Investigation of Communist activities in Seattle, Wash., Area, Hearings, Part 2United States. Congress. House. Committee on Un-American Activities
History
Investigation of Communist activities in Seattle, Wash., Area, Hearings, Part 2
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Un-American Activities
Communism -- Washington (State) -- Seattle
Mr. MOULDER. Who called the meetings? That is, how did you get a notice
there was going to be a meeting held somewhere? How did you know where
to go?
Mr. MILLER. About the only way that I can think of it backward now, and
I am not at all sure, is I would probably see or meet someone else on
the job or in the cafeteria, and they might mention that we were going
to get together and discuss the general problems.
Mr. MOULDER. On the average, how many people would ordinarily attend
those meetings?
Mr. MILLER. As I recall it, it was a very, very few. I could not say.
Probably under 10, looking way, way back. But it is difficult to say.
Mr. MOULDER. Were they composed of people that you knew at the same
place of employment?
Mr. MILLER. Yes, sir.
Mr. MOULDER. All of them?
Mr. MILLER. To the best of my knowledge now; yes, sir.
Mr. MOULDER. Proceed, Mr. Wheeler.
(The witness confers with his counsel.)
Mr. MILLER. Mr. Chairman, might I make one brief point in regard to
this time? It might be better understood.
The question probably arises as to how I am so vague on meetings and
meeting places. It might be better understood if we take into account
that, as best I can recall, this occurred during the time when the
Communist Party was then the Communist Political Association. I believe
that they held open meetings. I do not recall too much secrecy involved
in it. And for that reason secrecy did not perhaps impress itself on my
mind. And to recall in one period of time where a change takes place
and into another, it changes things, looking backward and forward.
Mr. MOULDER. Yes; I can appreciate what you are saying.
Mr. MILLER. Thank you.
Mr. MOULDER. At those meetings would there be a record kept of the
meeting; minutes of any sort?
Mr. MILLER. Not to my knowledge, sir.
Mr. MOULDER. Would there be an officer or a person presiding at the
meeting? Someone who would act as a chairman or some official?
Mr. MILLER. Whether it would be a person who acted as a chairman or
whom the rest might just look to on the basis that--from the manner in
which they spoke, they appeared to----
Mr. MOULDER. Were dues paid at those meetings?
Mr. MILLER. I cannot recall anything specific. However, I would imagine
that there were, sir.
Mr. MOULDER. I wish to compliment you for coming forward here as a
witness admitting that you were a member of the Communist Party, which
is far better and a better reflection upon you as an individual and as
an American citizen than to hide behind the fifth amendment. But surely
while you were a member you recall having paid membership dues.
Mr. MILLER. Sir, I would have to answer it in this way, that
undoubtedly I did. However, to recall a specific instance--I could not.
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