Near the end of 1917, German-language journals published in the U.S. were required to file a “True translation” with postmasters in their city of printing for articles that discussed the U.S. government or the war (WWI). This was required by the Trading with the Enemy Act of 1917, Section 19 of TITLE 50, Appendix-War and National Defense, CH. 106, 40 STAT. 411, addressing “Print, newspaper or publication in foreign languages” (see: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode50a/usc_sec_50a_00000019----000-.html).
I am wondering if any of these “True translations” still exist? Have they been archived somewhere, and if so, how might I gain access to them?
Thank you!
Kevin M. Kurdylo, Librarian and Archivist
Max Kade Institute for German-American Studies
Dear Mr. Kurdylo,
Thank you for posting your question to History Hub. The National Archives facility in Washington, D.C. has a series of Records Relating to Mail Service during World War I that would probably be your best bet. The series description mentions records related to the Espionage Act of 1917, but it may include records related to the Trading with the Enemy Act as well. The reference staff in D.C. can be reached at archives1reference@nara.gov.
Best of luck with your research.