OPTIONAL FORM NO, 10 $010—104 UNITED .STATES wu ~ Qemenr ® ; ~Memorandum - ecfseunu TO SAC (100-111180) DATE: 4/17/64 FROM SA JAMES M, KIRBY (414) DOWNGRADED TO SECRET SUBJECT: STANLEY LEVISON IS-C pee CCHe Sede) . Date AE VC On 4/9/64, NY 694-S* made the following observations with regard to the CP svatus of STANLEY LEVISON: LEVISON has been an important Party member for many years and never at any time differed with-the Party with respect to the Party line. His only difference with the Party has been with respect to the fact that in his opinion the Party was not sufficiently "militant" in defending Negro rights. In this respect, he has been to the "left" of the Party. "tactical." He has never criticized the Party, except with - respect to the Party's handling of the Negro question. ‘The fact that he does not accept domination by the Party with regard to the MARTIN LUTHER KING movement should not be construed respects, relations to mean that he has broken with the Party in all with LEVISON as it was in the past. It should be noted that LEVISON never has been officially "drummed out" of the Party, nor has anyone ever .criticized him for being opposed to the Party's general principles, It further should be noted that according to the CP Constitution, it would require formal expulsion of LEVISON to state that he is officially out of the Party. LEVISON never LEVISON's differences with the Party are merely The Party today is as anxious to reestablish friendly he does not continue to that it would be in the movement, with which he i Xempe from JIMK:imma Pte ot (1) NW 55081 rllrnebl Pade’o repudiate the Party, which he has never done, further noted that in an effort to renew friendly relations a Classified 13 “L Cl & t Wer DS” G alonory Declassifios ation T; b indefinite 5 AT“ JOT3 has said anything reflecting that he a CP member, It should be noted interests of the MARTIN LUTHER KING ls associated, if he would publicly It should be Sy SERIALIZED... Annas aaeeaes , APR 17 1964 ‘LFBL- NEW YORK
. | Ae sca NY 100~111180 with LEVISON, the Party designated BEN DAVIS to contact LEVISON. -LEVISON had always expressed the opinion that BEN DAVIS was the only CP funectionary who had a sufficiently "militant attitude" as regards CP activities in behalf of the Negro movement. The fact that DAVIS and LEVISON as yet have not met should not be construed to mean that LEVISON has refused to confer with DAVIS, As NY 694.S* understands the situation, DAVIS has been awaiting contact by LEVISON, and LEVISON similarly has been awaiting contact by DAVIS. Each of these individuals is sufficiently egotistical to expect that the other would make the first move in an effort to establish contact. NY 694-S* believes that probably the reason why DAVIS and LEVISON have not met is that arrangements for their meeting were to be made by LEM HARRIS and that- HARRIS has not made the proper efforts to effect a meeting between LEVISON and DAVIS. NY 694-S* has never obtained any information re- flecting that LEVISON has changed his thinking with regard to Marxism. Even though his present estrangement from the Party might be construed as reflecting he is no longer a CP member, there is no reason to come to the conclusion that LEVISON is no longer an ideological Communist. JACK talked to LEM HARRIS yesterday who said he contacted STAN LEVENSON by phone and was given a cordial hello which was a change from the past when he was cool. LEM said he had not seen LEVENSON, tried to call him and would like to see him immediately to which LEVENSON said, "T would like very much to see you but I don't have the time now, I'm leaving and packing for a trip. I will he glad to see you in six weeks," LEVENSON implied that he was going to Ecuador but LEM doesn't know why. ‘There was no anger shown, and LEVENSON will see LEM when he returns in six weeks, whe SECREY =O WW 55081 Docld:32969538 Page 3
- -- OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 SO10-106 MAY 1462 EDITION — GSA GEN. REG. NO. 27 ‘ UNITED STATES GOV } MENT Memorandum TO SAC, NEW YORK (100-111180) : DATE: FROM SA FRANCIS T. LEONARD | SUBJECT: STANLEY DAVID LEVISCN , IS-C The following is being submitted as a characterization of the susjfect: STANLEY LEVISON i8 2 secret member of the Communist Party, United States of America (CPUSA). AY Bo duly 16, 1963 NY T- is NY 694-S5*, A three by five caré nas been prepa the above characterization and wiil be filed the NYO. . ” DOWNGRADED TO /s-AY (100-111180) (414) FIL: pmv -< 747 (/ (2) Be eT foro ane FA YS . . i fk . * ne sgr she seco “ith mia Classitiess Py Exempt fro om €.25, * : Date ol Deck psy gcauon natant £.t HW ww sified Mt Gi fp - ra SECRET or CHINE TSS per COBEN borg