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COMMUNISM IN MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY 387
answer to the questions, accordino; to my understanding: of what protections are offered tlie American people, and I object violently to the procedure this connnittee engages in. in an attempt to make people state what they think, believe, with whom they associate, whom they go to dinner with, or what have you.
The Chairman. The only part of your answer I can remember is that part about General Eisenhower; and I don't think that is a
Mr. Bessie. May I ask if you would have General Eisenhower here and ask him
Mr. Stripling. Just a minute.
The Chairman. Just a minute.
IVIi'. Bessie. And ask him whether he is a member of the Kepublican or Democratic Party.
The Chairman. I don't think that was a responsive answer to the question. What we are attempting to do — wdiat this committee of Congress is attempting to do — is to ascertain the extent of Communist infiltration in the moving-picture industry.
Mr. Bessie. I don't believe that that is what this committee is trying to do.
The Chairman. Just a minute
Mr. Bessie. I believe what this committee is trying to do
(The chairman pounds gavel.)
Mr. Bessie. Is to do exactly the same thing
The Chairman. I am tellmg you what the committee is trying to do. We know exactly what the committee is trying to do.
Mr. Bessie. I have my own opinion of it.
The Chairman. That is all right; you can have any opinion you want.
]Mr. Bessie. Thank you.
The Chairman. The committee would like to know now whether you have ever been a member of the Communist Party or whether you are a member of the Communist Party now?
Mr. Bessie. I have given you several answers to that question, and that is the best I can do for you, Mr, Chairman.
The Chairman. Then do you
Mr. Bessie. Because I believe you are violating my rights as an American citizen.
The Chairman. So you refuse?
Mr. Bessie. I am not refusing. I have told you that is the answer I have given j^ou. The answer is now recorded several times. I don't believe you have the right to ask this question of anybody.
The Chairman. It is very apparent you are following the same line of these other witnesses.
Mr. Bessie. I am following no line
The Chairman (continuing). Which is definitely the Communist line.
Mr. Bessie. I am using my own head, which I am f)rivileged to do.
The Chairman. You are excused. If you want to make a speech, go out here under a big tree.
JSIr. Bessie. Thank you. [Laughter.]
The Chairman (])ounding gavel). May we have order, please.
Go ahead, Mr. Stripling.
Mr. Stripling, before you start, I just want to make one observation for the committee. I am very definite in this, to. It is my