is readily recognized by reports who may not have enough skill to detect tensions which have no central definition. As it may be defined, rumor study can cover the entire area of war involvement attitudes and provide us with listening posts. Continuous analysis would permit not only quantitative study as such, but by observing trends and studying comparisons it would be possible to spot areas of special problems, since rumors reflect attitudes and specific[ations of] information, as well as general piloting for attitude studies in fields of opinion where we have not already developed a backlog of material. In addition to this function of piloting attitude studies, it would also give us clues to informational programs which may be necessary, and policies; after interpretation by Sources when relating rumor to the sort of things people have been saying in authoritative statements. It will also be suggested by the Committee that it would be desirable to have repeat studies by the Survey Field Staff every four months or six months, because we can expect with increase in censorship or with increase in anti-rumor campaigns that the meaning of rumor may well change. If we have machinery for continuing rumor study, it would be wise to have an occasional check on the basis of which the machinery could be over-hauled if necessary. Attached are copies of the frequencies of rumors from different classifications as done by Sources on our first week, and the thematic analyses which have been made so far. No. of Rumors First Week Second Week [?] = 7 1/2 [?] = 7 1/2 0: omit 5 4 9 5 5 10 1-2: 1 1/2 5 5 5 3 18 5 4 9 3-5: 4 5 5 5 4 19 5 3 8 6-10: 8 5 5 5 5 2 22 5 5 5 3 18 11-15: 13 5 5 1 11 4 4 16-20: 18 4 4 2 2 21-30: 25 1/2 3 3 5 2 7 31-40: 35 1/2 4 4 2 2 41-50: 45 1/2 1 1 1 1 51-60: 55 1/2 1 1 5 5 61-70: 65 1/2 1 1 1 1 71-80: 75 1/2 3 3 81-90: 85 1/2 1 1 91-100: 95 1/2 1 1 101-110: 105 1/2 111-120: 115 1/2 1 1 121-130: 131-140: 141-150: 151-160: 161-170" 171-180: 181-190: 191-200: 201-210: 211-220: 221-230: 225 1/2 231-240: 241-250: 251-260: Total: 88 Total: 66 ? 1275 ? 1st ?? 2 ? 1100/1275 Appendix I CATEGORIES FOR NEGRO STUDY Non-Fictional I. Standard Code: P1. Fact statements showing increased Negro participation. P1.1 As a result of Negro action. P1.2 As a result of White action. P1.3 As a result of both. P2. Demands for more Negro participation. P2.1 To Negroes to avail themselves of opportunities and fight for more. P2.2 To Whites to permit it. P2.3 To both. A1. Facts showing little or diminished participation. A1.1 With no reference to non-Negro barriers. A1.2 Because of barriers. A2. Demands that barriers be maintained; or that Negroes be kept from participation more than they are now. N. Neutral O. No inter-racial significance. (Only for SN) II. Subject Code: S0. Negro-White Relations -- General S1. Negroes in the Armed Forces. .1 - Specific mention of Negroes .2 - No such reference S2. Negroes in the Government. S3. Negroes in Economic Life. .1 - Specific mention of Negro .2 - No such reference S4. Negroes in Community Life. S4.1 Negroes' Housing S4.2 Negroes' Education. S4.3 Negroes in Civilian War Activity. S4.4 Negroes as Consumers S4.5 Negroes' Civil Rights. S4.6 Recreational Facilities. S4.7 Crime. S4.8 Other Welfare. S4.9 Other Community. S5. Negroes in Political Life S0W. Negroes in Other Parts of the World. SN. Negro-Negro Community Subjects. (Always Code '0') SI. Irrelevant. III. 'Fault' Code: F0. Everyone F1. Negroes in General. F1.1 Negroes who agitate. F1.2 Negroes who do nothing. F1.3 Negroes who are Uncle Toms. F2. Whites in General. F2.1 Whites who agitate for Negro participation. F2.2 Whites who take no interest. F2.3 Whites who are reactionary -- defend Jim Crow, poll tax, lynchings, etc., etc. IV. 'Need' Code: N1. Government Action. N1.0 State and local government. N1.1 Congressional law. N1.2 Presidential Act N1.3 Other executive agency action. N1.4 Judicial. N2. Negro Group action. N2.1 NAACP. N2.2 Urban League. N2.3 Negro Trade Unions. N2.4 March-on-Washington; other passive resistance. N3. Inter-racial Group Action. N3.1 Churches. N3.2 Trade Unions. N3.3 Others. N4. Individual 'Reform'. N4.1 Negroes. N4.2 Whites. N4.3 Both L. His Attitude Toward the Enemy: L1. Germany L2. Japan M. Negro Participation in War Activities: M1. Buying Bonds and Stamps M2. Joining Civilian Defense Activities M3. Discussion of the War (War Awareness) M4. Negroes in War or Active service M5. Segregation M5.1 Armed Forces M5.2 Civilian Life N5. White Group Action. N5.1 Unions. N5.2 Employers. N5.3 The Military. Appendix II Fictional Presentation: D. The Negro Character himself: D1. Occupation: D1.1 Unemployed D1.2 Domestic Service D1.3 Service Trades (taxi drivers, bartender, etc.) D1.4 Agricultural workers D1.5 Industrial or War workers D1.6 Businessman D1.7 Armed forces D1.8 Professional---- a. Intellectual b. Entertainment D1.9 Public Servant (Police, Sheriff) D2. Approximate Income: D2.1 0-15 D2.2 16 - 40 D2.3 41 - and over. D3. Educational Level: D3.1 Illiterate D3.2 Literate D3.3 College Level H. His relationship with Whites: H1. Superior to whites H2. Equal to whites H3. Inferior but Intimate H4. Inferior but Impudent H5. Inferior--Resentment H6. Inferior H7. No relationship with whites K. His attitude Toward the War: K1. Wants U.S. to win the war a. Unqualified b. Qualified K2. Portrayed Indifference K3. Expressed Indifference K4. Hopes U.S. will lose the war. A. Antecedents of the War Causes, guilt 5 B. Military Front Movement of troops 28 Operations, actual and potential in U. S. and along coasts 15 Russian front 3 Aleutions 14 Recruitment including Selective Service 68 Military affairs 3 Military Women's Auxiliaries 17 Army-navy commissions 24 Army-navy training, quarters, programs, etc. 20 Treatment in camps, recreation, morale 39 Armed forces-health 19 Military high command 11 Tactics 5 Strength 22 Statements of how war is going, generally pessimistic 22 C. Strategy General 1 Far eastern front 6 Russian front 5 American front 6 Second front 51 Russia's aims and efforts unfavorable 16 Mutual and favorable 21 Losses, human consultants 8 Shipping 8 Warships 4 Treatment of prisoners 2 D. Civilian Front Social problems (gen'l) 9 Poverty and unemployment 4 Security 67 Criticism of Government 77 Farmers 9 Civilian Defense 5 E. Economic Front War bonds-stamps 23 Miscellaneous including price control, rationing 215 NPB management 20 Defense workers-accidents- efficiency-hiring attitudes 27 Pay 5 Labor relations, union activities, labor control, Manpower comm. 14 Morals 2 F. Psychological Front Information policies 25 G. General and Miscellaneous Duration 15 Miscellaneous 189 H. War Aims and Results Post war world 18 General and miscellaneous 5 Anti-British 51 Negro 51 Jewish 23 Other races 2 A. Antecedents of the War Causes, guilt 5 B. Military Front Movement of troops 28 Operations, actual and potential in U. S. and along coasts 15 Russian front 3 Aleutions 14 Recruitment including Selective Service 68 Military affairs 3 Military Women's Auxiliaries 17 Army-navy commissions 24 Army-navy training, quarters, programs, etc. 20 Treatment in camps, recreation, morale 39 Armed forces-health 19 Military high command 11 Tactics 5 Strength 22 Statements of how war is going, generally pessimistic 22 C. Strategy General 1 Far eastern front 6 Russian front 5 American front 6 Second front 51 Russian's aims and efforts unfavorable 16 Mutual and favorable 21 Losses, human consultants 8 Shipping 8 Warships 4 Treatment of prisoners 2 D. Civilian front Social problems (gen'l) 9 Poverty and unemployment 4 Security 67 Criticism of Government 77 Farmers 9 Civilian Defense 5 E. Economic Front War bonds-stamps 23 Miscellaneous including price control, rationing 215 NPB management 20 Defense workers-accidents- efficiency-hiring attitudes 27 Pay 5 Labor relations, union activities, labor control, Manpower Comm. 14 Morals 2 F. Psychological Front Information policies 25 G. General and Miscellaneous Duration 15 Miscellaneous 189 H. War Aims and Results Post war world 18 General and miscellaneous 5 Anti-British 51 Negro 51 Jewish 23 Other races 2 Anti British - 2 week sample A - 3 D - 6 G - 31 J - 3 B - 6 E- 9 H- 11 K - 4 C - 2 F - 20 I - 16 L (misc) - 34 [Bond notes] A -2 C- 8 E - 22 B - 3 D -3 Misc - 9 1. Army life 2. British 3. Info policy 4. 2nd Front 5. Negros 6. Jews 7. Defense Workers a pay b production 8. War Bonds Riley's list of topics Allies Defense workers S & N Send Sp Minorities 1328I- at window Find Analysis - Jane Riley It Carl Norman Martin RACE DISCRIMINATION--JEWS A. Jewish problems are at times reviewed with the Negro situation. 