Justice - Hoover, J. Edgar

PSF: Justice Dept. J. EDGAR HOOVER PSF Box X 75 WITHDRAWAL SHEET (PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIES) FORM OF DOCUMENT CORRESPONDENTS OR TITLE DATE RESTRICTION Memorandum Hoover to Watson (Sanitized version open) 9-29-43 C Memorandum FDR to Hopkins (Sanitized version open) 10-26-43 C FILE LOCATION PSF: Justice Department: J. Edgar Hoover RESTRICTION CODES (A) Closed by Executive Order 12356 governing access to national security information. (8) Closed by statute or by the agency which originated the document. (C) Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in the donor's deed of gift. NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION NA FORM 1429 (6-85) COPY THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON August 17, 1937. MEMORANDUM FOR HON. ROBERT H. JACKSON Will you please look into this and let me know confidentially what should be said in reply? F.D.R. H. JACKSON ISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL Department of Justice Washington August 18, 1937 The President The White House Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. President: In re: Matter of General O'Ryan (011 Cases) This is a request, in substance, that the criminal cases be terminated and civil cases against the same defendants substituted. Whether I would recommend indictment instead of civil suits if these were new cases is not important. The policy was fixed at the time of the indictment. I would not think it wise to now re- verse the decision then made by the Attorney General and John Dickinson to proceed criminally. They considered a civil proceeding. They asked access to the oil companies' evidence and it was not granted. There is no way that we can compel production of evidence so there was no course left but to investigate through a grand jury. A better case than WSS expected developed and the indictment resulted. The oil companies have no one but themselves to blame for insisting upon presentation to a grand jury. Great and persistent political pressure has been brought since indictment to have the government reverse its course and now proceed civilly. I have uniformly refused to consider their proposals on the ground that it was too late to reconsider the policy. The letter of General O'Ryan indicates, as we anticipate, that the defendants will attempt to use the N.R.A. and the acts of Secretary Ickes thereunder as a shield against the antitrust laws. The trial of this indictment, I am assured, will involve no criticism by this De- partment of any orders issued by Secretary Ickes. The oil companies went beyond any authorizations approved by him and, we are informed, actually concealed some of their proceedings from him. Nevertheless, the oil companies will claim that there is a conflict between the two departments and that they are being prosecuted by Justice for obeying Interior. There are no doubt some subordinates in the Interior Department who have encouraged that defense. I Am informed that six -2- The President persons connected with the oil administration have left the government and entered the employ of these defendants, some being persons now associated with defense counsel. I have conferred with Secretary Ickes and think there is no danger of a clash between the Secretary and this Department at the trial, whatever may happen as to some of his former subordinates. It should be noted, in justice to all parties, that between the N.R.A. formerly followed and the antitrust laws there is a basic conflict of philosophy. N.R.A. was a philosophy of cooperation and conservation. Antitrust laws follow the philosophy of compulsory competition. Much might be said for a policy of controlled coopera- tion and conservation, particularly in a natural resource industry. If we could adopt and turn to a controlled elimination of waste in exploiting the natural resources, such as oil, I, personally, would be glad to give up prosecutions. That is & matter of legislative policy for future consideration. Meanwhile, I do not see that any case can be made for an uncontrolled conspiracy to fix prices to destroy com- petition for private benefit rather than for public advantage. Of course I can give no assurance that the criminal case can be won but I believe that there will be no justification for abandoning it and that the