[Distributed to the Council and the C. 399. M. 140.1926. Members of the League.] C. E. P. I.

LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Geneva, June 29th, 1926.

DOCUMENTS

relating to the preparation of the PRESS EXPERTS COMMITTEE

(Resolution of the Sixth Assembly, 1925)

CONTENTS.

I. Introduction......

II. Documents : A. Assembly (Report of the Sixth Committee and Resolution of Sep­ tember 25th, 1 9 2 5 )...... •} B. Council (Reports adopted by the Council at its Four Sessions of September 1925, December 1925, March 1926 and June 1926)...... )

III. Annexes : 1. Summary of the Replies received from Various Countries and Inter­ national Associations...... 2. Table of the Principal Suggestions contained in the Replies. . 1 !

1. INTRODUCTION.

On September 16th, 1925, in the course of the general debate of the Sixth Assembly on the W o rk of the Council, the Delegate of Chile, M. Y a n e z , submitted a proposal inviting the Council to examine the desirability of convening a Committee of Experts representing the Press of the different continents. Before taking a decision, the Assembly considered that the proposal should be referred, in accordance with its usual procedure, to one of its Committees for examination, and selected for the purpose its Sixth Committee — the one dealing with political questions. the Sixth Committee requested three of its members — M. Paul H ymans (Belgium), M. de Jouvenel (France), M. Y anez (Chile) — to make a preliminary study of the Chilian proposal. On September 23rd, M. Paul Hymans presented a report which the Committee adopted and decided to forward to the Assembly. On September 25th, the Assembly, after hearing M. Hymans’ report, unanimously adopted a resolution inviting the Council to consider the desirability of convening a Committee oi Experts representing the Press of the different continents. The report of the Belgian representative shows the reception given to the Chilian pro­ posal by the Assembly and defines the meaning which it attached to it.

“ The Chilian proposal ”, said M. Paul H ymans, “ is undoubtedly a bold one. The Press, like all great Powders, is rightly jealous of its independence. We must there­ fore approach the vast and delicate problem raised by this resolution with great circum­ spection. I wish to make it clear at the outset that the League of Nations does not wish to interfere in the affairs of the Press, and will only interest itself in them if the jour­ nalists themselves consider that its assistance would be valuable ”. M. Hymans then indicated the procedure which the Assembly invited the Council to follow in dealing with this question : The resolution.... proposes that the Assembly should invite the Council to consider the desirability of convening a Committee of Experts representing the Press of the different continents. It will therefore be for the Council to decide at the start whether

S. (1. N. 1125 (F) 1200 (A) 6-2(i. Imp. d ’AmMJiy,

Publications of the League of Nations V. GENER AL

This resolution of the Assembly was examined by the Council on September 26th. 1925 . The Council considered that it was advisable in the first place that the circles concerned should be consulted as to whether a meeting of a Committee of Press Experts was desirable, and it asked the Secretary-General of the League to take steps to ascertain their viewrs on this matter. The investigation was conducted on the broadest possible lines and continued until the spring1. The Assembly resolution seemed to arouse considerable interest in all quarters. Press Associations of some thirty different countries responded to the appeal. Several of these, in expressing their approval of the convening of such a committee, submitted with their reply concrete proposals for the future programme of work. At its session in March 1926 the Council of the League, after examining the replies received, decided that the convening of a Committee of Experts was desirable. This question being settled, there remained that of the programme of work. Accord- Accord­ ingly, at its June session, the Council decided to convene a Committee consisting of)f repre-repre­ sentatives of telegraphic agencies who, each from his own point of view, might makeke very useful suggestions. This meeting of representatives of the agencies is only the first phase of the preparatory work for the meeting of the Committee of Press Experts contemplated by the resolution ol the Sixth Assembly.

II. DOCUMENTS.

A. A ssem bly.

Report of M. Paul Hymans and Resolution of September 2bth, 1925.

On September 25th, 1925, the Belgian Delegate, M. Paul Hymans, who was appointed 1 by the Sixth Committee to explain to the Assembly the result of its discussions on the Chilian I proposal, read the following report. “ The Sixth Committee has examined with sympathy the proposal submitted by I the Chilian delegation at the meeting of September 16th, 1925. The purpose of this ■ motion is to afford the Press the collaboration of the League of Nations in improving ■ I its technical facilities for assisting in the work of moral disarmament and the organi- ■ t sation of peace. I ' “ The reason for the sympathy with which the Committee viewed the proposal is ■ c to be found in the nature of the proposal itself. Several of the members of the Committee ■ belong or have belonged to the Press ; while, at the same time, the delegates at the ■ i Assembly have been able to appreciate in the course of conversation the interest with ■ : which this motion is viewed by the distinguished journalists at present in Geneva — I and particularly by the members of the Association of Journalists accredited to the ■ i League of Nations. V “ I need not emphasise here the part played by the Press in international life.ife. TheThe 1 newspapers are fundamental to all the judgments which public opinion in each country ■ passes on the other nations of the world. It is for this reason that the Press can exercise ■ a considerable influence in favour of the establishment of better international relations ■ and can contribute more effectively perhaps than any other institution to that moral I disarmament which is the concomitant condition of material disarmament.

