War-dated TLS as president, one page, 7 x 8.75, White House letterhead, March 23, 1942. Roosevelt writes to Barnet Nover, President of Overseas Writers, in full: “A correspondent at the front plays a most important part. Like anyone in a responsible place he is in the position to perform valuable service or to do much harm. A great correspondent must have the intuitive judgment necessary to guide him in deciding what comment to make and what not to make. There is a question of timing that is important but with all his reports, like those of the staff officer, should contribute to an accurate impression of the overall trend of developments. On the occasion of the twenty-first anniversary of the founding of this organization may I convey to Overseas Writers and to their guests my congratulations and very best wishes.” A uniform block of toning over the text from previous display, and some heavier toning along the edges, otherwise fine condition.
During World War II, Roosevelt recognized the necessity of limiting information given to the press, but also believed that reporting the war to the public was critical. To ensure a balance between these objectives, he set two conditions for the media: their reporting must be accurate and could not aid the enemy. His administration set up the Office of Censorship, which issued its first Voluntary Censorship Code a month prior to this letter. Although the office cajoled journalists into complying, the ultimate responsibility for abiding by the censorship rules was with the individual reporter. In his letter to Barnet Nover, a nationally syndicated Washington Post columnist and editorial writer, FDR stresses this self-censorship requirement. Since managing the war coverage of journalists abroad was especially important, Roosevelt addresses the Overseas Writers Club, a group of diplomatic reporters founded following the Versailles Peace Conference in 1921. A striking letter in which FDR articulates the recently enacted censorship policies of his administration. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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