answer to General O'Ryan should be, in substance, that since the matter is in court on an indictment returned by grand jury after efforts to obtain evidence for a civil proceeding had failed the cause must take its course. Respectfully submitted, Room Julian ROBERT H. JACKSON Assistant Attorney General JOHN EDGAR HOOVER DIRECTOR Cabint Federal Bureau United States Justice Mashington, D.C. OFFICE January 17, 1938 RECEIVED OF THE APTORNEY JAN 18 1938 MEMORANDUM FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. GENERAL Information has been received to the effect that there has been formed in New York City an organization known as the Continuation Committee of the Trade Union Conference Against Un- employment. This Committee is sponsoring a "march" on Wall Street, to be effective February 19, 1938, to demand expansion of the Works Progress Administration and higher relief standards. This announcement is reported to have been made by the said Committee on the night of January 14, 1938. The Committee is encouraging and soliciting the cooperation of New York unions. The said Committee announced that it has issued form telegrams on Postal Telegraph blanks addressed to President Roosevelt, urging him to "Put America Back To Work," by support- ing the Schwe llenbach-Allen resolution, repeal of the Woodrum Amendment which limits relief appropriations, 80 that the President would be free to appropriate & large enough fund to expand the Works Progress Administration and relief to cover all who are in need. I am informed that space on the said telegrams has been arranged for eighteen signatures and a request is being made for ten cents from each person affixing his signature to cover the cost of the telegram. It is the aim of the Committee to flood the White House with telegrams signed by thousands, this being part of the Committee's campaign to popularize the "march" on Wall Street on February 19th. These data are submitted to you for such attention as you deem appropriate. Respectfully, 2. Hoover Jr ohn Edgar Hoover, Director. / PSF Instice OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL Hower Regula & NUSTICE W 1 * may Dear The Present: for your information & Suclose memo di The march on Marly hun Md 10/38 harmys ENT OHN EDGAR HOOVER DIRECTOR Federal Bureau of Investigation United States Department of Justice Mashington, D.C. OFFICE OF THE March 1, 1938 MAR 2- 1938 ATTORNEY GENERAL MEMORANDUM FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. Please have reference to Mr. Hoover's memorandum to you dated January 12, 1938, in which you were advised that the National Council of the American Youth Congress is sponsoring a march on Washington for March 10, 11 and 12, 1938. Additional information has now been obtained to the effect that the march is not only to be a "Pilgrimage for Peace and Security" but a "Youth's Pilgrimage for Jobs and Education." There is to be a three-day program which provides for mass meetings, conferences with Members of Congress and a parade. The purpose of the march is to demonstrate the need for extension of the National Youth Administra- tion; passage of the Schwellenbach-Allen Resolution; the Harrison- Fletcher-Black Bill and the Nye-Kvale Bill, an opposition to mili- tarization in schools and to the neglect of youth's need for work and education. Thirty-one organizations, cooperating through the American Youth Congress, have joined in calling the Pilgrimage and in sponsoring the above mentioned proposed legislation. Included among the cooperating organizations sponsoring the Pilgrimage are nine International Unions of the Committee for Industrial Organization, the Younger Democrats of the United States, as well as other organizations, such as the Epworth League, the National Industrial Council of the Young Women's Christian Association, and the National Council of Methodist Youth. Coincident with the preparations for the Pilgrimage, organi- zations are planning a campaign of letters to Congressmen and Senators supporting the objectives of the Pilgrimage. Carl Ross, National Secre- tary of the Young Communist League, has pledged that members of his organization will write ten thousand letters before the Pilgrimage. I shall keep you advised of any further information received by the Bureau pertaining to this matter. Respectfully, For the Director, forsed