How the Nations Treat Their Journalists

In America. In America the railways, telephones, and telegraphs belong to companies, not to the government. These companies give journalists various privileges, each company as it sees fit. And all these companies are agreed on not granting journalists the right of free travel at all; instead they give them reductions of up to 50 percent.

In England. In England reduced 'Party tickets' are issued, like those sold to groups on their travels, giving the right to a reduction of 30 percent. This reduced ticket is granted on the strength of a letter sent by the newspaper to the competent authority, setting out the journalist's mission and the destination to which he intends to travel; a round-trip ticket at the said discount is then issued to him.

In Turkey. Journalists in Turkey are divided into three classes:

1 - Those attached to the proprietors of the Turkish press, who carry yellow cards. 2 - Assistant journalists, who carry green cards. 3 - Visiting (foreign) journalists, who carry blue cards.

The government has granted the first and third classes special privileges in the matter of transport, which may be summed up as follows:

1 - Foreign non-resident journalists (guests) travel on all lines free of charge.

2 - National journalists and foreigners resident in Turkey travel at a reduction of 50 percent.

And there are circumstances, at the government's discretion, that allow of free journeys.

In Italy. The publications office in Italy gives journalists facilities and privileges that do not vary, namely:

1 - Travel tickets at a discount of 75 percent — coupons for round-trip travel, in books each containing 12 or 14 coupons.

2 - Travel tickets at a discount of 50 percent for journalists' wives and families.

3 - A free pass over the whole length of the lines for one year, given in special circumstances or on special assignment from the government.

4 - A free family ticket for one journey a year. — 'Al-Nashms'