Letter to Warren B. Walsh from Lucien Warner, with Attachments

March 11, 1943 Mr. Warren B. Walsh Director Syracuse University Rumor Clinic Maxwell Hall Syracuse, New York Dear Mr. Walsh: This is in reply to your letter of March 1 in which you dis- cuss the story of the woman and her lost ration book. This story was included in the release of the American Insti- tute of Public Opinion for January 17 or 18 in which Gallup reports on rumors prevalent in December. In addition, this story has appeared in a number of rumor columns, often with inadequate refutation. Confusion about clothing rationing is quite natural at this time and the situation is ripe for the spread of such stories. This particular story is such a neat one that I am inclined to believe that various efforts to scotch it may have given it wider distribution. The Gallup release made no effort to counteract the rumors but just reported them as a matter of human interest. Since Gallup is released throughout the country, I would not be surprised but that his report may have had something to do with the growth of the story. I'm inclined to believe that this story can be handled with a light touch pointing out the way in which it develops almost every Saturday in some city or other where people expect the pattern established by the announcement of shoe rationing to be repeated. A number of places have made such an approach to the problem with what seems to be a considerable effect. You might find it interesting to check on the experience of Dean Niles Carpenter of the School of Social Work, University of Buffalo, who has been interested in rumor control in Buffalo. He may have some suggestions or information to share. Sincerely yours, Lucien Warner Chief, Special Services Division eH Bureau of Intelligence E HOROWITZ: