Mr. Tavenner. The committee has been interested for quite a period of time in learning all it can about the method used by the Communist Party to oppose the Korean war. By opposing the Korean war I mean opposing the foreign policy of the United States in connection with that war. What position did the Communist Party take with which you disagreed?
(The witness confers with his counsel.)
Mr. Carlson. I think it is quite common knowledge that, even from our daily papers, the Communists did support the North Koreans.
Mr. Tavenner. Yes; but the daily papers do not tell us what was done in your particular cell or group of the Communist Party, and that is what we want to know.
Mr. Carlson. Well, after that war broke out, Mr. Chairman, I did not participate. I can’t tell what they done because I don’t know.
Mr. Tavenner. Then why did you disagree with them if you didn’t know what they were doing?
Mr. Carlson. Well, you remember, as history shows—according to the papers, anyway—that in the time before the First World War broke out, I remember—it just comes to my mind—the papers printed that the Communist Party members of France tore up their Communist cards immediately when Russia signed some sort of a pact with Germany. You probably recall that in your own mind. I think that is a historical fact. At least the paper files will show that. I recall it that way. Now the same situation was mine, although I might add, as I have said before, that was the straw that broke the camel’s back as far as I am concerned.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you attend any meeting of the Communist Party after you wrote the letter on June 19, 1954, to this committee?
(The witness confers with his counsel).
Mr. Tavenner. Did you attend any meeting of the Communist Party after the outbreak of the Korean War?