2
Exchange of
Information ~
Within Svstem
Recommendation
I OG CL ens
COMMITTEE REPORT
such as by addresses of the officials of the Federal Reserve Board
and of the district banks, sufficient information should be given about
the determining factors in the situation so that intelligent men may
be able to engage in frank and friendly criticism. And more than
this is necessary. It would be evidently advantageous if as a regular
feature of reserve bank practice full and detailed publicity were
given to the purposes and results of various policies after the situa-
tion with which they were concerned had developed to such a point
as would make such a statement practicable.
There is need also for greater exchange of information and clear
opinion within the system itself. The regional reserve bank should
be thoroughly familiar with the policies of the Federal Reserve
Board and the reasons therefor. Only thus can they be in a position
to chart their own course and to enlighten the member banks. Not
otherwise may there be expected the fullest comprehension of prob-
lems and solutions, with wholehearted and intelligent cooperation.
There may be some justification upon occasions for not taking the
entire public into confidence; there is little for lack of frankness
between the Board and the reserve banks.
The Committee concludes that the grant of liberal legislative
powers to the Reserve Board and to the reserve banks imposes upon
them the responsibility of providing the public, not only with an
ample amount of factual and statistical credit information, but also
with the means of determining the purposes of major policies.
The Committee recommends that the management of the reserve
system should provide the public with such an ample amount of in-
formation as to operations and policies as will permit the formation
of sound public opinion.
H. A. WHEELER, Chairman
SEWELL L. AVERY
Jurius H. BARNES
A. J. BROSSEAU
WALTER S. BUCKLIN
CHARLES S. CALWELL
W. F. GEPHART
C. T. JAFFRAY
JoHN G. LONSDALE
W. S. McLucas
R. GoobwyYN RHEIT
PAUL SHOUP