nathon Marold Nathan, Assistant Director. PSF Justice, OFFICE OF Hoover folder THE ATTORNEY GENERAL STATE 4/19/37 [1938:] R.T.: Here's sumpin JOHN EDGAR HOOVER DIRECTOR Federal Bureau of Investigation United States Department of Justice Washington, D.C. OFFICE OF D THE April 1APR918 1938 GENERAL MEMORANDUM FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. RE: PEARSON B. BROWN, National Commander - PROTESTANT WAR VETERANS OF THE U. S., ALFRED A. BALBIRNE - Adjutant; REVEREND CARL C. UNDERHILL - National Chaplain; EDWARD JAMES SMYTHE - Chairman, National Executive Committee Reference is made to the memorandum to the Attorney General, dated April 16, 1938, by Rudolph Forster, Executive Clerk of the White House, to which was attached a telegram directed to the Honorable Franklin Delano Roosevelt, signed by the above entitled persons. A review of the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U. S. Department of Justice, has disclosed the following information with reference to the following persons: EDWARD JAMES SMYTHE Smythe is reported to be a notorious Anti-Semite. He has promised pogroms against the Jews that will make If the bloody purge of Hitler look like a picnic." In 1934, Smythe operated an organiza- tion known as the "Protestant Civic Welfare Federation" of which he was Executive Secretary. His office is located at 516 Fifth Avenue, New York City. On November 9, 1934, he wrote a letter to General Smedley D. Butler declaring that "...the present system of Government was organ- ized. by Bernard M. Baruch, Felix Frankfurter, a Hungarian-Jew-Communist, U. S. Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis, Professor Rex. Tugwell, another Jew, and Henry Morgenthau, Sr. (all five Jews) nine months before even Roosevelt was nominated." The letter is reported to have continued as follows: "The International Jewish Clique rewrote the constitution of the Republic Memorandum for the Attorney General. - 2 - April 18, 1938. of Germany, and jammed it down sixty-eight million German Christians, and enslaved them, economically, socially, and politically." "They are trying to do the same here, but they will find us a much harder job, because when the one hundred and twenty million Chris- tians awaken, the bloody purge of Hitler will look like a picnic." Information is outstanding to the effect that Smythe is a radical of the worst type and is endeavoring to organize & group for the purpose of engaging in strong-arm and terroristic tactics in this coun- try. Smythe is Chairman of the National Committee against Communism, which has its national headquarters in Washington, D. C., and also head- quarters at 67 West Forty-fourth Street, New York City, Suite 506. The letterhead of the National Committee against Communism states its prin- ciples as follows: "Organized to inculcate the principles of Americanism in Industrial, Religious, Fraternal and Educational Circles." The let- terhead also carries the slogan: "Keep America Safe for Americans." The letterhead also carries the statement: "If your FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY means anything now is the time to defend it." The National Committee against Communism claims to be "the oldest Anti-Communist group in the country, composed of both Catholics and Protestants." Information has been obtained to the effect that Smythe is closely associated with the notoriously Pro-Nazi organization of Kurt Mertig, known as the Citizens Protection League. A combined meeting of the Citizens Protection League and the German-American Republican League, both of which organizations are headed by Kurt Mertig, was held on the night of March 15, 1937 at the New York Turn Hall for the purpose of protesting Anti-Nazi utterances in this country. The meeting was called by Kurt Mertig. This meeting was addressed by Edward James Smythe, and it is reported that "what the meeting lacked in size, however, it made up in vehemence." Smythe was continually interrupted by applause as he predicted "& revolution-not a Communist, oh, no-but an honest American revolution-we are going to take this country back from the Jews." It is reported that Smythe stated that pending the revolution he nominated for "political destruction" President Roosevelt and Jeremiah Mahoney. With reference to Mayor La Guardia, Smythe stated at that meeting that he would "drop him back in the sewer where he belongs." Memorandum for the Attorney General. - 3 - April 18, 1938. On March 30, 1937, the German-American Bund held a propaganda meeting at the New York Turn Hall. Among the speakers were such out- standing persons in the Nazi movement as James Wheeler-Hill, leader of the New York local of the German-American Bund; Fritz Kuhn, national leader of the German-American Bund; Edward James Smythe, Chairman of the National Committee against Communism, and several others. The meeting was attended by about eight hundred people. All of the speakers made most vehement attacks upon President Roosevelt and the Administration. Information is outstanding to the effect that the National Committee against Communism is affiliated with the German-American Bund. This affiliation, however, has never been definitely established. During February and March, 1935, the Protestant Civic Welfare Federation, of which Smythe was Executive Secretary, distributed litera- ture of the Independent Re ublican National Christian-Gentile Committee, which had its headquarters in the Mayflower Hotel, Washington, D. C. This organization sponsored for President in 1936 Louis T. McFadden. One of the slogans of this organization was: "Keep the Jew out of control of the Republican Party 1936." The Protestant Civic Welfare Federation was the subject of an inquiry by the late Honorable Louis McHenry Howe, former Secretary to the President, in a memorandum directed to the Bureau on February 21, 1935. Copies of bulletins distributed by the Independent Republican National Christian-Gentile Committee sponsored by the Protestant Civic Welfare Federation were obtained, and on March 16, 1935 copies thereof were directed to the Honorable Louis McHenry Howe. A perusal of these bulletins discloses that the said organization sponsored Louis T. McFadden for President in 1936. It is reported that McFadden is the former member of Congress who attempted to impeach President Herbert Hoover. A circular of the Protestant Civic Welfare Federation stated: "Every true American should join at once the LEGION AGAINST COMMUNISM." The literature distributed by the Protestant Civic Welfare Federation made a vigorous attack upon Jews, Communism and the National Administra- tion. Memorandum for the Attorney General. - 4 - April 18, 1938. Smythe was the subject of an inquiry by the U. S. Postal Ser- vice regarding a possible fraud in the solicitation of funds in con- nection with the National Federation of Independent Republicans, In- corporated. The records of the New York Police Department disclose a record for one Edward James Smythe, who was charged with grand larceny in 1914. He was discharged. Another record of the New York Police De- partment discloses that another Edward James Smythe was arrested on the charge of grand larceny in 1917, but was acquitted. This same in- dividual was charged with felonious assault in 1920, but was discharged, and was charged with grand larceny in 1928, but was discharged. In- formation noted below would seem to indicate that this second Edward James Smythe is identical with the Smythe concerning whom this memoran- dum is written. In January, 1928, the Smythe who is the principal subject of this memorandum was charged with grand larceny in the Yorkville Court. He was released on a $1,000 bail. This record appears to be identical with that of the Edward James Smythe mentioned above, who was tried for grand larceny in 1928 and was discharged. At the time of this arrest the Assistant District Attorney, T. F. Kane, searched the offices of the National Democratic Review and the National Democratic Publicity Bureau, both located at 331 Madison Avenue, New York City, and both of which were headed by Smythe. The search disclosed confidential records, among which was an extensive Democratic mailing list. At that time Smythe was in charge of the following journals: The Democratic Review The Political Digest The Democratic Biography. In 1927 Smythe was the promoter of a Democratic pageant, which was allegedly organized to promote the presidential candidacy of Governor Smith. Prior to this time he promoted & drive for $250,000 for tuber- culosis sufferers. He discontinued this promotional scheme when the District Attorney commenced an investigation. At the time of his arrest in January, 1928 on the