Each person applying for employes at any public employment office shall file, in such form and manner as the director may require, a signed statement affirming or denying the existence of an industrial dispute, strike, or lockout at or in connection with the business or place of business for which such person is applying for help. Any citizen or employe may file at any public employment office a signed statement with regard to the existence of an industrial dispute, strike, or lockout affecting any business or trade. Each statement filed shall be exhibited in the public employment office, but not until it has been communicated to the employes affected if filed by employers, or to the employers affected if filed by citizen or employes. In case a reply to such a statement is received, it shall be exhibited, together with the original statement, in the public employment office; but no statement or reply thereto shall be so exhibited until it has been ascertained, upon investigation, that an industrial dispute, strike, or lockout does exist at or in connection with the business or place of business in question. No official of the bureau¹ shall assist, in any manner whatsoever, any person, firm, association, or corporation who is a party to an industrial dispute, strike, or lockout. Each person applying to any public employment office for help or employment shall give such information as the director may require.