NEWSPAPER PROPAGANDA
To Dr. Albert also was assigned the task of studying sentiment in this country regarding the war and taking steps to influence it in favour of Germany—in other words, highly paid press work. Through Dr. Albert arrangements also were made for many German professors, either in Germany or connected with American institutions, to give up their occupations as teachers and devote themselves in America exclusively to lectures before high-class audiences. In these talks the speakers devoted themselves to showing the friendly relations between Germany and the United States, the similar aims of both countries in industry and international affairs, and to arguing for the cordial support of Germany’s cause.
A complete organization was tabulated of journalists throughout the country who were sympathetic with the German cause. These men received news for publication in various papers, also instructions. By the aid of these men a vast amount of information was gathered and shunted along to Dr. Albert. In addition Dr. Albert gave consideration to still more elaborate plans for the purchase of newspapers, the starting of news syndicates and information bureaus which, apparently neutral, should be secretly allied with the German cause and supported by German money. These facts were shown by a number of papers bearing on publicity and methods of acquiring it which were found in his dossier. The papers show that in one instance he was subsidizing a weekly paper and that in return he demanded a certain policy.
The following letter throws some light on the subject:
“I request the proposal of a suitable person who can ascertain accurately and prove the financial condition of your paper. From the moment when we guarantee you a regular advance, I must—
“1. Have a new statement of the condition of your paper.
“2. Practice a control over the financial management.
“In addition to this, we must have an understanding regarding the course in politics which you will pursue, which we have not asked heretofore. Perhaps you will be so kind as to talk the matter over, on the basis of this letter, with ——.”
Plans for the purchase of an English daily in New York which would support the German cause were worked over at length by Dr. Albert and his assistants. Proof also that Dr. Albert and his associates contemplated the creation of news bureaus in New York and Berlin which would furnish and disseminate throughout the United States news favourable to the German Government is given in the memorandum prepared apparently by an expert newspaper man, outlining the plan and cost of organization and giving certain suggestions.
Dr. Albert gave consideration to the suggestion of paying the expenses of American newspaper men who would go to Germany and send back articles favourable to the German cause. He did so under orders from von Bethmann-Hollweg, the German Imperial Chancellor, who caused one of his aids to write to the German Ambassador a letter suggesting that certain journalists be invited to visit Germany.