The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-06-05

Fannick post sent a letter to the superintendent commenting him on his stand, while last night the Ger man organization passed a resolu- tion approving and appreciating' the barring of the picture. Also supporting Supt. Roach in his ban are the Knights of Columbus American Legion, Veterans of For eign Wars, Lithuanian Legion Italian-American World War Vet erans, Irish War Veter- ans and the Italian American Fed eration of Societies and Clubs, rep resenting IS organizations.
 The only organization on record thus far as favoring the granting of a permit for the showing of the film is the Lithuanian Citizens Political Club.
 Hcly Name Societies
 It was reported today Holy Name Societies in Catholic churches about the city would take action on the controversy over the weekend and strongly endorse the ban on the Spanish picture. The film was pro- duced by Amkino, American branch of the official propaganda organiza- tion of Soviet Russia, Sovkino.
 Before refusing the permit, Sup erintendent Roach investigated and found that Spain in Flames" had been forbidden showings in several states and in many cities about the country. The ban was protested by the ministers yesterday ss neither democratic nor American
 In 8 communication signed by eight Protestant clergymen, the signers state they wish it thorough ly understood that they "are not communists They admit in the let ter that there may be features in the picture with which we. do not agree but claim that the film should be given a showing.
 The speaker at tonight's mass meeting, Dr. Gonzalez, is a native of Spain. He has been a writer and teacher in this country for some years. He was born and educated in Spain, coming to this country 20 years ago to study at the Union Theological Seminary, Rochester, N. Y., from which institution he was graduated. He is said to have held several teaching posts, one of them lecture appointment at the Hart ford Pathological Seminary.
 Rev. T. c. Bobilin, pastor of the First Methodist church, will discuss Civil Liberties in Waterbury" as another of the speakers, pr. Emily Pierson, of Cromwell, will give an address on Civil Liberties in Con- necticut." Rev. Wayne White will act as chairman of the meeting.
 North American Committee
 The statement of the local chap ter of the North American Com mittee to Aid Spanish democracy was signed by Rev. Alison J. Smith, of the Grace Methodist-Episcopal church, Waterville; Rev. Edgar N. Jackson, of the Thomaston Meth- odist church; and Rev. Wayne White, pastor of the Naugatuck Methodist church.
 The following clergymen joined with the three members of the com- mittee in protesting the ban on Spain in Flames" here: Rev. Dr. John c. Walker, pastor of the Sec ond Congregational church; Rev. Thomas s. Cochard, pastor of the Prospect Congregational church; and Rev. William F. Davis, Jr., pas tor of the Watertown Methodist church. On Thursday Rev. T. Le- Roy Crosby, pastor of the South Federated church; Rev. Harold E. Craw, associate pastor of the First Congregational church; and Rev. Theodore c. Bobilin, pastor of the First Methodist church
 At its meeting yesterday after noon the committee and the clergy men associated with it voted to carry on the fight against the ban ming of the picture here. There was lengthy discussion as to whether court action should be taken to force Superintendent Roach to issue permit for the picture. When he refused the permit, the superintend- ent told the applicants that he was rejecting it sufficiently early enough to allow them time to take what ever legal steps they desired
 The committee studied informa- tion that the film had been exhib- ited in 60 cities in the United States. It was stated that the picture ran for three weeks at the Cameo the ater and later was shown in several of New York's boroughs. Superin- tendent Roach had stated previous ly that he was informed that the film had been banned in New York after two performances.
 More Material
 Waterbury. Conn.,,
 June 4, 1887.
 Dear MT. Editor:
 We are enclosing some material regarding the picture Spain in Flames" which has just been banned by our superintendent of police on the grounds that it was "controversiap and therefor unfit for Waterbury people to see.