Evening star., 1934-04-08

| Of examinations ostensibly American
in principle. but which, rs q matter
of fact, were active In starting q move
ment similar to the Nazi movement IN
Germany and were following almost
exactly the same tactics in the United
States that the Nazis had used In Ger.
many before Hitler came into power.
We found that one of these organi-
cations claimed in its own publica-
tions to be organized in almost every
State in the Union; that it had reg
ular publications, spreading the most
vicious kind of propaganda, based on
race hatred and directly criticizing the
present administration of this Gov
ernment. Some Of these publications
appear to be protected under the pres
ent Interpretation Of second-class
mailing privileges, although much of
the matter published Is distinctly SUBJ
versive to our form of government.
All Of the facts disclosed during the
informal investigation were SO con-
vincing to the immigration Commit
tee that it unanimously accepted the
report of the subcommittee and d.
rected me to press for a formal in
vestigation, which eliminated in the
introduction of a House resolution to
provide for special committee. ap-
pointed by the Speaker, to investigate
this whole subject thoroughly.
During the course Of the informal
investigation, evidence was submitted
of additional propaganda from foreign
lands which needed investigation. And
SO the House finally adopted my reso-
luton giving exceedingly broad powers
to investigate not only the Naz propa-
ganda. but all forms Of foreign propa-
ganda which attack the principles OF
the Government as guaranteed by the
Constitution.
With the appointment Of a special
committee to make this investigation.
the time has come for every American
citizen to cooperate with this commit
tee, so that this entire matter will re-
ceive the fullest publicity in an effort
to nip in the bud a condition which
threatens the very existence of this
Government. Heretofore. We have not
had the right to subpoena necessary
witnesses. We have that right now and
we have 200 to 800 persons whom we
suspect and who will be promptly
subpoenaed.
Involves Government Welfare.
This investigation will endeavor to
establish the fact that this propa-
ganda is actually financed from Ger
many and that part of these funds
are supporting American organizations
which are active in spreading propa-
ganda which is of German origin. We
will endeavor to discover weaknesses
in our own laws which permit these
practices to 60 on right under our
noses. to correct the postal laws to
prevent abuses which we have found
to exist, and We will endeavor to
amend the immigration laws so as to
prevent aliens coming into this coun-
try apparently in illegal fashion. or
even without legal status, when their
purpose Is primarily for propaganda
work which in some instances has
been found to be almost that Of spies.
The House adopted my viewpoint
that this is a question involving the
whole welfare of the American Gov
eminent The Speaker has appointed
committee Of outstanding members
of the House who hold the same view
point. The issue involved Is whether
or not this Government can success
fully stop the infiltering from for
eign shores Of subversive propaganda
that attacks the principles of this
Government. I believe we can. The
ultimate success Of this investigation
will depend upon wide publicity Of its
proceedings, SO that the American
people as whole may know fully
what is going on in this country and
can lend their aid to putting q stop
to it.
tCopyright 1894 by the North American
Newspaper Alliance. Inc