1. "there is a strong feeling against the Jews in this area, especially Omaha, I think because that is where most of them are located, and many times, I am inclined to believe that they are blame for this feeling, themselves. I find many people even prefer the Negro to the Jew and while we have cut down discrimination in the State, many employers still have a very strong feeling of resentment against them and won't hire them at all." While there is no double that a certain resentment against the Jewish people does exist, there are no open or noticeable conflicts on the Negro or Jewish question in this area. The Martin Bomber Plant, for instance does not discriminate and at the present time, approximately 200 Negroes are employed on the grounds and in the plant, in fact, I am told one of their best welders is a young Negress. While here are still some organizations who refuse to hire the colored people, generally speaking, there are no racial conflicts in this areas at this time." (Nebraska) 2. " Man 'A' was discussing Jewish people, and said that they will make trouble after the war because most of them are prospering at the present time, and they will sense surrendering a part of their earnings in anticipated postwar high taxation. Man 'B' agreed and mentioned trouble in Jacksonville colored section Sunday, where police reserves were required to arrest Negro as prevention from attack with knife upon a Negro woman, and a group of Negroes attempted to prevent arrest." (Florida) This is the Jews' war. 3."This war is being fought for the Jews and they should put all their money in war bonds." (Minnesota) 4. "The Jews have caused this war. If it wasn't for them there wouldn't be a war. They are running the country." (Minnesota) 5. "The Jews brought on the war." (Illinois) Jews control the government 6. "Jews have control of the Government in Washington." (Illinois) 7. "The Jews put Roosevelt in. After the war there will be a revolution. Roosevelt won't be President and all the Jews will be chased out of the country." (Minnesota) 8. "Roosevelt has a lot of Jew advisers around him and they are telling him what to do." (Minnesota) 9. "The Jews are getting all the jobs in Washington. The -2- other day I heard that a Gentile family was finally lucky enough to land a job there." (Minnesota) D. Jews in the Army Cause trouble. 10. "Girls at USO Centers are primarily Jewish and soldiers stay away as they don't want to dance with them." (Illinois) 11. I think there is something more to this Aroff affair than meets the eye. Now you know there's a lot of gifts and such given to to Army officers who help get appointments and commissions for people. I don't think that's all wrong. There's nothing awful about giving a man a car you can't use, or giving him anything else no more valuable than that. I don't think that's bribery or anything. But here's why I think Aroff is getting into trouble: he's Jewish and they're after him -- that's all." (Colorado) E. But Jews don't go into the army. 12. "No Jews are volunteering for war service." (Illinois) 13. "Jews are making every effort to avoid the draft." (Tennessee) 14. "Mr. T. had heard that a large number of Jews are managing to get draft determent." (Minnesota) 15. A local Selective Service Board (Minneapolis) is having trouble in getting any men inducted because nearly all the registrants in that district are Jews." (Minn.) 16. "Deferments are granted Jews and Selective Service Boards do not check up to determine whether the dependents (parents in most cases) are the same as those listed by other members of the family also claiming deferment." (Minnesota) 17. "The Jewish boys are all being deferred or commissioned. You don't see any of those scoundrels as buck privates, and you'd think if any race should hate Hitler and be ready to fight against him they would." (Alabama) 18. "I haven't seen any Jews volunteering in the Army or being drafted. Most of them are trying to get commissions or to become officers, instead of going in as others do as privates." (Minnesota) 19. "I haven't seen any Jewish volunteers or any drafted. Most of them figure they can get commissions and be officers and not go through the normal channels of being privates. There are few Jewish privates in the regular Army." (Minnesota) -3- F. Jews avoid draft and are getting rich. 20. "I heard from a shipper who has been packing and shipping melons in Blythe, California, that the fruit buyers are all young Jewish men who have deferred, and one of the local shippers, a man 40 years of age with a wife and child, is classified as 1-A and is having to appeal his case." (Arizona) 21. "Motion picture actors get the easy jobs and you know who runs Hollywood -- the Jews." (California) 22. "Jews are getting all the important jobs and will be rich after the war." (Illinois) 23. "The Jews are making a lot of profit in this war, particularly in the retail business. I will say nothing now, but we will take care of it after the war." (Iowa) RACE DISCRIMINATION -- OTHER Japanese 24. "The great majority of Japanese-American children who attended high schools in Portland attended private Japanese schools at night so as to familiarize them with the language and traditions of Japan." (Oregon) German 25. "German religious groups are at the Cape (Cod) and are trying to push out other religious groups." (Rhode Island) Find Analysis of / themes of / War Bond Rumors Copie to Riley Carl Martin Newman Woofred [???] Howard [???] ECONOMIC FRONT - WAR BONDS AND STAMPS A. Is money really coming in from bond sales? 1. "I wonder how much money actually reaches the Government to be used in the prosecution of the war effort from the purchase of bonds? In my opinion if other companies are handling this matter like the one that I'm working for I doubt if I want to buy these bonds for the reason that our company seems to keep the money on hand in the safe for a long time and I understand that the banks are keeping it on hand for quite a long while and there is a question in my mind as to just when the Government actually gets this money so they can use it." (Colorado) 2. "Just how much money is Uncle Sam getting on these war bonds form people who are pledging a certain percent of their salary, etc.? People are quitting this company so fast that it seems if you have worked here only a short time you are considered an old timer. When they leave they go to the cashier and say, 'I have a certain amount coming to me: I was going to buy a war bond with it but I am leaving so give me my money', and the cashier gives them the money that was intended to purchase a bond." (Colorado) B. Buying is very uneven, different groups not holding up their end. 3. "This is one of the high ranking states in the Union as far as the purchase of bonds is concerned and further they are taking more of our men for the Armed Forces per capita than any other state. The eastern states are not buying the bonds even though they have the war industries, nor are they furnishing their share of the men for the Armed Services." (North Dakota) 4. "It is my understanding that the Republican precincts in Des Moines have a lower percentage of War Bond purchases than the other precincts." (Iowa) C. People are buying under pressure -- buy, then cash in. 5. "A lot of workers are buying bonds because they feel they are being compelled to and then they are cashing in these bonds soon after they buy them." (Minnesota) 6. I understand that many federal government employees have been very cooperative in regard to giving 10% of their income to the Government for the purchase of war bonds. They tell me though that some of these people are pretty hard up -- some of them don't make very large salaries and about a third of them cash in their bonds just as quickly as they can. Some of them have bought four or five $50 bonds but they have cashed in all but the one on with they are making payments. Is there anything to such rumors?" (Colorado) -2- 7. "They're pushing this bond sales stuff too far. People have their own plans for buying bonds and stamps now, and as they push more sales of them on people, they're dipping into cash they should use for household purposes." (Wisconsin) D. Recent buying of bonds because government wastes the money. 