Mr. Robel. Well, membership in a particular labor union might incriminate me, and that is the reason I invoke the fifth amendment. One question leads to another.
Mr. Moulder. It might lead to another question, but certainly if the other question would tend to incriminate you that is an entirely different matter. But the simple question as to whether or not you are a member of a legitimate labor union could in no way whatsoever tend to incriminate you.
(The witness confers with his counsel.)
Mr. Robel. I wouldn’t like to waive my rights under the fifth amendment by answering a previous question and then be forced to answer another one. That is the reason I took the position that I do.
Mr. Moulder. Proceed.
Mr. Velde. Do you belong to any labor union? That was the original question of counsel.
(The witness confers with his counsel.)
Mr. Robel. Because that question might lead to the particular labor organization that I belong to, I will decline to answer that question.
Mr. Velde. If it does lead to that question, you can then invoke your privilege under the fifth amendment of the Constitution.
(The witness confers with his counsel.)