1 Sse summary of replies, page 5. The Chilian proposal is undoubtedly a bold one. The Press, like all great Powers, is rightly jealous of its independence. We must therefore approach the vast and delicate problem raised by this resolution with great circumspection. 1 wish to make it clear at the outset that the League of Nations does not wish to interfere in the affairs of the Press, and will only interest itself in them if the journalists themselves consider that its assistance would be valuable. “ I would like to emphasise the fact that the resolution which we have the honour to submit to the Assembly was drafted with the greatest possible care. “ It proposes that the Assembly should invite the Council to consider the desira­ bility of convening a Committee of Experts representing the Press of the different conti­ nents. It will therefore be for the Council to decide at the start whether it is willing to deal with the question. If it does so. its task in the next few7 months, according to the procedure proposed, will merely be to prepare for a meeting of carefully selected experts. When these meet, they will be absolutely free to express their opinion on the advisability of giving further effect to your proposal and on the best method of doing so. “ If during this preparatory period the Council discovers that steps are being taken in the same direction by private organisations, it will 110 doubt take the view that it should not substitute itself for these organisations but should rather encourage and co-ordinate their efforts. “ In certain cases the League of Nations can undoubtedly do a great deal to assist co-operation between the Governments and the Press. Although an aggregate of private enterprises, the Press is frequently obliged to have recourse to various Government services. For example, it depends in a large measure on the Governments for the trans­ mission of news by telegraph, telephone, cable and radio-telegraph ; it also depends in every country on the national legislation in all questions connected with authors’ rights, transport rates, etc. In directions like these, the friendly assistance of the League of Nations might often be of great value. ■ I have endeavoured, gentlemen, to indicate merely the broad outlines of the task to be accomplished. It will be for the Council to consider, with the help of the distin­ guished representatives of the Press, whether the time has come to undertake it.

" The following is the text of the resolution wiiich I ask you to adopt :

" ‘ The Assembly, "" ‘ Considering that the Press constitutes the most effective means of guiding public opinion towards that moral disarmament which is a concomitant condition of material disarmament : “ ‘ Invites the Council to consider the desirability of convening a Committee of Experts representing the Press of the different continents with a view to deter­ mining methods of contributing towards the organisation of peace, especially : " ‘ (a) By ensuring the more rapid and less costly transmission of Press news with a view to reducing risks of international misunderstanding ; " ‘ (b) And by discussing all technical problems the settlement of which would be conducive to the tranquillisation of public opinion ’ The resolution ivas adopted unanimously.

B. Council.

1. Report and Resolution of September 26th, 1925.

(Rapporteur : M. Paul H ymans, Representative of Belgium.)

The Assembly has approved a resolution of the Sixth Committee, originally brought forward by the Chilian delegation, requesting the Council to consider the desirability of convening a Committee of Experts representing the Press in the different continents with a view to determining by what means the Press might contribute tow’ards the organisation of peace. In the course of the discussions in the Sixth Committee and in the Assembly, we all realised how favourably this proposal had been received both by the various delegations and by the many Press representatives staying in Geneva during the Assembly. I think we shall all agree that this question is too complicated for us to takean imme­ diate decision, and that it would be better to include the question in the agenda of our Decem­ ber session and so give ourselves time to consider it at leisure. I would suggest that my colleagues should spend the intervening period in obtaining competent opinions as to the desirability of convening such a committee. We might, I think, ask the Secretary-General to obtain, before our next session, the views of those who are directly affected by the Assembly’s resolution. The Association of Journalists accredited to the League of Nations — a body with which we are well acquainted and whose Committee welcomed the Chilian delegation’s proposal —• will no doubt be able to give us some useful information 011 this subject. - 4 - :

At the same time, each uf the Members of the Council might consult the Journalists Unions and the Associations of Newspaper Editors and Directors of Agencies in his owj country. The Council would thus be furnished with all the information required for a decision at a later date.

2, Report and Resolution of December 15/A. 1925; !

(Rapporteur : M. Paul H ymans, Representative of Belgium.) j

I feei sure that all my colleagues on the Council realise the success of the very full enquiry) which has been carried out in so short a space of time. i We all appreciate the friendly spirit in which the Press agencies and associations have) received the Assembly resolution. As we have all recognised from the outset, their assistance! is essential, since the question is difficult and can only be handled by the Press itself. The sole object of the discussions during the past few weeks was to ascertain w hether the Press desired a Committee of Experts to be summoned, as suggested in the Assembly resolution. The r eplies received are favourable, and show that the Press consider that such a meeting would be likely to promote its professional interests. Some of the replies also contain further proposals which seem to me to be of real importance and worthy of consideration. No reply, however, has been received as yet from the overseas Press, whose support in such a matter would be of very great value, and I believe that the Members of the Council, considering that the first step in this question was taken by the Chilian delegation, will agree with me in thinking that any definitive decision on the convening of this Committee o f Press Experts should be adjourned to the next session of the Council. By then I feel sure that the Press of those European countries which have not had time to submit their views, a n d the Press of the other continents, will have given us the benefit of their opinions. In the meantime the Secretary-General might, on behalf of the Council, convey our thanks to the Press agencies and associations which have replied, and inform them that we should be grateful for any further suggestions they may be good enough to submit to us.

3. Report and Resolution of March 16th, 1926.

(Rapporteur : M. V andervelde, Representative of Belgium.)

Since our December session, the enquiry which we instructed the Secretary-General to make among those concerned has yielded further results. Since the Secretary-General's memorandum of December 12th, which contained a summary of the replies received up to that date, there have been two notes to supplement this memorandum. So far replies have been received from Press groups in more than twenty-five countries. I would mention, in particular, the very great interest which this scheme seems to have aroused in a number of Press groups in the United States of America. We have as yet received only a lew replies from the Latin-American States, but the delay is of course due to their great distance from Geneva. Nevertheless, as a result of infor­ mation received indirectly, we have no doubt that the Latin-American Press will welcome this proposal, which was in fact made by the delegation of one of the Latin-American Republics. As the replies received are in favour of the summoning of a Committee of Press Experts, 1 propose that you now decide that it should be summoned and that you request the Secretary- General to prepare its agenda on the basis of the results of the enquiry which has been made. It is clear from the replies received that the Committee’s agenda will have to be prepared with particular care. Most of the replies contain definite and technical proposals. Some are from Press agencies, others from associations of newspaper proprietors, others from Press Bureaux, others, again, from journalists themselves. The final arrangement of the agenda appears to me a difficult problem, which cannot be solved without the co-operation of the parties concerned. The Press representatives themselves might be asked to choose and define the questions to be discussed by the Com­ mittee of Experts. For this purpose, the best method would perhaps be to hold at Geneva a fewr preparatory meetings of persons connected with the different sections of the Press, such as directors of telegraph agencies, newspaper proprietors, heads of Press Bureaux, and journalists who are. obliged by their profession to live or to travel frequently abroad. This second stage ol the consultation will, I trust, lead to the preparation of a definite and practical programme of work. The composition of the Committee of Experts and the date of its meeting can be arranged afterwards when this work has been finished. I netd hardly point out that the question at issue is the summoning of a limited Committee of Experts and not a general Press conference. 1 propose to my colleagues that they adopt this report and request the Secretary-General to take the necessary action. — 5 —

4. Report and Resolution of June 10th, 1926.

(Rapporteur : M. Vandervelde, Representative of Belgium.)

Since our meeting in March, consultations with those concerned have been actively con- inued with a view to preparing for the meeting of the Committee of Press Experts. I think that this work is now so far advanced that we might convene at Geneva a com­ ptée consisting of representatives of agencies, who could provide us, each from his own o i n t of view, with very useful suggestions for the programme of work for the Committee of reSs Experts which will meet later. This committee of representatives of agencies should be small enough to allow of rapid r0rk ; it should nevertheless include a sufficient number of members to be fully representa- ive of these great world organisations. I would therefore propose to my colleagues that we hould invite the following agencies to appoint a representative for a meeting at Geneva nAugust : Americana (Agenda) (Brazil). (America). Avala Agence (Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes). Exchange Telegraph (British Empire). Havas (Agence) (France) Nippon Dempo Tsushinsha (Japan). Nippon Shimbun Rengosha (Japan). Radio (Agence) (France). Reuter’s Limited (British Empire). Stefani (Agenzia) (Italy). Suisse (Agence Télégraphique) (). Tass (Telegrafnoe Agenstvo Sovietskavo Soyuza) (Russia). Telegraph en Union (Germany). Tidningarnas Telegrambyra (Sweden). United Press (America). Wolff Bureau (Germany).

III. ANNEXES.

1. Summary of R eplies received from V arious Countries and International A ssociations.

Acting on instructions given by the Council of the League (resolution of September 26th, 1925), the Secretary-General consulted the Press Associations concerned in the diffe­ rent countries, and also a number of international associations, as to the desirability of conven­ ing a Committee of Press Experts. Replies have been received from the following thirty-two countries : Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Esthonia, Finland, France, Germany. Great Britain, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Italy, Japan. Lat­ via, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Roumania, Salvador. Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States of America. Three international Press groups have also expressed their opinions, namely, the Second Conference of the Association of Telegraphic Agencies, the International Association of Journalists accredited to the League of Nations and the International Union of Press Asso­ ciations. Besides intimating their approval of the plan, several of the replies contained concrete suggestions.

* ;

Below will be found a short summary of these replies which has been submitted to the Council. The full text may be consulted in the Information Section of the Secretariat.

Austria. M. Ludwig, Director of the Press Bureau of the Federal Chancellery, pronounced in favour ol convening a committee. In his opinion the purpose of holding such a meeting would not be to ask the Press to offer its services to the League of Nations, but to give the latter an oppor­ tunity of playing the. part of international intermediary in Press questions wrhich it has already so usefully performed in other directions. M. Ludwig considers that most of the questions which would be discussed by a Committee of Press Experts would principally concern news­ paper proprietors. Two replies have been received, one from the Viennese Press Organisation (Organisa­ tion der Wiener Presse), the other from the “ Concordia Association of Journalists a n d Writers ” (Journalisten- und Schrifts teller-Verein “ Concordia ”). Both are in principle in favour of the convening of a Committee of Press Experts, but they — 6 — consider that one of the subjects to be discussed by the Committee should be the social and I material situation of journalists. They also think that freedom of the Press, Press legislation I travelling facilities for journalists, etc., should be among the questions included in the Com-1 m ittee’s programme. - J

B elyiu m . I

M. Vandervelde, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and M. Paul Hymans, Belgian R epresen-1 tative 011 the Council, have informed the Secretary-General that the Assembly’s resolution I received favourable consideration at a meeting of the Belgian Press Association. The meet-1 in g expressed the opinion that t h e League of Nations could usefully negotiate between the I different countries a uniform system of reduced rates for telephonic, telegraphic and railway I communications.

Hraz.il.

The Brazilian Press Association does not consider that the creation of the Committee I contemplated by the Assembly resolution is desirable. In particular, it believes that the I study of means to secure an easier and less expensive transmission of Press news, a question I which figures on the agenda of all the international Press congresses, would be more likely I to lead to tangible results if referred to an international congress of journalists. It is of the I same opinion writh regard to technical questions, such as those concerning travelling facilities I for journalists, paper, printed matter, etc. The Brazilian Association fears, moreover, that the discussions of technical questions I whose solution may contribute to the pacification of world opinion invariably involves political I questions.

B ulgaria.

M. Popoff, Chief of the Press Section attached to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, has stated that, in his opinion, the idea of a meeting of a Committee of Press Experts wxmld cer­ tainly be warmly welcomed by representatives of the Press.

Colombia. The Chief of the Information Service of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs states that, in his opinion, the Committee of Experts contemplated in the Assembly resolution wxiuld be extremely useful in establishing relations between the Press of all continents.

Costa Rira. As the result of a meeting held by the directors of the most important newspapers and certain other persons in touch with the Press, the journalists of Costa Rica state that they are in favour of the convening of a Committee of Press Experts.

Cuba. The Cuban Ministry for Foreign Affairs states that it entirely approves the idea of conven­ ing a Committee of Press Experts. The Managing Committee of the Journalists Association oj states that it has instructed a rapporteur to examine the question.

