811.911/26b
The Secretary of State to President Wilson
My Dear Mr. President: I have had several intimations that the men at the head of the great news-gathering associations and also some of the leading editors of the country feel that, while every other branch of enterprise has been called in in an advisory capacity to aid the Government, their knowledge has not been utilized and their advice has not been asked in regard to systematizing and making more efficient the various channels of publicity.
It is the wish of many, I understand, to help in an advisory capacity and to cooperate more fully with the Government. I think that they have a sincere desire to aid in any way they can, and have an impression that the failure to use them is because they are not fully trusted.
I feel that it might accomplish a very real good to select a few leading and trustworthy newspapermen, who would be fairly representative of the press and organize them into an Advisory Council on Publicity. This council could consult and advise with Mr. Creel and through their influence control and direct press comment and news.
If this seems to you a suggestion worthy of consideration, perhaps you might submit it to Mr. Creel for his views.
Faithfully yours,