8. "We buy defense bonds and the money is being thrown away paying defense workers high wages. And these guys squander their money in beer joints." (Minn.) 9. "Fellows from Cudahy's and some of these big companies around town say they won't buy bonds. Why should they? Why should they give the Government money so it can buy expensive cuts of meat for the soldiers and other food and materials to be wasted in the defense program. Tons of food are just thrown away in the army camps, all over. The food in some places isn't cooked fit to eat and it has to be hauled away." (Utah) E. Bonds won't be paid off. 10. "I'm buying whiskey with my money. That gives the Government a big revenue and they don't have to pay me back anything ten years from now. They're not going to pay off the principal on war bonds let alone the interest. I'll take the whiskey, it's more patriotic." (Utah) 11. "Why, the Government will never be able to pay off all these war bonds in ten years. It's impossible. I hear they will be extended another ten years." (Utah) 12. "Did you know that these Defense Bonds we are being asked to buy are not going to be paid back in cash in ten years? They're really going to be refunded at a lower rate of interest." (Oklahoma) 13. "War bonds will never be paid." (Connecticut) 14. "In two different instances I have heard references made to the possibility of the Government 'writing-off' its obligations represented by the War Bonds and crediting the individuals with whatever amount was involved as their patriotic contribution to the 'all-out' effort. Something should be done to neutralize the effect of such rumors and reassure the public of the stability of the Bonds." (Ohio) -3- 15. "I wouldn't be surprised if ten years from now we were asked to make our bonds a contribution to the Government." (Iowa) 16. "Do you really expect to get paid off on these Government bonds?" (Utah) 17. "Some people say the Government isn't going to pay off on its war bonds." (Utah) 18. "Isn't it true that the government will be so heavy in debt that they will have to take the bonds as taxes or else just won't try to pay them? This question I hear very often." (Iowa) 19. "The Government has no intention of honoring its war bonds. It's a form of contribution. You'll get thanks, that's all, just thanks." (Utah) 20. "I've heard a lot of people say they're going to spend all they can get their hands on because we are going to lose the war anyway. The War Bonds will never be paid back. We will all be asked to contribute them to the Government so you might just as well quit buying them." (Iowa) 21. This friend told me that war bonds will be no good because they will never be redeemed since the Government is going so much in debt, and especially if Hitler wins, they will be worthless. This friend advised putting money into land." (Kansas) F. Miscellaneous 22. "Savings Accounts and money now in lock boxes in banks may be paid in War Bonds before long." (Tennessee) 23. "There are going to be compulsory savings and a stiff tax program but not 'till after the election." (Minnesota) Find Analysis - Information Policy etc. Carl Martin [N] Riley H GOVERNMENT INFORMATION POLICY AND PRACTICE A. We can't believe what we're told; news is withheld and distorted. 1. "After the election we'll be told the truth about the war." (Illinois) 2. "We are not being told of all the ship sinkings." (Ohio) 3. "We are not being told the truth about our losses." (Missouri) 4. "Washington is withholding true information on the status of the war." (Wisconsin) 5. "War news is sugared. Government is withholding bad news." (California) 6. "If we can believe half what we read of the war information (and I don't) there is something wrong with our Government." (Alabama) 7. "Newspapers are not giving us the true war news. They don't want the public to have the right news. They just fix up the war reports to sell their papers. One day the Americans win -- the next day the Japs, the next day the Russians or the Germans." (Arizona) 8. "Why all the secrecy on this war business. Instead of the Government putting up a story about the least little victory that we have had, they ought to let us know the true facts and tell us that we have got to get out and work and fight if we are going to win this war." (Utah) 9. "Good news is being held back until such a time as it may be advantageous to release in order to off-set the bad news." (Ohio) B. Enemy sources have the information. 10. " We don't know what's happening on the war fronts. It looks like the only way we can find out for sure about what's happening is to read the Tokyo and Berlin reports." (Minneapolis, Minnesota) 11. "We are losing as many ships from our convoys as the Germans claim. I was on two ships that were sunk and know of several convoys where over half the ships went down. The Navy ought to tell the people because Germany already knows the facts." (Texas) C. Japs have made large gains. 12. "Why must we get our really first hand news from Jap sources? They have half of our islands in the Pacific, but we won't admit it." (Alabama) -2- 13. "Did you hear the report that the United States Navy did not sink that Jap aircraft carrier? I heard this is the fourth time the Navy has claimed to have sunk the same boat." (Alabama) 14. "Why don't they tell us about the Aleutian Islands. Why don't they tell us about the rest of it. Our losses have been terrific. Somebody is making mistakes and now trying to cover up." (Indiana) 15. "That the mainland of Alaska has probably been attacked but that the government is withholding information to the public." (Minnesota) D. Pearl Harbor casualty repercussions great. 16. "I don't think the Government is giving us correct information as to what is actually happening. We know that things were much worse at Pearl Harbor than indicated. I think we American people can take it on the chin because we do not like to be fooled." (Utah) 17. "My godmother in Los Angeles told me this story about what happened to a friend of her next-door neighbor. It seems that she was notified that her son had been killed at Pearl Harbor. Then several weeks later the Government informed her that her son had not been killed but had been wounded. Then just a few weeks ago she was notified to meet a certain train on which her son would arrive. She and her daughter met the train but the son did not get off; they waited a short time not knowing what to do and were finally approached by an officer who took them to an ambulance in which was the son. He had lost both arms and both legs in the Pearl Harbor bombing. He was taken home and a week later the mother lost her mind and is now in a California insane asylum." (Arizona) 18. "The first comment came from an Omaha mail carrier who stops in the office once in a while to "visit". He is thoroughly reliable and very sincere, and often gives very representative opinion and comment. He said: 'People are becoming dissatisfied with the lack of information regarding the whereabouts of our boys in service. I have heard so many complaints from parents who have sons scattered to the four winds who are now either prisoners, or who have given their lives. I have a neighbor....a mother who gave her only son at Pearl Harbor....she waited for five months before she heard a word which finally came in form of an official death notification. During those five months she actually suffered so much anxiety that when the news did come, even though it was of his death, it was a welcome relief. Now, it seems to me the necessary official red tape clearance wouldn't have to take that -3- long. It all seems ridiculous there should be so much delay. The mental anguish caused that mother during this long delay is terrible, and I know many who are feeling that same way about it. Something is wrong, or those missing could be accounted for before five months' time." (Nebraska) 19. "If you remember the McGee boys -- They were in the Philippines and the government reported that only the youngest was missing. But you can't depend on the governments reports and I just know all three of them are dead -- I feel so sorry for their mother I don't know what to do -- after raising them and all." (New Mexico). E. We are treating Japanese wards too well (?) 20. "The government ain't tellin us nothing about it but this whole country is going to be filled with japs -- and the government is a feedin' them better than our own soldiers." (Texas) F. Concerning Mr. Davis. 