Czechoslovakia. T h e Czechoslovak Press Bureau has informed the Secretariat that the Czechoslovak Press Organisations regard the convening of a Committee of Press Experts as highly desirable, and consider the Council of the League the most appropriate body to convene such a com­ mittee. The director of the Press Bureau, who has discussed the question with the delegates of the Czechoslovak Press, thinks that the Committee should include representatives not merely of professional journalists’ associations but also of newspaper-owmers and editors, of agencies, and of official Press bureaux. He points out that professional journalists are scarcely in a position to discuss certain technical questions, such as telegraph and telephone facilities, special concessions for journalists travelling abroad, etc. The Press Bureau has sent an additional reply drawn up in agreement with the Asso­ ciation oj Czechoslovak Journalists. This document contains a number of definite suggestions regarding the programme of the Committee of Press Experts : improvement of international telegraph and telephone lines ; facilities to be granted to journalists in th e exercise of their profession ; exchange of newspapers ; Customs duties on paper ; postal rates, conditions of carriage and delivery of newspapers, etc. ; creation of an international Press organisation similar to the International Labour Organisation, etc. _ 7 -

Denmark. M. Poulsen, Chief of the Press Bureau of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, replied that, . hjs opinion, the Danish Press would certainly be in favour of the convening of a Committee if press Experts. M. Poulsen added that, should the League of Nations be able to convey the impression that it can effectively contribute towards the solution of certain important problems affecting the supply of information to newspapers, the interest of the Danish Press fn the League of Nations would be undoubtedly increased. The Executive Council of the Danish Press states that it is in favour of the idea of conven­ ing a Committee of Press Experts. fistlionia. M. H. Oidermann, Director of the Press Bureau of the Esthonian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, has fomarded a reply from the Esthonian Journatists Association. The Esthonian Journalists Association expresses its readiness to co operate to the best of its ability in organising universal peace. Esthonia being, geographically, remote from the centres of ‘world politics, the Association welcomes any proposal which may bring it into closer touch with these centres through the exchange of information and the development of mutual relations. The Esthonian Press has only a limited circulation, and consequently the cost of news is an important consideration. The Association therefore gives its full approval to the proposed formation of a Committee of Experts, and may submit suggestions for the Committee’s programme after the forthcoming Baltic Journalists Conference. M. Oidermann also recalled the fact that, at a Conference of the Directors of the Estho­ nian, Finnish, Lithuanian and Polish Press Bureaux, held at in July 1924, the meet­ ing unanimously adopted a resolution welcoming any steps which might tend to facilitate the exchange of news between their countries,

Finland. The Finnish Press Bureau, on behalf of the Finnish Press Associations, has expressed itself in favour of the convening of a Committee of Press Experts. It drew' attention to the importance of a reduction of Press telegraphic rates, and emphasised the desirability of organising tours for journalists abroad and establishing scholarships in journalism. ” Further, the Finnish Press Associations have announced that they are of opinion that the League of Nations, through its organisations and in co-operation with the Governments of the various countries, could achieve practical results in matters affecting the Press. Among the questions to be examined, the Finnish Associations mention : the improvement of arrangements for the exchange of news and information between the different countries, the reduction of charges for Press telegrams and travelling facilities for journalists.

France. In a letter to the Secretary-General of the League of Nations, the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the French Press has stated that the French Press welcomes the idea of convening a Committee of Experts. He adds that the representatives of the French Pi ess consider that it might be premature, and would certainly be a matter requiring careful hand­ ling, to set up an organisation on a practical footing capable of making an effective contri­ bution to the establishment and maintenance of peace. On the other hand, they regard it as highly important that newspaper editors in the various continents should be brought into contact for the purpose of studying their common professional interests and more particu­ larly of ensuring rapid communication : for that purpose they consider a reduction should be made in the Press rates both for travel and for telephonic and telegraphic messages. The General Committee of French Press Associations, together with the Union of French Journalists, express themselves in favour of the convening of a Committee of Press Expeits. The Secretary-General of the Svndicate of Journalists has informed the Secretary-General of the League of Nations that an International Federation of Journalists has been founded in . In the report on the draft constitution of this Federation the proposal of the Chilian Delegation receives favourable mention.

Germany. The “ Reichsverband der Deutschen Presse ” of Berlin and the " Verein Deutscher Zeituiujs- oerleger ” stated their willingness to co-operate with the Committee of Press Experts as pro­ posed in the Assembly resolution.

Great Britain. The Secretariat has received answers from a special committee composed of representa­ tives of all the Press organisations in Great Britain. It has also received answers from the Executive Committee of the National Union of Journalists and the Institute of Journalis s. The special c o m m itte e composed of representatives of all the Press organisations in Great Britain stated that it was in favour of the convening of a Committee of Press Experts under 8 — the auspices of the League of Nations. It made some suggestions as to the composition of this committee and of the method of work to be adopted. The Executive Committee of the National Union of Journalists in considers that it is of the greatest importance to establish closer contact between the Press of the various countries and to improve in every way the transmission of news and the travelling facilities accorded to journalists. It therefore stated that it was in favour of the convening of a Com­ mittee of Press Experts. The Council of the Institute of Journalists states that it is ready to fall in with any effort to promote the organisation of peace. It points out that previous experience has shown the difficulty of securing an adequate representation of the world Press. It hopes, nevertheless, that under the auspices of the League and with the help of the Governments it will not be impossible to appoint a duly qualified Committee to study the various problems that may arise and to frame concrete proposals. On the other hand, certain leading figures in the Press world have raised the question whether the League could help in considering the problem of applying the principle of indus­ trial and commercial patent rights to Press news, and have expressed the hope that the experts of the proposed Press Committee could meet and consider this question.

Greece. The Press Bureau stated that the Press organisations in Greece most cordially welcome the proposal to convene a Committee of Press Experts which, they hope, will be able to bring about numerous improvements as regards the transmission of news.

Guatemala.

M. Virgilio Rodriguez Beteta. who was formerly President of the Press Congress of the World, stated that the Guatemalan Press is in favour of convening a Committee of Press Experts.

TTungary.

The Press Bureau of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has communicated the resolution of the Assembly to four associations of Hungarian journalists and publicists.

