Mr. CARLSON. Could I answer that question, Mr. Congressman, and not go into other questions regarding it? Mr. VELDE. Yes, certainly. I would like to have you answer. (The witness confers with his counsel.) Mr. CARLSON. I was looking for an answer to the problems that beset many, many workers besides myself. And I really had a rough time during the depression. Mr. VELDE. Did you join the party, then, during the depression? (The witness confers with his counsel.) Mr. CARLSON. My understanding was that if I answered the previous question there would not be any more regarding that. Mr. VELDE. I did not understand it that way at all. I am sorry if you misinterpreted my question. And I don’t mean to treat you unfairly in any way or try to trap you. It seems to me that if anybody is being trapped you are being trapped by your own unwillingness to answer questions that are put to you about your activities in the Communist Party. I think, Mr. Chairman, the record should show during the course of the examination by Mr. Tavenner and by you that the witness has been conferring with his counsel regarding the answers to the questions. Mr. MOULDER. The record will reflect conferences with counsel in that regard. Mr. TAVENNER. I have no further questions. Mr. MOULDER. The witness is excused. At this time the committee will read a letter which was just received, addressed to myself as chairman. The letter is from the Musicians’ Association of Seattle, Local 76, A. F. of M. DEAR SIR: I am distressed to learn that our member, Mrs. Helen Taverniti, has not made herself available for service of the subpena from the House Un-American Activities Committee. I wish to point out that since 1940 the American Federation of Musicians has persistently carried on a sustained effort to remove from our membership persons proven to be affiliated with organizations of a subversive nature. In fact, our bylaws specifically provide that membership in the Communist Party or any Communist “front” organization is cause for immediate expulsion from membership. The executive board of local 76 has deemed it necessary to send a registered letter to Mrs. Helen Taverniti at her last known address, citing her to appear before the board for interrogation relative to this matter. Very truly yours, LESLIE R. MARTIN, _President_. Mr. TAVENNER. Mrs. Margaret Elizabeth Gustafson. Will you come forward, please. Mr. MOULDER. Hold up your right hand and be sworn, please. Do you solemnly swear that the testimony which you are about to give before this committee will be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God? Mrs. GUSTAFSON. I do. Mr. MOULDER. Be seated. TESTIMONY OF MARGARET ELIZABETH GUSTAFSON, ACCOMPANIED BY HER COUNSEL, KENNETH A. MacDONALD Mr. TAVENNER. Will you state your name please? Mrs. GUSTAFSON. Margaret Elizabeth Gustafson.