HAYS, Will H. - Putnam

Sullivan, Ind April 18 - Will H. Hays filed suit for divorce from Helen Thomas Hays of this city in the local Circuit Court late today.

Mr. Hays, president of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, asked custody of their son, Will H. Hays, Jr. 14 years old.

The petition gives incompatibility as the basis for the suit and says the couple has not lived together for several years.

Mr. and Mrs. Hays were married in Crawfordsville  in 1902, where Mrs. Hays' father, Judge AD Thomas resided.

Hays was Republican national chairman in 1920 and was postmaster general in President Harding's Cabinet.  He left this post to become head of the motion picture producers organization.  Hays also was formerly chairman of the Republican state committee in Indiana.

Michael E. Foley, Indianapolis attorney, after entering an appearance for Mrs. Hays, made the following statement: "I have known Mr. and Mrs. Hays intimately for many years. I was the law partner of Mrs. Hays'

father, Judge A.D. Thomas, for 9 years.  Our relations were most intimate and pleasant and in that connection I have known Mrs. Hays very well.  Will Hays and I were fellow students in Wabash College.  I am familiar with all of the circumstances in this case.  For several years because of incompatibility they have not lived together.  Proper settlements have been agreed upon and the custody of the son is to be given the father.