Italy.

At the Secretariat has directly approached the Special Commissioners of the Press Association, the President of the National Press Union and the Executive Committee of the Federation of Italian Press Associations. It has also communicated with the President of the Press Association of Piedmont at Turin and the Special Commissioners of the Press Association of Lombardy at Milan, and with a number of newspaper editors in all three cities. The Italian Press appears very anxious to obtain improvements in the telegraphic, radio­ télégraphie, telephonic and radio-telephonic services, and to secure reduction in rates. The National Fascist Association of Newspaper Editors (Turin) has stated that it willingly agrees to the proposal to convene a Committee of Press Experts. It is of opinion that this Committee might well consider and propose, on behalf of the international Press, special mea­ sures for the reduction of telephone, telegraph, postal and railway rates ; agreements for the exchange of news, the furnishing of copy, the recognition of Press news as industrial property, etc. This Association also suggests that the Committee might examine the moral, educa­ tional and economic situation of journalists.

Japan.

The Japanese Government states that it holds the convening of a Committee of Press Experts to be most opportune. Moreover, the Japanese Service for the League of Nations has stated that, at a special meeting, the representatives of the Tokio newspapers and agencies cordially welcomed the proposal and unanimously adopted a resolution to the effect that they agreed in principle to the convening by the League of Nations of a Committee of Press Ëxperts.

Latvia.

flic Latvian Association of Authors and Journalists lias announced that it warmly approves of the resolution of the Sixth Assembly concerning the convening of a Committee of Press Experts. The Chief of the Press Bureau of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is of opinion that the convening of a Committee of Press Experts as proposed by the Council of the League of Nations is not only desirable but would mark an important step in the organisation of peace. He attaches to his letter an extract from the proceedings of the Conference of Foreign Ministers of Esthonia, Finland, Latvia and Poland at Helsingfors (January 17th, 1 9 2 5 ), which laid the foundation of Press co-operation between these countries. The extract is as follows : £ Being of the opinion that a more widespread knowledge in the four countries of economic and intellectual conditions in each of them would greatly contribute to the development of their common interests, the Foreign Ministers, having taken note of the proposals made at Warsaw on July 14th and 15th last at the Conference of Chiefs of Press Sections of the Ministries for Foreign Affairs of the four countries, have decided, at a joint meeting, to draw the attention of their respective Governments to the effect that should be given to these proposals, recommending particularly : “ (1) That the respective Press sections should be instructed to exchange notes and communiqués and political Press bulletins written in French ; “ (2) That the Press sections of the Ministries for Foreign Affairs of the coun­ tries represented at the Conference should be instructed to encourage, as far as possible, and in accordance with their general programme, all measures the object of which is to add to the knowledge of the other countries, such as the distribution of publications concerning those countries, the organisation of lectures, theatrical performances, and concerts, the exchange of films, lantern slides, etc ; “ (3) That, with the same object, a number of free travelling tickets should be reserved each year for journalists of the other countries represented at the Confe­ rence and that, as far as possible, all facilities should be given to travelling members belonging to other associations and groups of nationals of the participating coun­ tries ; “ (4) That, in view7 of the fact that the closest co-operation between the telegraphic agencies and wireless stations of the four countries concerned is one of the most effective means of exchanging information, the Ministries should instruct their Press sections to do all in their powder to arrange that these telegraphic agencies and wireless stations should organise a regular exchange of Press communiqués; “ (5) That the Press sections of the Ministries for Foreign Affairs should be instructed to give effect to the resolution adopted by the Conference of Chiefs of Press Sections at Warsaw7 with regard to inaccurate news which might be injurious to one or other of the countries concerned. ’’

Netherlands. The Press Bureau at The Hague replies that it has read with great interest the documents relating to the convening of a Committee of Press Experts, and has 'organised a meeting of representatives of the Press Associations of the Netherlands, in order to obtain a collective opinion on this subject. At this meeting the Press Associations (journalists and directors of newspapers) stated that they cordially support the convening at Geneva of a Committee of Press Experts. They proposed that this Committee should examine certain questions : lower telegraph and tele­ phone rates for Press new's ; meetings of the leading journalists of different countries ; consti­ tution of an international Press organisation with congresses ; creation of a permanent orga­ nisation or a conciliation committee which would draw attention to articles harmful to the preservation of friendly international relations. Further, the Director of the Press Bureau of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs at The Hague has forwarded to the Secretary-General information on the existence and working, as the result of an agreement concluded between the countries concerned, of a wireless tele­ graphic newTs service between the Netherlands and the Scandinavian countries, and also between the Netherlands, Poland, Czechoslovakia and Roumania :

“ News is issued on the Dutch side about three times a week by the Drion Bureau ; this bureau is under the direct control of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the news which is issued is subjected to the control of that Ministry. On the other hand, the news issued by the Official Press Bureaux at Copenhagen, Stockholm, , Warsaw, Prague and , is received daily by an agency which has been attached to the Ministry for this purpose and is distributed to all the Dutch Press except the Nieuwe Rotterdamsche Courant, which receives it direct by wireless ; this newspaper is notified by the Ministry of the hours at which news is sent out, the wave-length, etc. whenever there is an addition to the number of countries writh which an arrangement has been concluded. The news issued by the Netherlands is on political, economic and general topics and provides a reliable news service. The news is transmitted by the Scheveningen Haven (port of Scheveningen) Wireless Station. A simple convention has been concluded on this subject with the Scandinavian countries ; the service with other countries is merely based upon an agreement with the Ministers Plenipotentiary confirmed bv a note by the Ministries for Foreign Affairs or the Official Press Bureaux. ”

The Executive Committee of the. Norwegian Press Association states that it warmly wrel- comes the idea contained in the Assembly resolution. - 1 0 -

In making this communication, M. Vidnes, the Chief of the Press Bureau of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, added that the Norwegian Press Bureau fully approved the statement made by the Norwegian Press Association, The Norwegian Telegraph Agency states that it is in entire agreement with the proposal and would be prepared to co-operate in an objective and impartial spirit.

