In this rapidly expanding community, there's little room for rumors. Yet like those guests who blithely overstay their weekend, those rumors hang around, cramping our close quarters and not earning a thing.

Rumors are born out of idle minds and in our case are easily multiplied by the too easily inadvertent eavesdropping thru non-soundproof partitions. They're also attributable to self-assumed authorities letting others in on their sagacious conclusions.

It's in the realization that much of the cause lies in the absence of a specific source of information that this Manzanar FREE PRESS makes its debut. In our office we hope to make a special little room for those rumors where they can be grilled into authenticity or exposed for the flimsy fake they usually are.

We are the principals in an experiment unparralleled in the annals of American democracy. Much of our progress lies thru uncharted ground. So we can't give all the answers. We won't know the answers until we come to them.

We'll be providing the answers that a world and American public especially are asking. Democracy is being tested of its mettle right here. By our actions and attitudes we shall be responsible - responsible to this and future generations of free-men.

Truth must be the key stone of this community. So we have called this the FREE PRESS. We'll buttonhole that parasite rumor and give it the old bounce. You bring him around and we'll see how he survives.

NOTE WELL THESE BULLETINS

1. Some of the residents have lit fires and left them unattended. This constitutes a grave fire hazard. Such practices must be stopped. Residents lighting a fire must stay until it is completely out so there is no danger of its spreading.

Buckets have been placed at water barrels for emergency use in case of fire. Under no circumstances are these buckets to be removed for any other purpose.

2. When fuses blow out DO NOT use pennies as a substitute. This is an invitation to fire and must be stopped immediately.

If a fuse needs to be replaced, notify the fire warden in your block - his identification is a white arm band and he will see that a new fuse is placed.

3. An employee of the Western Truck Co. will be in the Information Center from noon to 1 p.m. daily except Mondays.

Those who sent for their baggage COD should report to this office at that hour prepared to pay in cash.

4. Residents are not to send for beds after their arrival here.

5. Rides are not to be had on any equipment of the contractor. Please do not ask for rides.

6. A block leader has been appointed to each block by the administration to act in a supervisory & recording capacity.

Among his duties is a nightly check-up and roll call which is conducted between 6 and 11 p.m. depending on the habits of each particular block.

This nightly check-up and roll call is an order from the army command and must be adhered to conserve the relative freedom which we enjoy at present, as well as for the security and protection of all of us. The administration requests full co-operation in this matter.

Doors are not be locked from within until this check-up has been made.