PAPER FOR DISCUSSION AT POLICY COMMITTEE ON 30th MAY 1940.
ALLIED PROPAGANDA IN U.S.A.

The spreading of allied propaganda in the United States of America is becoming increasingly difficult whereas the Germans are in a far better position even if their propaganda is frequently subversive and its results in many instances are contrary to those aimed at. It appears, therefore, that new means must be found to influence American public opinion in such a way that nobody can trace the propagandistic element as emanating from Britain. One of the main objections against British propaganda probably is that it is considered to be Imperialistic. That could not possibly be the case with Norwegian or Swedish propaganda. It is suggested that one or several agents, travelling on Norwegian diplomatic passports and officially acting as assistant Press Attachés to the Norwegian Legation in Washington, be selected to proceed to U.S.A. as soon as possible. They should go to Washington and contact the British Embassy for instructions before going on an extensive tour through the States, particularly those where the Scandinavian element prevails or is noticeably large. The tour must be planned in detail by the Norwegian Legation in Washington who should in advance make the necessary arrangements with Norwegian and Swedish societies of which there are many branches throughout the country. On no account must these agents communicate directly with the British Embassy in Washington otherwise than by personal visits. They should travel with the object of fermenting the national feelings of the Scandinavian American population, stimulating their willingness to contribute to the Norwegian collections that have, no doubt, already started, and also promoting the enrolment of volunteers. Thus they would directly help the allied cause particularly by getting funds for Norway. But at the same time they should constantly and imperceptibly spread British propaganda, to what extent and in what way must be discussed in detail with the Ministry of Information. Very precise instructions must be given on this subject and the men must be carefully trained in London before going to America. They should be given free access to the archives containing documents appertaining to the activities of British agents in the U.S.A. during the last war and they should carefully study the speeches of Mr. Duff Cooper during his recent tour in America and also newspaper comment on them. The agents should have a salary of $6,000 a year, all their travelling expenses should be paid and when at work they should be provided with a daily allowance of $40. They should not throw their money about ostentatiously but should be in a position to live on a certain standard and to entertain people whenever they deem it useful. They should have a contract for one year with a length of notice of three months. In the event of peace they should receive three months salary and a cabin-class ticket from New York to Southampton.

The task of these agents would be greatly facilitated if broadcasts for Scandinavian-Americans could be arranged from London, preferably in the early hours of the morning when short wavelengths would be available for the purpose. These broadcasts should not contain any obvious propaganda. They should give the latest news, particularly from the Scandinavian countries and Finland, and it can safely be anticipated that they would be welcome.

It would be gratifying if this matter could be taken up at once for nothing is to be gained by unnecessary delay.

London, April 25th, 1940.

Hans Ostelius