Investigation of Communist Activities in Seattle, Wash., Area, Hearings, Part 1

by United States. Congress. House. Committee on Un-American Activities

Mr. Moulder. Do you have any knowledge or information concerning the question propounded to you by Mr. Wheeler?

(The witness confers with his counsel.)

Mr. Johnston. I didn’t get that complete. I am a little bit hard of hearing. Would you read it over again?

Mr. Moulder. My question is, Do you have any knowledge or information concerning a Communist cell in the machinists union?

Mr. Johnston. On the question of knowledge, it is liable to incriminate me. So again I have to invoke the fifth amendment.

Mr. Wheeler. Mr. Johnston, do you believe the Communist Party has a place in organized labor?

(The witness confers with his counsel.)

Mr. Johnston. Well, I couldn’t answer that yes or no. I am no expert. You have experts here, and I am not one. I am sorry I couldn’t give you an intelligent answer on that.

Mr. Moulder. You can express your approval or disapproval of it. That is, in the form of the question you could express your approval or disapproval of it.

(The witness confers with his counsel.)