21. "I guess they've got Elmer Davis throttled at last. I had a lot of confidence in him but he is sad disappointment." (Indiana) 22. "Well, Roosevelt pulled another smart one. He kicked Elmer Davis 'upstairs' in order to get him off the air and shut him up. I guess the administration was afraid of what Davis might say." (Indiana) G. Navy men who talk 23. "Navy Commander just returned from Pearl Harbor said, 'Enlisted men in Navy just don't talk. Officers on the other hand release more information than is proper." (Washington) H. General 24. "The next comment came from a Judge of the State Supreme Court in Lincoln, and it was considered worth passing along in this report, because it was a splendid point of view; He said, 'Our constitution gives us our freedom of press, freedom of speech and freedom of religion, but in time of a crisis, these freedoms should yield to the Government.' My friend, who was also present and heard the Judge's remark, said: 'I never thought of it in just that light, but how right the Judge is in that thought, because we accept and exercise these freedoms and quickly challenge the right of any one to take them away, yet without our Government they would be no good, therefore, we should consider its safety first. That's just why all these conflicting statements coming out of -4- Washington through press and radio should be eliminated. People are getting so they don't know what to believe, and so may have just quit listening and reading because they have no faith in any of the news sources.'" (Nebraska) 25. "Two old gray-haired gentlemen were standing on the corner by the Post Office. One made the statement to the other that this war will have to be won by deeds and not words." (Colorado) RACE DISCRIMINATION -- JEWS A. Jewish problems are at times reviewed with the Negro situation. 1. "There is a strong feeling against the Jews in this area, especially Omaha, I think because that is where most of them are located, and many times, I am inclined to believe they are to blame for this feeling, themselves. I find many people even prefer the Negro to the Jew and while we have cut down discrimination in the State, many employers still have a very strong feeling resentment against them and won't hire them all." While there is no doubt that a certain resentment against the Jewish petiole does exist, there are no open or noticeable conflicts on the Negro or Jewish question in this area. The Martin Bomber Plant, for instance, does not discriminate and at the present time, approximately 200 Negroes are employed on the grounds and in the plant, in fact, I am told one of their best welders is a young Negress. While there are still some organizations who refuse to hire the colored people, generally speaking, there are no racial conflicts in this area at this time." (Nebraska) 2. "Man 'A' was discussing Jewish people, and said that they will make trouble after the war because most of them are prospering at the present time, and they will resent surrendering a part of their earnings in anticipation post-war high taxation. Man 'B' agreed and mentioned trouble in Jacksonville colored section Sunday, where police reserves were required to arrest Negro as prevention from attack with knife upon a Negro woman, and a group of Negroes attempted to prevent arrest." (Florida) B. This is the Jews' war. 3. "This war is being fought for the Jews and they should put all their money in war bonds." (Minnesota) 4. "The Jews have caused this war. If it wasn't for them there wouldn't be a war. They are running the country." (Minnesota) 5. "The Jews brought on the war." (Illinois) C. Jews control the government 6. "Jews have control of the Government of Washington." (Illinois) 7. "The Jews put Roosevelt in. After the war there will be a revolution. Roosevelt won't be President and all the Jews will be chased out of the country." (Minnesota) 8. "Roosevelt has a lot of Jew advisers around him and they are telling him what to do." (Minnesota) 9. "The Jews are getting all the jobs in Washington. The -2- other day I heard that a Gentile family was finally lucky enough to land a job there." (Minnesota) D. Jews in the Army Cause trouble. 10. "Girls at USO Centers are primarily Jewish and soldiers stay away as they don't want to dance with them." (Illinois) 11. "I think there is something more to this Aroff affair than meets the eye. Now you know there's a lot of gifts and such given to to Army officers who help get appointments and commissions for people. I don't think that's all wrong. There's nothing so awful about giving a man a car you can't use, or giving him anything else no more valuable than that. I don't think that's bribery or anything. But here's why I think Aroff is getting into trouble: he's Jewish and they're after him -- that's all." (Colorado) E. But Jews don't go into the army. 12. "No Jews are volunteering for war service." (Illinois) 13. "Jews are making every effort to avoid the draft." (Tennessee) 14. "Mr. T. had heard that a large number of Jews are managing to get draft deferment." (Minnesota) 15. "A local Selective Service Board (Minneapolis) is having trouble in getting any men inducted because nearly all the registrants in that district are Jews." (Minn.) 16. "Deferments are granted Jews and Selective Service Boards do not check up to determine whether the dependents (parents in most cases) are the same as those listed by other members of the family also claiming deferment." (Minnesota) 17. "The Jewish boys are all being deferred or comissioned. You don't see any of those scoundrels as buck privates, and you'd think if any race should hate Hitler and be ready to fight against him they would." (Alabama) 18. "I haven't seen any Jews volunteering in the Army or being drafted. Most of them are trying to get commissions or to become officers, instead of going in as others do as privates." (Minnesota) 19. "I haven't seen any Jewish volunteers or any drafted. Most of them figure they can get commissions and be officers and not go through the normal channels of being privates. There are few Jewish privates in the regular Army." (Minnesota) -3- F. Jews avoid the draft and are getting rich. 20. "I heard from a shipper who has been packing and shipping melons in Blythe, California, that the fruit buyers are all young Jewish men who have been deferred, and one of the local shippers, a man 40 years of age with a wife and child, is classified as 1-A and is having to appeal his case." (Arizona) 21. "Motion picture sectors get the easy jobs and you know who runs Hollywood -- the Jews." (California) 22. "Jews are getting all the important jobs and will be rich after the war." (Illinois) 23. "The Jews are making a lot of profit in this war, particularly in the retail business. I will say nothing now, but will take care of it after the war." (Iowa) RACE DISCRIMINATION -- OTHER G. Japanese 24. The great majority of Japanese-American children who attend high schools in Portland attended private Japanese schools at night so as to familiarize them with the language and traditions of Japan." (Oregon) H. German 25. "German religious groups are at the Cape (Cod) and are trying to push out other religious groups." (Rhode Island) RACE DISCRIMINATION -- JEWS A. Jewish problems are at times reviewed with the Negro situation. 1. "There is a strong feeling against the Jews in this area, especially Omaha, I think because that is where most of them are located, and many times, I am included to believe they are to blame for this feeling, themselves. I find many people even prefer the Negro to the Jew and while we have cut down discrimination in the State, many employers still have a very strong feeling of resentment against them and won't hire them at all." While there is no double that a certain resentment against the Jewish people does exist, there are no open or noticeable conflicts on the Negro or Jewish question in this are. The Martin Bomber Plant, the instance, does not discriminate and at the present times, approximately 200 Negroes are employed on the grounds and in the plant, in fact, I am told one of their best welders is a young Negress. While there are still some organizations who refuse to hire the colored people, generally speaking, there are no racial conflicts in this area at this time." (Nebraska) 2. "Man 'A' was discussing Jewish people, and said that they will make trouble after the war because most of them are prospering at the present time, and they will resent surrendering a part of their earnings in anticipation post-war high taxation. Man 'B' agreed and mentioned trouble in Jacksonville colored section Sunday, where police reserves were required to arrest Negro as prevention from attack with knife upon a Negro woman, and a group of Negroes attempted to prevent arrest." (Florida) B. This is the Jews' war. 3. "This war is being fought for the Jews an they should put all their money in war bonds." (Minnesota) 4. "The Jews have caused this war. If it wasn't for them there wouldn't be a war. They are running the country." (Minnesota) 5. "The Jews brought on the war." (Illinois) C. Jews control the government 6. "Jews have control of the Government in Washington." (Illinois) 7. "The Jews put Roosevelt in. After the war there will be a revolution. Roosevelt won't be President and all the Jews will be chased out of the country." (Minnesota) 8. "Roosevelt has a lot of Jew advisers around him and they are telling him what to do." (Minnesota) 9. "The Jews are getting all the jobs of Washington. The -2- other day I heard that a Gentile family was finally lucky enough to land a job there." (Minnesota) D. Jews in the Army Cause trouble. 