Mr. Tavenner. The trial was in 1949; I think the first motion of the trial was disposed of in the spring of 1949 before they began the trial on its merits.
Mr. O’Connell. I wouldn’t want to say categorically one way or the other what action might have been taken by the Progressive Party in the State of Washington in that connection. I can’t recall anything right now.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you as executive secretary have any part in the activity?
Mr. O’Connell. I can’t remember any.
Mr. Tavenner. I hand you a photostatic copy of the June 6, 1949, issue of the Daily Worker and call your attention to an article entitled “Men of Labor and Civic Leaders Throughout Nation Voice Indignation,” and I ask if you see in that article a reference to the fact that Henry Huff, chairman, and Clayton Van Lydegraf, secretary of the Washington State Communist Party, having wired Dennis in connection with those trials. Do you see that paragraph?
Mr. O’Connell. Yes; I see that paragraph.
Mr. Tavenner. The subject of the wire is quoted as follows:
The northwest district is proud and inspired by the splendid fight the defendants are making against the biased conduct and vicious rulings of Judge Medina who is acting as prosecutor at Foley Square. The jailing of John Gates, Gus Hall, and Henry Winston has shocked and aroused our party and the massed forces to a new fighting pitch and widespread protest action.
Will you examine the article again, please, and state whether just above the paragraph pointed out to you there is the description of a telegram sent by Russell Fluent, chairman, and Jerry O’Connell, executive secretary of the Progressive Party to Judge Medina. Do you see it?
Mr. O’Connell. Yes, I see that.