Communist infiltration of Hollywood motion-picture industry : hearing before the Committee on Un-American activities, House of Representatives, Eighty-second Congress, first session (1951)

3546 COMMUNISM IN HOLLYWOOD MOTION-PICTURE INDUSTRY association with them, were completely innocent of any talk or any action that was disloyal or subversive. I do not like subversion or disloyalty in any form and if I had ever seen any I would have considered it my duty to have reported it to the proper authorities. But to hurt innocent people whom I knew many years ago in order to save myself is, to me inhuman and indecent and dis- honorable. I cannot and will not cut my conscience to fit this year's fashions, even though I long ago came to the conclusion that I was not a political person and could have no comfortable place in any political group. I was raised in an old-fashioned American tradition and there were certain homely things that were taught to me: To try to tell the truth, not to bear false witness, not to harm my neighbor, to be loyal to my country, and so on. In general, I respected these ideals of Christian honor and did as well with them as I knew how. It is my belief that you will agree with these simple rules of human decency and will not expect me to violate the good American tradition from which tbey spring. I would, therefore, like to come before you and speak of myself. I am prepared to waive the privilege against self-incrimination and to tell you everything you wish to know about my views or actions if your committee will agree to refrain from asking me to name other people. If the committee is unwilling to give me this assurance, I will be forced to plead the privilege of the fifth amendment at the hearing. A reply to this letter would be appreciated. Sincerely yours, Lillian Heixman. The answer to the letter is as follows: Dear Miss Heixman : Reference is made to your letter dated May 19, 1952, wherein you indicate that in the event the committee asks you questions regard- ing your association with other individuals you will be compelled to rely upon the fifth amendment in giving your answers to the committee questions. In this connection, please be advised that the committee cannot permit wit- nesses to set forth the terms under which they will testify. We have in the past secured a great deal of information from persons in the entertainment profession who cooperated wholeheartedly with the committee. The committee appreciates any information furnished it by persons who have been members of the Communist Party. The committee, of course, realizes that a great number of persons who were members of the Communist Party at one time honestly felt that it was not a subversive organization. However, on the other hand, it should be pointed out that the contributions made to the Communist Party as a whole by persons who were not themselves subversive made it possible for those members of the Communist Party who were and still are subversives to carry on their work. The committee has endeavored to furnish a hearing to each person identified as a Communist engaged in work in the entertainment field in order that the record could be made clear as to whether they were still members of the Communist Party. Any persons identified by you during the course of com- mittee hearings will be afforded the opportunity of appearing before the com- mittee in accordance with the policy of the committee. Sincerely yours, John S. Wood, Chairman. Now, the question was asked you of whether or not you attended this organizational meeting of the Communist Party that was de- scribed by Mr. Martin Berkeley. Miss Heixman. I must refuse to answer, on the ground that it might incriminate me. Mr. Wood. You might refuse to answer it. The question is asked, do you refuse. Miss Hellman. I am sorry, I refuse to answer on the ground that it might incriminate me. Mr. Tavenner. I desire to continue to read additional testimony as given by Mr. Berkeley.