Evening star., 1947-10-20

for the 10 film industry figures who
sought to have the subpoenas
quashed, started their move. Mr.
Thomas had finished reading his
opening statement, which explained
the reason for the investigation and
which included the declaration,
there Is no question that there are
Communists in Hollywood"
After Identifying himself as an
attorney for the 10 and recalling
he had filed a telegram with the
committee asking the subpoenas be
quashed. Mr.. Kenny said he
thought "the most orderly way" to
begin the investigation would be
to dispose Of the motion. Chair
man Thomas interrupted him to
ask mis- name. Mr.. Kenny gave it
and introduced Mr.. Crum. \
MIR. Thomas told Mr.. Kenny his
witnesses would not be called till
next week, next Monday at the
earliest. He said the brief would
be received and taken untier ad-
visement.
Mr.. Kenny attempted to pur-
sue the matter, but Mr.. Thomas
rapping his gavel, said:
"You can discuss the matter fur
ther when you present. your wit
nesses."
Hearing Begins Promptly.
Mr.. Kenny again began to speak
MIR. Thomas, displaying irritation,
then explained that the committee
had established certain procedure
and commented:
"You, as former attorney general
in the State of California, should
know the necessity for preserving
that procedure"
For third time Mr.. Kenny tried
toscontinue, beginning, May I just
ask"
"You may not ask one more thing
at this time" Mr.. Thomas stated
firmly. But please be seated"
Mr.. Thomas opening statement
contained his expression of the
committees convictions that some
Communist elements were at work
in the film capital, but emphasized
it was not felt the majority of the
industry had been affected by their
efforts.
1--WE want to know" Mr.. Thomas
continued, What strategic positions
In the industry have been captured
by these elements whose loyalty is
pledged in words and deed to the
interests of a foreign power"
From preliminary investigations,
Mr.. Thomas said, the committee has
learned that Communists have had
considerable success" in wedging
into the motion picture industry.
But that, he added, Is no cause for
condemnation Of the entire industry
with such vast influence over
the lives Of American citizens as
the motion picture industry exerts, u
he continued, ut is not unnatural
in fact it is very logical, that sub
versive and undemocratic forces
should attempt to use this medium
for un-American purposes"
A total of 40 witnesses have been
called by>the committee, but the
lawyers for only 10 of these witnesses
were involved in the attack on the
subpoenas,
McNutt Request Rejected.
When Mr.. Warner took the stand,
he was accompanied by Mr.. McNutt
who told the committee he repre-
sented the Motion Picture Associa-
ton of America and the Associa-
ton of Motion Picture Producers.
f. Mr.. Thomas asked him If he
represented in any way the 10 in
fvolved in the subpoena quashing
move.
II do not" replied Mr.. McNutt
Mr.. Thomas then told him he
would be permitted to advise his
clients only on questions Of con-
stitutional right.
Mr.. NcNatt asked for permission
to cross-examine witnesses. Mr.
Thomas replied that was counter to
the policy of the committee, and
you are no different from any
other attorneys who have appeared
this year."
Mr.. Warner, after answering rou.
tine questions, asked permission tt
read a statement when Mr.. Stripping
asked him: "Since you have beer
in Hollywood, has there ever beer
period when Communists infil.
trated Hollywood?"
Suggests pest Removal Fund"
In his statement, Mr.. Warner de.
clared his firm belief" that nj
Warner Bros. picture "can be fairly
judged to be hostile to our country
or communistic in tone or purpose.
He said he and his brothers woule
be "happy to subscribe generously
to a pest-removal fund" to ship tt
Russia people who don't like oul
American system of Government
and prefer the communistic system
to ours
He recalled that in his Hollywood
testimony he stated that certain
people whom we let go" were SUBJ
sequently hired by other studios
but he emphasized that "the pro.
ducers who hired the men we dis
charged are good Americans"
/ When Mr.. Warner finished his
statement, MIR. STRIPPING repeated
his question about Communist in
filtration in Hollywood.
II have never seen a Communist
and I wouldn't know one if I saw
him." Mr.. Warner replied.
Group Of Pictures Named.
Then Mr.. Stripping started read
ing from Mr.. Warmers testimony be-
fore the committee in Hollywood
Several times, Mr.. Warner inter-
rupted to change the word Com
munist" to "un-American." Mr.
Thomas observed there was little
Because Of
Mr. 6. +. Die