Poland.

M. Grabowski, Chief of the Press Bureau of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, has declared himself in favour of the convening of" a Committee of Press Experts and has made several suggestions as to the constitution and organisation of the work of the Committee. The Warsaw Association oj Journalists has stated that it is willing to assist in every way it can in solving the problem of the co-operation of the Press in organising peace,

Portugal.

The Association of Portuguese Professional Journalists is in favour of a meeting ol the Committee. It is particularly interested in the question of passport and travelling facilities for journalists.

Roumania.

1. The Roumanian Press Bureau has replied that the Roumanian Press regards the convening of a Committee of Press Experts as desirable and useful, and hopes that the Press of the Little Entente may be able to render valuable services to the cause of peace.

2. The " Petite Entente de la Presse ” and the Polish-Roumanian Press Association.

The Director of the Press Bureau at Bucharest has sent two communications t o the Secretariat, the one relating to the constitution of a “ Petite Entente de la Presse ” and the other to the constitution of a Polish-Roumanian Press Association : “ A. The Petite Entente de la Presse was founded at Sinaia in August 1925 at a meeting of representatives of the Press of the three countries (Roumania, the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, and Czechoslovakia). “ (1) The P. E. P. is a confederation of the journalists and Press organisations of the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, Czechoslovakia and Roumania ; its prin cip al objects are : “ (a) To obtain closer co-operation between the different branches of publie activity in the three countries represented ; and “ (b) To contribute by unity of action and by all available technical and intellec­ tual means to the final success of the pacific and progressive efforts of the Little E n te n te . “ (2) Among the means wiiich should be employed to realise this aim, the P. E. P. attaches particular importance to : “ (a) The establishment and perfecting of communication by post, telegraph, telephone, wire and wireless, as well as by air, etc. ; “ (b) Collective and individual study tours under such conditions as are most favourable to the acquisition of a thorough knowledge of the three countries ; “ (c) The rapid exchange of detailed information on all subjects by means of special correspondents, agencies, etc. ; “ (3) The “ Petite Entente de la Presse ” comprises : “ (a) A central bureau to which all questions affecting the P. E. P. in general may be addressed ; “ (b) A local committee of the P. E. P. in each country represented, dealing wit local questions. This committee will be composed of four Press delegates and a repre­ sentative of the Press service of the Foreign Office of the country concerned, together witli a delegate of the Press of each of the two other allied countries. The last-mentione< delegates may be Press agents or their substitutes. “ Each committee should be presided over by a professional journalist. “ (1) On the occasion of the meetings of the Little Entente there will be a joint meeting of the three local committees, or, at any rate, of their chairmen accompanied by a journalist member and by the delegate of the Press bureau of the Foreign Office. Each country repre­ sented will have a vote at such meetings. Decisions must be unanimous. “ These meetings will be presided over by the chairman of the local committee of the country in which the conference takes place. The bureau of this committee will act as the central bureau of the P. E. P. until the next meeting. “ B. The Polish-Roumanian Press Association w7as constituted as the result of a confe* rence at Galatz in May 1926, in which representatives of the Polish and Roumanian Press — 11 —

ook part. Its objects are similar to those of the “ Petite Entente de la Presse " and its methods if work are the same. The two organisations are expectcd to keep in touch with one another and to maintain friendly and constant relations.

In order to achieve its aim, the “ Polish-Roumanian Press Association ” undertakes : “ fa) To encourage the improvement of technical equipment of postal, telephone, and air communications, etc., with a view to facilitating genuine co-operation ; “ (b) To ensure the rapid exchange of detailed information between agencies, newspapers and Press bureaux; “ (c) To induce the important newspapers to send out correspondents, to obtain a substantial reduction of telegraphic rates, and to organise individual or collective study tours under the best transport and travelling conditions ; “ (d) To publish books containing information on the two countries represented, to organise lectures and courses of study in the Roumanian and Polish languages with the least possible delay ; “ (e) To support industrial, agricultural and artistic exhibitions, concerts, etc. ; “ (() To take an interest in photographic and cinematographic propaganda ; “ (g) To act in concert with the universities ; “ (h) To see that new's from unreliable and doubtful sources, the publication of which would be harmful to the other country, is only published subject to the strictest control ; “ (i) To take steps to organise special sections in the chief Press bureaux of the two countries to deal with Polish and Roumanian questions ; “ (j) To arrange for arbitration by local organisations in respect of Press disputes affecting the two countries. ’’

El Salvador. The Government of El Salvador states that it entirely approves the proposal.

Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes.

The Press Bureau at stated that it fully supports the proposal to convene a Committee of Press Experts. It added that the Press in its country is willing to take part in this work. The Press Organisation of the Little Entente will be able to make a useful contri­ bution to the work through the agency of its Central Committee.

Spain. The Press Association announces its adherence in principle to the idea of conven­ ing a Committee of Press Experts.

Sweden.

The Union of Swedish Newspaper Editors and the Association of Swedish Journalists, recognising the expediency of the proposal, from a psychological point of view7, and the possibility of thus obtaining certain practical results for the Press, havestated that they are entirely in favour of convening a Committee of Press Experts.

Switzerland.

Replying 011 behalf of the Swiss Press Association and the Swiss Newspaper Editors Association, M. E. Rietmann said that the League of Nations would be doing most valuable work if it wTere able, through its technical services, to convene an international conference to consider the reduction of news rates. The Managing Committee of the Swiss Association of Newspaper Editors states that it is entirely in agreement with this answer. The Association of the Swiss Press and the Swiss Association of Newspaper Publishers, in joint committee, have studied the proposal of the Sixth Assembly and have sent a report containing proposals to be submitted to the Committee of Experts. These proposals concern the transmission of news and professional questions.

