Mr. Tavenner. The first hearings were conducted from January 27, to February 5 of 1947, and subsequent hearings were, or at least the report was made in 1948. I am not sure whether the bulk of the hearings were in 1947 or in 1948.
Mr. O’Connell. I think, as I remember, the longer hearings were in 1947 and then there were some shorter hearings held in 1948.
Mr. Tavenner. Now, I have examined this testimony and I find that Louis Budenz identified Tom Rabbitt, as a member of the Communist Party during the course of that hearing. He was the first witness.
Mr. O’Connell. If the committee please, I think Mr. Budenz at that hearing was asked questions about whether or not I was a member of the Communist Party and I think the records will show there that he didn’t definitely say that I was. He said that there was some discussion about me in Communist Party headquarters, and that I had a good record in Congress and the Communists thought I was——
Mr. Tavenner. I will give you an opportunity to explain that a little later.
Mr. O’Connell. Don’t let me forget because I sued Mr. Budenz about it.
Mr. Tavenner. I will give you an opportunity to explain that.
Mr. Willis. Sued whom?
Mr. O’Connell. I sued Mr. Budenz for the statements that he made.
Mr. Tavenner. Mr. Ward F. Warren identified Thomas Rabbitt as a person he knew to be a member of the Communist Party, that he sat in closed party meetings with Thomas Rabbitt.