10. "Girls at USO Centers are primarily Jewish and soldiers stay away as they don't want to dance with them." (Illinois) 11. "I think there is something more to this Aroff affair than meets the eye. Now you know there's a lot of gifts and such given to to Army officers who help get appointments and commissions for people. I don't think that's all wrong. There's nothing so awful about giving a man a car you can't use, or giving him anything else no more valuable than that. I don't think that's bribery or anything. But here's why I think Aroff is getting into trouble: he's Jewish and they're after him -- that's all." (Colorado) E. But Jews don't go into the army. 12. "No Jews are volunteering for war service." (llinois) 13. "Jews are making every effort to avoid the draft." (Tennessee) 14. "Mr. T. had heard that a large number of Jews are managing to get draft deferment." (Minnesota) 15. "A local Selective Service Board (Minneapolis) is having trouble in getting any men inducted because nearly all the registrants in that deistic are Jews." (Minn.) 16. "Deferments are granted Jews and Selective Service Boards do not check up to determine whether the dependents (pares in most cases) are the same as those listed by other members of the family also claiming deferment." (Minnesota) 17. "The Jewish boys are all being deferred or commissioned. You don't see any of these scoundrels as buck privates, and you'd think if any race should hate Hitler and be ready to fight against him they would." (Alabama) 18. "I haven't seen any Jews volunteering in the Army or being drafted. Most of them are trying to get commissions or to become officers, instead of going in as others do as privates." (Minnesota) 19. "I haven't seen any Jewish volunteers or any drafted. Most o them figure they can get commissions and be officers and not go through he normal channels of being privates. There are few Jewish privates in the regular Army." (Minnesota)( -3- F. Jews avoid the draft and are getting rich. 20. "I heard from a shipper who has been packing and shipping melons in Blythe, California, that the fruit buyers are all young Jewish men who have been deferred, and one of the local shippers, a man 40 years of age with a wife and child, is classified as 1-A and is having to appeal his case." (Arizona) 21. "Motion picture actors get the easy jobs and you know who runs Hollywood -- the Jews." (California) 22. "Jews are getting all the important jobs and will be rich after the war." (Illinois) 23. "The Jews are making a lot of profit in this war, particularly in the retail business. I will say nothing now, but we will take care of it after the war." (Iowa) RACE DISCRMINATION -- OTHER G. Japanese 24. "The great majority of Japanese-American children who attended high schools in Portland attended private Japanese schools at night so as to familiarize them with the language and traditions of Japan." (Oregon) H. German 25. "German religious groups are at the Cape (Cod) and are trying to push out other religious groups." (Rhode Island) RACE DISCMINIATION -- JEWS A. Jewish problems at times reviewed with the Negro situation. 1. "There is a strong feeling against the Jews in the area, especially Omaha, I think because that is where most of them are located, and many times, I am inclined to believe they are to blame for this feeling, themselves. I find many people even prefer the Negro to the Jew and while we have cut down discrimination in the State, many employers still have a very strong feeling or resentment against them and won't hire them at all." While there is no doubt that a certain resentment against the Jewish people does exist, there are no open or noticeable conflicts on the Negro or Jewish question in this area. The Martin Bomber Plant, for instance, does not discriminate and at the present time, approximately 200 Negroes are employed on the grounds and in the plant, in fact, I am told one of their best welders is a young Negress. While there are still some organizations who refuse to hired the colored people, generally speaking, there are no racial conflicts in this area at this time." (Nebraska) 2. "Man 'A' was discussing Jewish people, and said that they will make trouble after the war because most of them are prospering at the present time, and they will resent surrendering a part of their earnings in anticipation post-war high taxation. Man 'B' agreed and mentioned trouble in Jacksonville colored section Sunday, where police reserves were required to arrest Negro as prevention from attack with knife upon a Negro woman, and a group of Negroes attempted to prevent arrest." (Florida) B. This is the Jews' war. 3. "This war is being fought for the Jews and they should put all their money in war bonds." (Minnesota) 4. "The Jews have caused this war. If it wasn't for them there wouldn't be a war. They are running the country." (Minnesota) 5. "The Jews brought on the war." (Illinois) G. Jews control the government 6. "Jews have control of the Government in Washington." (Illinois) 7. "The Jews put Roosevelt in. After the war there will be a revolution. Roosevelt won't be President and all the Jews will be chased out of the country." (Minnesota) 8. "Roosevelt has a lot of Jew advisers around him and they are telling him what to do." (Minnesota) 9. "The Jews are getting all the jobs in Washington. The -2- other day I heard that Gentile family was finally lucky enough to land a job there." (Minnesota) D. jews in the Army Cause trouble. 10. "Girls are USO Centers are primarily Jewish and soldiers stay away as they don't want to dance with them." (Illinois) 11. "I think there is something more to this Arnoff affair than meets the eye. Now you know there's a lot of gifts and such given to to Army officers who help get appointments and commissions for people. I don't think that's all wrong. There's nothing so awful about giving a man a car you can't use, or giving him anything else no more valuable than that. I don't think that's bribery or anything. But here's why I think Arnoff is getting into trouble: he's Jewish and they're after him -- that's all." (Colorado) E. But Jews don't go into the army. 12. "No Jews are volunteering for war service." (Illinois) 13. "Jews are making every effort to avoid the draft." (Tennessee) 14. "Mr. T. had heard that a large number of Jews are managing to get draft determent." (Minnesota) 15. "A local Selective Service Board (Minneapolis) is having trouble in getting any men inducted because nearly all the registrants in that district are Jews." (Minn) 16. "Deferments are granted Jews and Selective Service Boards do not check up to determine whether the dependents (parents in most cases) are the same as those listed by other members of the family also claiming deferment." (Minnesota) 17. "The Jewish boys are all being deferred or comissioned. You don't see any of those scoundrels as buck privates, and you'd think if any race should hate Hitler and be ready to fight against him they would." (Alabama) 18. "I haven't seen any Jews volunteering in the Army or being drafted. Most of them are trying to get commissions or to become officers, instead of going in as others do as privates." (Minnesota) 19. "I haven't seen any Jewish volunteers or any drafted. Most of them figure they can get commissions and be officers and not go through the normal channels of being privates. There are few Jewish privates in the regular Army." (Minnesota) -3- F. jews avoid the draft and are getting rich. 20. "I heard from a shipper who has been packing and shipping melons in Blythe, California, that the fruit buyers are all young Jewish men who have been deferred, and one of the local shippers, a man 40 years of age with a wife and child, is classified as 1-A and is having to appeal his case." (Arizona). 