United States of America. The President of the Associated Press of America, Mr. Frank B. Noyes, stated that,wrhile as a co-operative, non-profit-making Association of 1,200 newspapers of every shade of opinion the Associated Press could not participate in any conference that included in its programme a possibility of engaging in an advocacy of any cause, howrever worthy, it had a — 12 — lively interest in all technical questions that aid in the collection of truthful, unbiased and I comprehensive reports of world events. Among these technical questions he mentioned I for example, the establishment throughout the world of a nroperty right in news s u c h ai I exists in the United States ; the recognition of the principle that the general interest requires! the lowest possible rates for Press matter and the most rapid possible transmission of such I matter : the abolition of censorship in time of peace and its limitations in time of war t o the I most vital necessities. Mr. Noves stated that, as these subjects are fairly within the scope! of the Associated Press, the latter could with propriety take part in a conference for their I consideration. The President of the United Press, Mr. K. A. Bickel, declared himself equally favourable I “ The Chilian proposal ”, he stated, “ is of great interest and would bear fruit of very real! and concrete value. A conference such as the one proposed offers an opportunitv for the I Press to get together and discuss nroblems of immediate practical importance, all bearing I on the general problem of international collection and distribution of news. Now that the I great Press Associations of the world are becoming international, their interests are ven I vitally concerned in the organisation of peace, for there is as little of prosperity and progress I in war for the Press as there is for anv other great industrv whose success is most intimately associated with the advancement of the masses of men. The need of improvement in inter­ national transmission facilities, the elimination, if possible, of national barriers to news: lower rates ; elimination of censorship, or at least certain phases of it ; clear-cut definition of the relationships between Governments and the Press, etc., are all pertinent questions that suggest themselves. ” Mr. Rov Howard, Director of the United Press, states that he views with the utmost sympathy the proposal to convene a Committee of Press Experts, and that he is prepared to co-operate in its work. He goes on to suggest certain points which, in his opinion, might be considered by the Committee : the application of a uniform system for the reduction of charges for telephonic conversations and of telegraph rates ; a uniform “ urgent ” tariff for telegrams on very important events ; copyright of Press communications ; copyright of, and legislation on, wireless telegraphic Press messages ; the question of certain extra-territorial rights for journalists (international correspondents) ; the liberty of international correspon­ dents and complete equality as regards the circulation of official information, the establish­ ment in each country of a committee of journalists to examine all cases of offences commit­ ted by foreign correspondents before any steps are taken to expel them ; an examination of the measures calculated to encourage the establishment of freely competing agencies. Mr. Henrv Wood, the Geneva correspondent of the United Press, also presents certain suggestions on the Committee’s programme of work. He proposes, for example, that the question should be examined of establishing an official system analogous to that in force in the case of diplomatic and consular agents for professional international journalists. The svstem in question would provide for passport facilities, special rates on railways and exemp­ tion from taxation in the country of residence whenever such taxation involves double t a x a ­ tion. The Editor and. Publisher, an important weekly review of American journalists’ interests, has conducted a general enquiry throughout a wide circle of American journalistic interests. Its four issues published during the last weeks of 1925 contain statements by various other important American journalists, including, notably, Mr. Rov W. Howard, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the United Press Associations and of the Scripps-Howard Newspapers ; Mr. Joseph Pierson, Chairman of the American Publishers’ Committee on Cable and Radio Communications ; and Mr. Walter Williams, President of the Press Congress of the World. All these declarations, as forwarded to the Secretariat by Mr. Marlen E. Pew, Editor of “ Editor and Publisher ”, favour the convocation of such a Committee, international Associations.

The Secretariat communicated with the Conference of Telegraphic News Agencies (held at Rome from October 26th to 31st), at which the following agencies were represented :

Austria ...... Amtliche Nachrichtenstelle Belgium ...... Belgian Telegraphic Agency Bulgaria...... Bulgarian Telegraphic Agency Czechoslovakia ...... Czechoslovak Press Bureau Denmark ...... Ritzaus Bureau E sth on ia...... Esthonian Telegraphic Agency F in lan d ...... Finska Notisbvran France ...... Havas Agencv Germany ...... Continental Telegraphen Compagnie (Wolff) Great Britain ...... Limited G reece...... Athens Agencv Hungary ...... Hungarian Telegraphic Agency I ta ly ...... Stefani Agency Latvia ...... Latvian Telegraphic Agency — 13 —

L ithuania...... Lithuanian Telegraphic Agency N etherlands...... Nederlandsch Telegraal’ Agentschap Norway ...... Norsk Telegrambureau Poland ...... Polish Telegraphic Agency P ortugal...... Havas Agency Roumania ...... Rador Agency R u ssia...... i .. i . 4 i *. ; . 4.... l ass Agency Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes...... ^ Avala Agency Spain ...... « ; ;.. Fabra Agency Sweden ...... Tidningarnas Telegrambyra Switzerland ...... Swiss telegraphic Agency Turkey...... Anatolian Agency United States...... Associated Press.

As the outcome of this Conference, M. Meynot, Head of the Havas Agency, was instructed I to inform the Secretary-General of the League of Nations of the Conference’s decision regard- ling the convening of a Committee of Press Experts. All the speakers who took part in the discussion recognised the importance of the propo­ sal. They felt that the League of Nations, the greatest of international organisations, being Jin communication with the various Governments, could not but assist the international I Press in its work of extending its news services, day by day, both in its own interests and for I the benefit of its readers. T he convening of a Committee of Press Experts of the various I continents might and should, they thought, have two results : (1) That of improving the mutual relations between the directing stall' of the international Press by bringing them into closer contact. This mutual understanding would inevitably promote the cause of peace which is the primary object ui' the League of Nations ; (2) That of furthering, by the fullest possible discussion, the preparation of a com­ mon programme or the drawing-up of recommendations or resolutions designed to faci­ litate the work of the international Press, particularly by securing improved facilities for communication, by taking steps to ensure the secrecy of radio-telegraphic and even radio-telephonic messages, and by the recognition of property rights in information of all kinds, whether as literary or as industrial or commercial property. The Conference of Agencies at Rome accordingly adopted a resolution deciding, should I it receive an invitation to be represented on the Committee of Press Experts referred to in the Assembly resolution, to accept that invitation. The Swiss Telegraphic Agency was deputed by the Rome Conference to receive any fur- | ther communications on this subject from the Secretariat of the League of Nations. In virtue of this mandate, the Director of the Swiss Telegraphic Agency has transmitted I to the Secretary-General the text of a resolution adopted by this Conference at its last meeting in Rome. In this resolution the Conference of Agencies invites the League of Nations to examine the question of the right of property as applied to Press news.

