Hearings regarding the communist infiltration of the motion picture industry. Hearings before the Committee on Un-American Activities, House of Representatives, Eightieth Congress, first session. Public law 601 (section 121, subsection Q (1947)

148 COMMUNISM IN MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY In the reiiefrotialion of tliiit contract they Avoiikl have l)een in a jjositioii to insist on control of their own material, and that if it is ever achieved will be tlie end of the free screen in America. Ml-. Smith. Mr. McCJuinness, as I recall your testimony, you have stated that you believe these Conununists were enemies — of a foreign agent — or agents of a foreign government. Mv. AfcGuiNXEss. I ])elieve them to be definitely in the service of a foreign government. I do not know whether all of them consciously know they are, but the directives come to them from on high, and they carry them out. Mr. Smith. Have you any further suggestions for tlie consideration of this committee as to how to combat this serious problem? Mr. McCtuinness. I think that the first and primary requisite is edircation of the American public to the menace that exists and to the methods used in the unions, in the guilds, and in the various mediums of communication by j)arty members and paity liners. I believe beyond that, as I said l)efore, that legislation is necessary. I would be reluctant to see legislation directed at anyone for his political beliefs, but I believe that the time will come when it is vital for the continued existence of our Nation to recognize this enemy in our midst as an enemy. We cannot sacrifice our own freedom to those who are using it for the purpose of destroying freedom. Mr. Smith. Those are all the questions I.have, Mr. Chairman. The Chairman. Mr. Wood. Mr. Wood. Mr. ]\IcGuinness, I gather from your testimony that you have never had occasion to question the loyalty and the patriotism of any of the picture producers or responsible studio heads? Mr. McGuixNEss. I not only don't question it, I assert that they are loyal and patriotic. Mr. Wood. Counsel has asked you a question as to whether or not in your own opinion the effect of the elimination from the industry of these writers and others who are recognized as embracing communistic doctrines would weaken the efficiency of the industry, itself, and I understood you to say that in your opinion it wouldn't ; isn't that correct ? ]VIr. McGuiNNEss. That is correct. Mr. Wood. You did state, however, as I recall, that you would not advocate any legislation or action of any sort that would deprive a man of his livelihood by reason of his political beliefs? Mr. McGuiNXEss. I did. Mr. Wood. To which sentiment I subscribe heartijy. But there are nations in this worhl of ours today that practice a political philosophy that is embraced and is being preached by people who subscribe to that faith in this country; isn't that right ? Mr. ]\IcGriNXEss. Yes. Mr. Wood. And don't you think it would be a sort of considerable educational value if those people should ply their trade and engage in their activities in countries that are c(mtrolled by that philosophy? Mr. McGuiNNESs. I thir.k tliat would be ideal. I don't know wdiether you can achieve it or not. Mr. Wood. And do you know of any instance in which any jierson of that political belief in this country would have any difficulty in obtaining access to the countries that recognize that political })hilosophy ?