charge of Memorandum for the Attorney General. - 5 - April 18, 1938. grand larceny, from which matter he was discharged, he alleged that his journal, The National Democratic Review, was the official organ of the National Democratic Club. He also declared that his arrest was made for the purpose of discrediting him before he could begin his campaign on behalf of the presidential candidacy of Senator Reed of Missouri. Smythe was associated with the National Hoover-For-President League during August, 1928. This League had no official connection with the Republican Party and was repudiated by that Party when it was learned Smythe maintained an association with the League. During August, 1928, the Federal Grand Jury in New York City instituted an in- vestigation of the National Hoover-For-President League upon the request of the Republican National Committee. During August, 1928 an individual, giving his name as James Flannigan, was arrested at Hackensack, New Jersey, and later admitted his identity as Edward James Smythe. This arrest appears to have been in connection with the Grand Jury investigation of the National Hoover- For-President League. At the time of his arrest on this occasion, Smythe was posing as an agent not only for the National Democratic Publicity Bureau, but also as a representative for the National Hoover- For-President League. It appears, however, that he was assuming this dual character for the purpose of selling advertising space in the journals in which he was then interested. Information has also been obtained to the effect that during July, 1928 Smythe was removed from the Tombs to the psychopathic ward of the Bellevue Hospital, New York City for observation. The records of the Identification Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation fail to disclose any criminal record for Edward James Smythe. PEARSON B. BROWN There is no information available with reference to this in- dividual, and inquiries concerning his possible association with the Memorandum for the Attorney General. - 6 - April 18, 1938. Protestant War Veterans of the United States, or the Protestant Civic Welfare Federation were without results. There is no criminal record for this man in the files of the Identification Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. ALFRED A. BALBIRNE There is likewise no information available with reference to this individual, nor is there any outstanding criminal record which can be identified and associated with him. CARL C. UNDERHILL There is no record of any information concerning this in- dividual in the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or in its Identification Division. PROTESTANT WAR VETERANS OF THE UNITED STATES There is no available information with reference to the nature and character of this organization. The information set forth herein has been obtained from re- liable sources but it has not been verified by investigation. I am returning to you herewith the memorandum directed to you by Rudolph Forster, and the telegram directed to the President dated April 15, 1938. Respectfully, J: John edgan Director. Edgar Hoover, Hoover Enclosure Mr. Nothan Mr. Toison OFFICE OF DIRECTOR Mr. Beughmen FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Mr. Clegg Mr. Coffey UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Mr. Crowl Mr. Egan Mr. Forworth Mr. Glevin April 16, 1938. Mr. Hurbe Mr. Bottel Mr. Cester Mr. Melative Mr. Nanghten Mr. Nichells Mr. Prenington Mr. Houston of the Attorney Mr. Behilder General's office brought Mr. Texas tha attached wire and asked that Mr. Trucy it be gotten to Mr. Hoover Miss Gandy immediately. THE COMPANY WILL APPRECIATE SUGGESTIONS FROM ITS PATRONS CONCERNING ITS SERVICE 1220-8 CLASS OF SERVICE This is a full-rate WESTERN SIGNS DL Day Letter Telegram or Cable- NM Night Message gram unless its de- NL Night Letter ferred character is In- dicated by a suitable sign above or preced- UNION LC- Deferred Cable NLT Cable Night Letter Ing the address. a. é WHITE NEWCOMB CARLTON J. c. WILLEVER Ship Radiogram PRESIDENT CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD FIRST VICE-PREBIDENT The filing time as shown in the date line on full-rate telegrama and day letters, and the time of receipt at destination as shown on all messiges, la STANDARD TIME. Received at 708 14th St., N. W.. Washington. D.C. NA198 