Is your attitude and opinion concerning Communist Party activities now different than 5 years ago?
(The witness confers with his counsel.)
Mr. Carlson. Mr. Chairman, I can’t specifically state what my opinions are. I just am in utter confusion.
Mr. Moulder. It is not the purpose of this committee, it is not our intention, Mr. Velde and I or Mr. Wheeler, to confuse anyone or to commit any injustice toward you.
I am impressed by your appearance and your endeavor to try to come forward and make a clean statement or explanation. And I think it would be to your benefit for you to do it for your own interest. I am sure it would be.
You infer that maybe at one time you may have had some connection with Communist Party activities. You probably have some reasonable explanation for which you maybe couldn’t or wouldn’t necessarily be criticized or condemned.
Mr. Carlson. It is very hard for me to understand what you are saying. Some of the words I do not catch.
Would you speak a little louder, please?
Mr. Moulder. May I ask you this question:
Are you now a member of the Communist Party?