Evening star., 1950-08-02
Nicely Pressing
Plan 10 Probe
Senator to Request
Committee Vote
On Inquiry Today

An investigation of re-tapping
by Washington Metropolitan po-
lice may be ordered this after
noon by the Senate District Com
mittee.
Chairman Neely was prepared to
bring before the unit, at special
session at 3 pm, resolution di-
recting such an inquiry, it was re-
liably reported. Some informants
said enough votes already had
been lined up to assure the in
vestigation.
Senate action would not be
necessary, since each standing
committee of the Senate has
authority under the Congressional
Reorganization Act to make in
vestigations pertinent to its work.
May Center on Shimon.
1t. Joseph w. Shimon, formerly
chief investigator for the United
States Attorney here, is said to be
a focal point in the inquiry because
of accusations that he had a hand
in the tapping of the telephone of
Howard Hughes during the 1947
Senate investigation of the plane
builders wartime contracts.
1t. Shimon was transferred to
the Fourteenth. then to the Sec
ond, Precinct after city authorizes
made an investigation of his work. !
The Federal grand jury here,
meanwhile, was plowing ahead to-
day with its own investigation of
the Wiretap accusations reported
against 1t. Shimon.
Expected to testify during the
day was man identified by Gov
eminent source as Bill Nolan"
This witness answered a subponea
yesterday but was excused, osten-
sibly to return today.
Long time court attaches who
saw the witness yesterday identi-
fed him as William j. Nolan, presi-
dent of the Nolan Finance Co.,
1102 New York avenue NV.
Denies Being at Courthouse
Reached by telephone later in
the day, Mr.. Nolan denied it was
he who had appeared in the court
81
denied he ever knew 1t. Shimon
Oh that the policeman had ever
been business associate of his.
The three policemen, all former
aides of 1t. Shimon in his now
disbanded special squad, who tes-
. titled on Monday were grilled
again yesterday. The three. Detec-
tive John McHale and Detective
Sergts. James G. Bryant and
George H. Robson, remain subject
to recall today after lengthy in
dividual sessions with the grand
jury yesterday.
One other witness testifying
yesterday remained unidentified,
as the Government maintained a
strict Shroud of secrecy over the
proceedings.
Report Sought by Neely.
Recently, Senator Neely sought
access to a report on the Shimon
case drafted by Maj. Robert j.
Barrett, superintendent Of police.
At the time, this was withheld be-
cause the Barrett report had been
submitted to the Justice Depar-
ment.
Likewise. Attorney General Nc
Grath, former chairman OF the
Senate District Committee, did not
release the Barrett report.
At the time, also. Senator Nicely
maintained his belief that he
would be given the report sooner
or later. If the Senate District
Committee orders its representa-
tives and staff to go into the mat
ter, this would be one way to
bring the report to the surface,
some say.
There were prospects that a
political fight might develop out of
the case, since there was bitter
fight during the 1947 Hughes in
vestigation between the plane
builder and Senator Brewster, Re-
publican, of Maine, now chair
man of the Senate Republican
Campaign Committee.
Lucas Confirms Discussion.
Senate Majority Leader Lucas
last night confirmed reports that
the overlapping investigation
plan had been discussed at recent
meetings of the Senate Democratic
Policy Committee. He added, how
ever, that this group had taken
no action since it was a matter
within the purview of the District
Committee.
Senator Neely, just back from a
trip to West Virginia, withheld
any statement last night but did
not deny Capital Hill reports about
the Oendinp nrohe