"If we ever get bombed," said the New York Daily News in a note to staff members, "you'll need a pass to enter restricted areas, or for that matter, maybe to get into the News Building . . . Before the pass is issued, however, the Office of Civilian Defense requires that you sign the attached oath of loyalty." Similar notices were tacked on most Manhattan newsroom bulletin boards last week, or sent to newsmen.
In signing, newsmen simply agreed to "defend the Constitution," and swore they belonged to no organization which would overthrow the Government. Most of them hastily filed their...