21. Motion picture actors get the easy jobs and you know who runs Hollywood -- the Jews." (California) 22. "Jews are getting all the important jobs and will be rich after the war." (Illinois) 23. "The Jews are making a lot of profit in this war, particularly in the retail business. I will say nothing now, but we will take care of it after the war." (Iowa) RACE DISCRIMINATION --OTHER G. Japanese 24. "The great majority of Japanese-American children who attended high schools in Portland attended private Japanese schools at night so as to familiarize them with the language and traditions of Japan." (Oregon) H. German 25. "German religious groups are at the Cap (Cod) and are trying to push out other religious groups." (Rhode Island) GOVERNMENT INFORMATION POLICY AND PRACTICE A. We can't believe what we're told; news is withheld and distorted. 1. "After the election we'll be told the truth about the war." (Illinois) 2. "We are not being told of all the ship sinking." (Ohio) 3. "We are not being told the truth about our losses." (Missouri) 4. "Washington is withholding true information on the status of the war." (Wisconsin) 5. "War news is sugared. Government is withholding bad news." (California) 6. "If we can believe half what we read of the war information (and I don't) there is something wrong with our Government." (Alabama) 7. "Newspapers are not giving us the true war news. They don't want the public to have the right news. They just fix up the war reports to sell their papers. One day the Americans win -- newt day the Japs, the next day the Russians or the Germans." (Arizona) 8. "Why all the secrecy on this war business. Instead of the Government putting up a story about the least little victory that we have had, they ought to let us know the true facts and tell us that we have got to get out and work and fight if we are going to win this war." (Utah) 9. "Good news is being held back until such a time as it may be advantageous to release in order to off-set the bad news." (Ohio) B. Enemy sources have the information. 10. "We don't know what's happening on the war fronts. It looks like the only way we can find out for sure about what's happening is to read the Tokyo and Berlin reports." (Minneapolis, Minnesota) 11. "We are losing as many ships from our convoys as the Germans claim. I was on two ships that were sunk and know of several convoys where over half the ships went down. They Navy ought to tell the people because Germany already knows the facts." (Texas) C. Japs have made large gains. 12. "Why must we get our really first hand news from Jap sources? They have half of our islands in the Pacific, but we won't admit it." (Alabama) -2- 13. Did you hear the report that the United States Navy did not sink that Jap aircraft carrier? I heard this is the fourth time the Navy has claimed to have sunk the same boat." (Alabama) 14. "Why don't they tell us about the Aleutian Islands. Why don't they tell us about the rest of it. Our losses have been terrific. Somebody is making mistakes and now trying to cover up." (Indiana) 15. "That the mainland of Alaska has probably been attacked but that the government is withholding information to the public." (Minnesota) D. Pearl Harbor casualty repercussions great. 16. "I don't think the Government is giving us correct information as to what is actually happening. We know that things were much worse at Pearl Harbor than indicated. I think we American people can take it on the chin because we not like to be fooled." (Utah) 17. "My godmother in Los Angeles told me this story about what happened to a friend of her next-door neighbor. It seems that she was notified that her son had been killed at Pearl Harbor. Then several weeks later the Government informed her that her son had not been killed but had been wounded. Then just a few weeks ago she was notified to meet a certain train on which her son would arrive. She and her daughter met the train but the son did not get off; they waited a short time not knowing what to do and were finally approached by an officer who took them to an ambulance in which was the son. He has lost both arms and both legs in the Pearl Harbor bombing. he was taken home and a week later the mother lost her mind and is now in a California insane asylum." (Arizona) 18. The first comment came from an Omaha mail carrier who stops in the office once in a while to "visit". he is thoroughly reliable and very sincere, and often gives very representative opinion and comment. He said: 'People are becoming dissatisfied with the lack of information regarding the whereabouts of our boys in service. I have heard so many complaints from parents who have sons scattered to the four winds who are now either prisoners, or who have given their lives. I have a neighbor....a mother who gave her only son at Pearl Harbor....she waited for five months before she heard a word which finally came in form of an official death notification. During those five months she actually suffered so much anxiety that when the news did come, even though it was of his death, it was a welcome relief. Now, it seems to me the necessary official red tape clearance wouldn't have to take that -3- long. It all seems ridiculous there should be so much delay. The mental anguish caused that woman during this long delay is terrible, and I know many who are feeling that same way about it. Something is wrong, of those missing could be accounted for before five months' time.;" (Nebraska) 19. "You remember the McGee boys -- They were in the Phillipines and the government reported that only the youngest was missing. But you can't depend on the government reports and I just know all three of them are dead -- I feel so sorry for their mother I don't know what to do -- after raising them and all." (New Mexico). E. We are treating Japanese words to well (?) 20. "The government ain't tellin us nothing about it but this whole country is going to be filled with japs -- and the government is a feeding' them better than our own soldiers." (Texas) F. Concerning Mr. Davis. 21. "I guess they've got Elmer Davis throttled at last. I had a lot of confidence in him but he is a sad disappointment." (Indiana) 22. "Well, Roosevelt pulled another smart one. He kicked Elmer Davis 'upstairs' in order to get him off the air and shut him up. I guess the administration was afraid of what Davis might say." (Indiana) G. Navy men who talk. 22. "Navy Commander just returned from Pear Harbor said, 'Enlisted men in Navy just don't talk. Officers on the other hand release more information than is proper." (Washington) H. General 24. "The next comment came from a Judge of the State Supreme Court in Lincoln, and it was considered worth passing along to this report, because it was a splendid point of view; He said. 'Our constitution gives us freedom of press, freedom of speech and freedom of religion, but in time of a crisis, these freedoms should yield to the Government.' My friend, who was also present and heard the Judge's remark, said: 'I never thought of it in just that light, but how right the Judge is in that thought, because we accept and exercise these freedoms and quickly challenge the right of any one to take them away, yet without our Government they would be no good, therefore, we should consider its safety first. That's just why all these conflicting statements coming out of -4- Washington through press and radio should be eliminated. People are getting so they don't know what to believe, and so many have just quit listening and reading because they have no faith in any of the news source.'" (Nebraska) 25. "Two old gray-haired gentlemen were standing on the corner by the Post Office. One made the statement to the other that this war will have to be won by deeds and not words." (Colorado) GOVERNMENT INFORMATION POLICY AND PRACTICE A. We can't believe what we're told; news is withheld and distorted. 1. "After the election we'll be told the truth about the war." (Illinois) 2. "We are not being told all of the ship sinkings." (Ohio) 3. "We are not being told the truth about our losses." (Missouri) 4. "Washington is withholding true information on the status of the war." (Wisconsin) 5. War news is sugared. Government is withholding bad news." (California) 6. "If we can believe half what we read of the war information (and I don't) there is something wrong with our Government." (Alabama) 7. "Newspapers are not giving us the true war news. They don't want the public to have the right news. They just fix up the war reports to sell their papers. One day the Americans win -- the next day the Japs, the next day the Russians or the Germans." (Arizona) 8. "Why all the secrecy on this war business. Instead of the Government putting up a story about the least little victory that we have had, they ought to let us know the true facts and tell us that we have got to get out and work and fight if we are going to win this war." (Utah) 9. "Good news is being held back until such a time as it may be advantageous to release in order to off-set the bad news." (Ohio) B. Enemy sources have the information. 10. "We don't know what's happening on the war fronts. It looks like the only way we can find out for sure about what's happening is to read the Tokyo and Berlin reports." (Minneapolis, Minnesota) 11. "We are losing as many ships from our convoys as the Germans claim. I was on two ships that were sunk and know of several convoys where over half the ships went down. The Navy ought to tell the people because Germany already knows the facts." (Texas) C. Japs have made large gains. 12. "Why must we get our really first hand news from Jap sources? They have half of our islands in the Pacific, but we won't admit it." (Alabama) -2- 13. Did you hear the report that the United States Navy did not sink that Jap aircraft carrier? I heard this is the fourth time the Navy has claimed to have sunk the same boat." (Alabama) 14. Why don't they tell us about the Aleutian Islands. Why don't they tell us about the rest of it. Our losses have been terrific. Somebody is making mistakes and now trying to cover up." (Indiana) 15. "That the mainland of Alaska has probably been attacked but that the government is withholding information to the public." (Minnesota) D. Pearl Harbor casualty repercussions great. 16. I don't think the Government is giving us correct information as to what is actually happening. We know that things were much worse at Pearl Harbor than indicated. I think we American people can take it on the chin because we do not like to be fooled." (Utah) 17. "My godmother in Los Angeles told me this story about what happened to a friend of her next-door neighbor. It seems that she was notified that her son had been killed at Pearl Harbor. Then several weeks later the Government informed her that her son had not been killed but had been wounded. Then just a few weeks ago she was notified to meet a certain train on which her son would arrive. She and her daughter met the train but the son did not get off; they waited a short time not knowing what to do and were finally approached by an officer who took them to an ambulance in which was the son. he had lost both arms and both legs in the Pearl Harbor bombing. He was taken home and a week late the mother lost her mind and is now in a California insane asylum." (Arizona) 18. "The first comment came from an Omaha mail carrier who stops in the office once in a while to "visit". He is thoroughly reliable and very sincere, and often gives very representative opinion and comment. He said: 'People are becoming dissatisfied with the lack of information regarding the whereabout of our boys in service. I have heard so many complaints from parents who have sons scattered to the four winds who are now either prisoners, or have given their lives. I have a neighbor.... a mother who gave her only son at Pearl Harbor....she waited for five months before she heard a word which finally came in form of an official death notification. During those five months she actually suffered so much anxiety that when the news did come, even though it was of his death, it was a welcome relief. Now, it seems to me the necessary official red tape clearance wouldn't have to take that -3- long. It all seems ridiculous there should be so much delay. The mental anguish caused that mother during this long delay is terrible, and I know many who are feeling that same way about it. Something is wrong, or those missing could be accounted for before five months' time.'" (Nebraska) 19. "If you remember the McGee boys -- They were in the Phillipines and the government reported that only the youngest was missing. But you can't depend on the government reports and I just know all three of them are dead -- I feel so sorry for their mother I don't know what to do -- after raising them and all." (New Mexico) E. We are treating Japanese wards too well (?) 20. "The government ain't telling us nothing about it but this whole country is going to be filled with japs -- and the government is a feedin' them better than our own soldiers." (Texas) F. Concerning Mr. Davis. 21. "I guess they've got Elmer Davis throttled at last. I had a lot of confidence in him but he is a sad disappointment." (Indiana) 22. "Well, Roosevelt pulled another smart one. He kicked Elmer Davis 'upstairs' in order to get him off the air and shut him up. I guess the administration was afraid of what Davis might say." (Indiana) G. Navy men who talk. 23. "Navy Commander just returned from Pearl Harbor said, 'Enlisted men in Navy just don't talk. Officers on the other hand release more information than is proper." (Washington) H. General 24. "The next comment came from a Judge of the State Supreme Court in Lincoln, and it was considered worth passing along in this report, because it was a splendid point of view; He said, 'Our constitution gives us freedom of press, freedom of speech and freedom of religion, but in time of a crisis, these freedom should yield to the Government.' My friend, who was also present and heard the Judge's remark, said: 'I never thought of it in just that light, but how right the Judge is in that thought, because we accept and exercise these freedoms and quickly challenge the right of any one to take them away, yet without our Government they would be no good, therefore, we should consider its safety first. That's just why all these conflicting statements coming out of -4- Washington through press and radio should be eliminated. People are getting so they don't know what to believe, and so many have just quit listening and reading because they have no faith in any of the new sources.'" (Nebraska) 25. "Two old gray-haired gentlemen were standing on the corner by the Post Office. One made the statement to the other that this war will have to be won by deeds and not words." (Colorado) ECONOMIC FRONT - WAR BONDS AND STAMPS A. Is money really coming in from bond sales? 1. " I wonder how much money actually reaches the Government to be used in the prosecution of the war effort from the purchase of bonds? In my opinion if other companies are handling this matter like the one that I'm working for I doubt if I want to buy these bonds for the reason that our company seems to keep the money on hand in the safe for a long time and I understand that the banks are keeping it on hand for quite a long while and there is a question in my mind as to just when the Government actually gets this money so they can use it." (Colorado) 2. "Just how much money is Uncle Sam getting on these war bonds from people who are pledging a certain percent of their salary, etc.? People are quitting this company so fast that it seems if you have worked here only a short time you are considered an old timer. When they leave they go to the cashier and say, 'I have a certain amount coming to me: I was going to buy a war bond with it but I am leaving so give me my money', and the cashier gives them the money that was intended to purchase a bond." (Colorado) B. Buying is very uneven, different groups not holding up their end. 3. "This is one of the high ranking states in the Union as far as the purchase of bonds is concerned and further they are taking more of our men for the Armed Forces per capita than any other state. The eastern states are not buying the bonds even though they have the war industries, nor are they furnishing their share of the men for the Armed Services." (North Dakota) 4. "It is my understanding that the Republican precincts in Des Moines have a lower percentage of War Bond purchases than the other precincts." (Iowa) C. People are buying under pressure -- buy, then cash in. 5. " A lot of workers are buying bonds because they feel they are being compelled to and then they are cashing in these bonds soon after they buy them." (Minnesota) 6. "I understand that many federal government