Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-07-25
Ford Unit Denounces
Theory Foundation
Conspire on u. 5.

groups carry on a giant con-
spiracy to subvert or re-shape
this country.
H. Rowan Gather, jr., pres
ident and trustee Of the founda-
ton, filed sworn statement
with the five-member special
committee. He protested the
foundation was "maligned" by
witnesses at the open sessions.
He declared the committees
decision July 2 to discontinue
public hearings and merely
invite written statements from
the foundations was a "puzzling
and unexpected act of injustice. +"
The July 2 action by which
the three Republican members
voted to end open hearings over
the objections of the two DEM
ocratic members resulted mainly
from Democratic obstruction
list" tactics, Chairman Reece Of
Tennessee contended. He singled
out Representative Hays. DEM
ocrat. of Ohio, as having caused
dissension at the open hearings.
Mr.. Hays retorted that the in
veStigation was slanted against
the big foundations. He charged
that much biased and erroneous
testimony was given by several
witness, including committee
staff research officials.
Blasts TnnuendOes.'
The Ford Foundations state
ment was the last of several re-
ceived from organizations men,
toned in the earlier testimony.
Chairman Reece has not midi
Gated whether the committee
will hold closed sessions or how
soon it might submit a report.
The House last week was asked
in resolution by Representative
Javits. Republican, of New York,
to look into the matter with q
view to ending the lnvestiga-
ton.
In the 9,000-word statement,
Mr.. Gather defended the aims
and activities of the Ford Toun-
dalton. He denied testimony
which he said ranged from
sweeping innuendoes to detailed
allegations of wrong doing" He
rejected ''insinuations made in
the record of the hearings that
certain Ford Foundation en-
ployes are disloyal or subver-
sive." He said the foundation
never has made grants to any
subversive organization or per-
sons.
AS for the giant conspiracy"
theory he said was voiced by
some witnesses critical Of the
Ford Foundation and others, Mr..
Gather attacked 1t as being
erroneous" and likely to cause
grave damage" to education and
science.
"Disservice to Public"
Directing to the shutting of
Of public hearings, Mr.. Gather
said this was more than q matter
Of not giving the Ford Founda-
ton an opportunity to make a
reply in open session.
ITO leave this investigation in
any sense incomplete would be
a reflection on Congress and a
disservice to the public" he
stated. 1T would leave the door
ajar to repeated Investigations
with all their immense cost in
terms Of time, money and effort
to Congress and to the founda-
tions and the unavoidable effect
on the morale, initiative and
freedom of scientific, educational
and charitable organizations"
Mr.. Gather urged the COM
mittee to take positive steps"
to dispel any impression that
foundation trustees have no close
knowledge Of operations, that
foundation staff "schemers"
really make the decisions, and
that they have engineered "a
giant conspiracy subverting our
people, our institutions and our
Government" to produce the
major political, social and eco
nomic changes Of the past so
years.
Mistaken Theory"
1.-THE potential usefulness Of
foundations at this critical time
in history would be destroyed If
the Nation were to forsake its
heritage of freedom and accept
the conspiracy theory advanced
in the record Of these hearings, /"
he continued. II join in reject
ing this frightened and mistaken
theory.
1.-THE trustees and officers Of
the Ford Foundation have no
hesitancy In defending the insti-
buttons and individuals that
make up private philanthropy
We attach great Importance to
the successful defense Of private
| philanthropy In America because
it Is an important exercise Of the
rights Of private association and
private action. We have seen
the collapse Of free forms OF
society where such rights are
curtailed. We think the public
interest has not been served
through the attacks which with
in the last two years have twice
been leveled on so vital o part
Of our free and democratic sys-
tenn"
| Mr.. Gather concluded his
statement with q request that
the committee not only denounce
AL irresponsible testimony In
sinuating that foundations have
been party to o subversive con-
spiracy," but that it "encouragt
the maintenance and growth 81
conditions under which philan.
thropy can flourish as an int.
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