Armament > Co-operation of the press in the organisation of peace

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of the distribution of news, seem to belong naturally to the League of Nations This can only mean an international
journalistic monopoly at Geneva which, apart from political difficulties, would run counter to the interests of the
journalistic world. . . ,
M. Urgoiti’s proposal “ to constitue an exclusively professional international body to which the national journa is s
associations would be responsible ” would not appear to be practicable. The associations cannot be responsible to anyone
for the professional conduct of individual members; they can merely strike off their lists any members found to b
in carrying out their professional duties. More cannot be demanded.
The only way to obtain practical results is that adopted in Italy, where journalistic work is entrusted under suitable
laws to persons of recognised honesty, education and sense of responsibility. Special lists (albi) are prepared, and, i any
person fails in his difficult duty, his name is struck off the list and he may not continue to exercise a profession for w ic
he has shown himself to be morally unfitted or without the necessary political sense and responsibility. In other words
the adventurer and the ignoramus must not be allowed to engage in the profession of journalism merely out of regard
for the fetish of liberty. . ,, c, , „
In view of the above remarks, I think the Danish Government’s proposal to convene the heads of the State Press
bureaux is of some value; but such a meeting might give better results if the heads of the national journalistic organisations
also took part.
(Signed) Ermanno Amicucci,
Secretary.
12. NEW ZEALAND.
United Press Association, Limited.
Wellington, March 24th, 1932.
While our association has every sympathy with the desire of the League of Nations to eliminate the spread of false
or misleading news, it has, at present, no suggestion to offer, feeling that the present system, which has stood the test of
many years, meets its requirements as far as reliability and authenticity are concerned.
(Signed) A. B. Lane,
Manager.
13. NETHERLANDS.
“ Katholieke Nederlandsche Dagbladpers ” (Association of Directors of Roman
Catholic Newspapers).
[Translation) The Ha«ue' ^ 3rd’ ,932'
We are deeply interested in the question of the "dissemination of such false information as may hinder the mamten-
ance of peace and good understanding among the peoples . ...
We are gratified to note the very excellent work which the League of Nations is doing in this connection. The idea
of Catholic journalism, which our association sets before it, implies at the same time the ideal of peace.
In considering how the circulation of false news can be prevented, we feel that, in the first place, it is absolutely
essential to obtain an accurate idea of the extent of the evil. The League of Nations could, we believe, set up a body to
explore the little-known field of false news. .
A body of this kind under the League’s patronage, especiahy if it could be based on a federation of associations
of newspaper directors and if all complaints of false news could be referred to it, would be able to make very definite
proposals after some little time. . *
Finally we take the liberty to point out that most civilised nations have found in the right of reply a means of
combating the abuse of the freedom of the Press. We feel that if this right were recognised in international law it should
prove an effective remedy against the evil, which must be dealt with at all costs.
(Signed) Alf. Pott.
Chairman.
Secretary.
“Nederlandsche Dagbladpers ” (Association of Newspaper Editors).
[Translation.')
Haarlem, April 14th, I932-
We believe that in some cases where false information is disseminated the Press is entirely innocent. This is so
when it is able to obtain its information only from official sources, as in war-time, and the official communiques are
influenced by considerations of the national interest.