employees have been very cooperative in regard to giving 10% of their income to the Government for the purchase of war bonds. They tell me though that some of these people are pretty hard up -- some of them don't make very large salaries and about a third of them cash in their bonds just as quickly as they can. Some of them have bought four or five $50 bonds but they have cashed in all but the one on which they are making payments. Is there anything to such rumors?" (Colorado) -2- 7. "They're pushing this bond sales stuff too far. People have their own plans for buying bonds and stamps now, and as they push more sales of them on people, they're dipping into cash they should use for household purposes." (Wisconsin) 8. We buy defense bonds and the money is being thrown away paying defense workers high wages. And these guys squander their money in beer joints." (Minn.) 9. "Fellows from Cudahy's and some of these big companies around town say they won't buy bonds. Why should they? Why should they give the Government money so it can buy expensive cuts of meat for the soldiers and other food and materials to be wasted in the defense programs.Tons of food are just thrown away in the army camps, all over. The food in some places isn't cooked fit to eat and it has to be hauled away." (Utah) E. Bonds won't be paid off. 10. "I'm buying whisky with my money. That gives the Government a big revenue and they don't have to pay me back anything ten years from now. They'r not going to pay off the principal on war bonds let alone the interest. I'll take whiskey, it's more patriotic." (Utah) 11. "Why, the Government will never be able to pay off all these war bonds in ten years. It's impossible. I hear they will be extended another ten years." (Utah) 12. "Did you know that these Defense Bonds we are being asked to buy are not going to be paid back in cash in ten years? They're really going to be refunded at a lower rate of interest." (Oklahoma) 13. "War bonds will never be paid." (Connecticut) 14. "In two different instances I have heard references made to the possibility of the Government 'writing-off' its obligations represented by the War Bonds and crediting the individuals with whatever amount was involved at their patriotic contribution to the 'all-out' effort. Something should be done to neutralize the effort of such rumors and reassure the public of the stability of the Bonds." (Ohio) -3- 15. "I wouldn't be surprised if ten years from now we were asked to make our bonds a contribution to the Government." (Iowa) 16. "Do you really expect to get paid off on these Government bonds?" (Utah) 17. "Some people say the Government isn't goin got pay off on its war bonds." (Utah) 18. "Isn't it true that the government will be so heavy in debt that they will have to take the bonds as taxes or else just won't try to pay them? This question I hear very often." (Iowa) 19. "The Government has no intention of honoring its war bonds. It's a form of contribution. You'll get thanks, that's all, just thanks." (Utah) 20. "I've heard a lot of people say they're going to spend all they can get their hands on because we are going to lose the war anyway. The War Bonds will never be paid back. We will all be asked to contribute them to the Government so they might just as well quit buying them." (Iowa) 21. "This friend told me that war bonds will be no good because they will never be redeemed since the Government is going so much in debt, and especially if Hitler wins, they will be worthless. This friend advised putting money into land." (Kansas) F. Miscellaneous 22. "Savings Accounts and money now in lock boxes in banks may be paid in War Bonds before long." (Tennessee) 23. "There are going to be compulsory savings and a stiff tax program but not 'till after the election." (Minnesota) Mr. Eugene Katz Eugene Horowitz Rumor Project - First Study August 26, 1942 The period for our first Bureau study was August 3rd through 15th. Surveys went into the field and did an intensive rumor study in New Brunswick, New Jersey and Portland, Maine. The original plan and involved formula was not closely adhered to, but the spirit of the inquiry was retained with an emphasis upon rumor content and community rather than rumor and the personality of the individual. For our nation-wide study, rumors were reported in by the BPI men, the Polls staff, the Surveys staff, the Federal Security Administration field offices, and the Librarians Panel. (We received no cooperation from any staff which reported rumors current in Washington, D.C.) Rumors flooded in. We received a total of about three thousand rumors. The first batch of rumors reported on the basis of the period August 3rd through 8th, were sorted by the people in Government Sources Unit. Based upon their categories a few were selected for further study by Special Services. analysis of these categories was made in terms of content themes. These themes were then turned over to Media, Government Sources, and enemy Sources, who are at present trying to match themes against news and source material. The analysis so far makes quite clear that it would be futile to attempt a quantitative study of the present rumor material. People's conception of rumor differed, they were not reported verbatim, in different sections of the country different circles within the community were tapped for the rumors, and at the present time there is no comparable base from which a statistical evaluation would be meaningful. [Even the classification by Sources cannot be satisfactorily used, because of the way in which different states are represented and the difficulties in establishing similarity of frame of reference.] This, however, represents a criticism of this particular study and by no means a necessary criticism of this type of study. Further, it is rather difficult to try an interpretation of the emotional tone or significance of these rumors using terms like those of Allport's (pipedream, anxiety, the wedge-driving) because of the lack of context which accompanies these rumors and the carelessness in giving verbatim quotes. Mr. Eugene Katz -2- August 26, 1942 The rumors reported in seem to be selected for their representing an antagonistic or hostile attitude. This probably is due to the lack of clear formulation of rumor definition, and we cannot therefore attempt to outline the totality of people's attitudes, though we can outline some major components of hostile attitudes which may be prevalent. From those already studied, it would seem as if there is close correspondence between aspects of rumor study and some of the better-known approaches to attitude study. At the present time this would confirm the belief of those of us who have been working with rumor study that it would be worthwhile continuing the process. It is suggested that a continuing rumor study would make it possible to train reporters so that quantitative analyses will be possible. Rumor can be defined so that it is readily recognized by reporters who may not have enough skill to detect tensions which have no central definition. As it may be defined, rumor study can cover the entire area of war involvement attitudes and provide us with listening posts. Continuous analysis would permit not only quantitative study as such, but by observing trends and studying comparisons it would be possible to spot areas of special problems, since rumors reflect attitudes and specifications of information, as well as general piloting for attitude studies in fields of opinion where we have not already developed a backlog of material. In addition to this function of piloting attitude studies, it would also give us clues to informational programs which may be necessary, and policies; after interpretation by Sources when relating rumor to the sort of things people have been saying in authoritative statements. It will also be suggested by the Committee that it would be desirable to have repeat studies by the Survey Field Staff every four months or six months, because we can expect with increase in censorship or with increase in anti-rumor campaigns that the meaning of rumor may well change. If we have machinery for continuing rumor study, it would be wise to have an occasional check on the basis of which the machinery could be over-hauled if necessary. Attached are copies of the frequencies of rumors from different classifications as done by Sources on our first week, and the thematic analyses which have been made so far. Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.