International Union of Press Associations.

M. Rietmann, Treasurer of the Union of Press Associations, has informed the Secreta- I riat that keen interest was displayed in Press circles in the discussion of the Chilian resolution at th e Assembly. He refers to the valuable work which has already been done by the Inter- | national Union of Press Associations. M. Victor Taunay, Secretary-General, and M. Rietmann visited Geneva in order to obtain | fuller information on the proposal for convening a Committee of Press Experts. On behalf of the International Union of Press Associations, M. Rietmann has forwarded a favourable reply to the Secretariat.

International Association of Journalists accredited to the League of Nations.

M. de Franch, Chairman of the International Association of Journalists accredited to the League of Nations, has communicated to the Secretary-General the results of an enquiry which it has conducted among the members of the Association who regularly follow' the work °f the League. Die report which the Committee has sent to the Secretary-General show's that the Asso­ ciation is favourable in principle to the idea of convening a Committee of Press Experts, fhe Association lays special emphasis on the fact that the Press must preserve absolutely its entire independence of judgment and that journalists should on no account be transformed into propaganda agents for the League. Among the practical suggestions which the Association submits as suitable for examina­ tion by the Committee, with a view to safeguarding the interests of international journalism, mention should be made of certain measures likely to facilitate the task of journalists accre­ dited to the League of Nations : the improvement of telegraphic and telephonic Press facilities by ensuring greater speed and less onerous rates ; certain passport and transport facilities to be accorded to journalists, and measures calculated to prevent the double taxa- tion of salaries of journalists residing abroad, etc.

2. T able of the P rincipal Suggestions contained in the R eplies.

in order to furnish a general survey of the results of the enquiry undertaken and to help the work of the experts, the Information Section has drawn up a table of the principal sugges­ tions contained in the different replies, together with an approximate list of the Press groups from whom these replies have been received. This table, which is no doubt incomplete, must be regarded merely as a means of sup­ plying the relevant information in as concise a form as possible.

A. Question of Rates.

Belgian Press Associations. Mr. Howard (United Press). Associations of Dutch Journalists. The application of a uniform regime Finnish Press Associations. for the reduction of charges for telephone The Executive Committee of French conversations and of telegraph rates. Newspapers. The Italian Press. The Association of the Swiss Press and the Association of Swiss Newspaper Editors. Czechoslovak Press Organisations. Recognition of the principle of minimum rates for Press messages and speediest pos­ Mr. Noyes (Associated Press of America), sible transmission.

Uniform urgent rate for telegrams deal­ Mr. Howard (United Press). ing with events of the first importance. Conditions of newspaper transport, deli­ very, postage and subscriptions. Czechoslovak Newspaper Proprietors.

B. Improvement in Communications.

The establishment and improvement of Little Entente Press (Roumania, King­ postal, telegraphic, telephonic (including dom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, wieless) and air communications, etc. Czechoslovakia). Rapid and full exchange of information Little Entente Press (Roumania, King­ by the aid of special correspondents and dom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, agencies. Czechoslovakia).

C. Copyright.

Conference of Allied Agencies. Copyright for Press messages. Mr. Howard (United Press). Mr. Noyes (President of the Associated Press of America).

Copyright for wireless messages and Mr. Howard (United Press). legislation regarding wireless Press messages.

D. Professional Facilities for Journalists.

Finnish Press Associations. Organisation of foreign travel for jour­ Little Entente Press. Press Association ol the Baltic States nalists, reduction in the price of tickets and and Poland. other means of transport ; reductions granted by hotel associations, etc. Viennese Press Organisation. The Concordia Association of Journa­ lists and Writers (). — 15 -

Institution of scholarships for journa- | Finnish Press Associations. Czechoslovak Press Associationsi lists and other travel facilities. i Study tours, collective and individual, | n(ier conditions favourable for acquiring a j Little Entente Press. thorough knowledge of the countries con- j cerned. ' Questions of certain ex-territorial rights for journalists (international correspondents) : Mr. Howard (United Press): abolition of passport fees ; special taxes on Czechoslovak Press Associationsi foreigners ; free admission to institutions of interest to journalists ; uniform identity card. Liberty of international correspondents Mr. Howard (United Press), and full equality in the distribution of official information. Formation in each country of a Com­ mittee of journalists to deal with any Mr. Howard (United Press). offences committed by foreign correspondents before any measures of expulsion are taken.

E. The Question of Professional Organisations of Journalists.

Periodical meetings of the leading jour- Association of Dutch Journalists, nalists. ! Creation of an international Press orga- Association of Dutch Journalists, nisation on the lines of the International j Czechoslovak Press Association. Labour Organisation. The convening of Press congresses. 1 Association of Dutch Journalists.

F. Miscellaneous.

Study of measures for encouraging the I Mr. Howard (United Press). establishment of freely competitive agencies, j Abolition of the censorship in time of j Mr. Noyes (Associated Press). peace and its restriction in time of war. ! Creation of a permanent organisation j (a commission of conciliation or other com- Association of Dutch Journalists. mission) to draw attention to articles likelv to injure friendly relations between countries. General Committee of French Press Associations. Improvement in the status of journa­ Concordia, Vienna. Austrian Press Associations. lists — legal position — contracts, etc. Association of the Swiss Press. Czechoslovak Press Associations.