392 NL 25 EXTRA 1/143=XA NEWYORK NY 14 1938 APR 15 AM 5 03 HONORABLE FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT= PRESIDENT OF THE UNITEDSTATES WHITEHOUSE WASHDC= MY DEAR COMMANDER IN CHIEF, I ADDRESS YOU AS SUCH BECAUSE I HAVE ALWAYS LOOKED UPON YOU AS A VETERAN OF THE WORLDS'S WAR. I WILL SPEAK TO YOU IN THE LANGUAGE OF ONE VETERAN TO THE OTHER. YOUR PROGRAM WHICH YOU HAVE PRESENTED TO CONGRESS, HAS SO ALARMED THIS NATION, THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE APPEALING TO THE WAR VETERANS TO TAKE ACTION. I DARESAY THAT IF YOU DO NOT RESCIND THIS DRASTIC COMMUNISTIC PROGRAM OF SPENDING NEEDLESSLY THERE IS ONLY ONE THING FOR THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY TO DO. WHICH IS TO ASK FOR YOUR IMPEACHMENT. AND DISHONOR THE NAME OF ROOSEVELT FOREVER IN HISTORY. LIEUTENANT FOR THAT IS WHAT YOU WERE KNOWN WHEN YOU WERE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE NAVY DURING THE WORLD WAR. WE APPEAL TO YOU TO DISCARD THE ALIEN PARASITE AND ECONOMIC INFLUENCES AROUND YOU BEFORE= RD chick this in Justice THE QUICKEST, SUREST AND SAFEST WAY TO SEND MONEY IS BY TELEGRAPH OR CABLE or Manage ferred character la In- ML= Night Lense dicated by . suitable Ing the address. UNION REWCOME CARLTON 10= Deferred Cable sign above or preced- NLT Cable Name Lane . é I A. c. WILLIVER this Redingrem PRESIDENT - OF THE - FIRST - PRODUCT The Eling time as shown in the date las - full-rate telegrame and day letters, and the the of receipt at destination - shows - all comps, Received at 708 14th St., N. W., Washington, D. C. 1938 APR 15 AM NA198 2/124= IT IS TOO LATE, FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE RALLY LOVE YOU AS AN INDIVIDUAL. CAN WE NAME FIVE MEN OF GREAT CONSEQUENCE IN SOCIAL BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL LIFE TO CONFER WITH YOU IMMEDIATELY FOR AMERICA THE COUNTRY WHICH YOU LOVE IS ON THE BRINK OF DISASTER. NO PUBLICITY IS SOUGHTON THIS WIRE AT THE PRESENT TIME BUT WILL BE GIVEN TO THE PRESS WITHIN FORTY EIGHT HOURS IF WE DO NOT RECEIVE A REPLY FROM YOU. THE ONLY THING WE ARE INTERSTED IN IS SAVING AMERICA AND WE ARE NOT INTERESTED IN ANY POLITICAL DOGMA EXCEPT RETURNING THIS REPUBLIC BACK TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AS DEDICATED BY THE FOUNDING FATHERS IF YOU DO NOT ACT TO THE POPULAR APPEAL OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE= THE QUICKEST, JUNEST AND WEST WAY TO SEND MONEY a BY TELEGRAPH on CABLE dicased by a suitable sign above or preced- Ing the address. UNION NEWCOME CARLTON LC= Deferred Cable NLT Cable Nale Leme a. a. WHITE PRESIDENT J.C. c, WILLEVER Ship Reflogrem DRAIPMAN - - BOARD FIRST The Eling time - shown is the data las - full-cate telegrace and day letters, and the time of resipt an detinative - above - all comige, la FTANDARD TIME Received at 708 14th St., N. W., Washington, D.C. NA198 3/125= 1958 APR 15 AM 5 30 YOU WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS THE MOST DISPISED POLITICIAN THAT EVER SOUGHT OFFICE. BUT I WANT TO ADD AS A MATTER OF HISTORY THAT THIS IS NOT SO. FOR DOWN DEEP IN YOUR HEART YOU HAVE THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE DOWN-TRODDEN MAN OF THIS NATION. MR PRESIDENT THIS WIRE TO YOU IS AS VITAL AS A MESSAGE THAT WAS SENT BY THE MINUTE MEN OF LEXINGTON CONCORD AND SOUTHBOSTON TO THE TYRANTS WHO TRIED TO IMPOSE THE IR UNNECESSARY TAXES UPON THE YOUNG REPUBLIC OF WHICH YOU ALWAYS TALKED TO ME AS A HISTOR IAN. VERY TRULY YOURS= LIEUTENANT COLONEL PEARSON B BROWN NATIONAL COMMANDER PROTESTANT WAR VETERANS OF THE UNITEDSTATES ADJUTANT ALFRED A BALBIRNEI REV CARL C UNDERHILL NATIONAL CHAPLAIN EDWARD JAMES SMYTHE CHAIRMAN NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. THE QUICKEST, SUREST AND SAFEST WAY TO SEND MONEY is BY TELEGRAPH OR CABLE THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON April THE OFFICE OF 1 ATTORNET GENETAL MEMORANDUM FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: Please let me call your attention to the President's notation on the accompanying telegram, and to request you to return it to him with the check-up requested. R.J. RUDOLPH FORSTER Executive Clerk PSFiJustice THE Hover folder folder WHITE HOUSE please THE ATTORNEY WASHINGTON GENERAL MAY 26 8 04 AM '38 May 25, 1938. RECEIVED 1 My dear Mr. President: Sometime ago you requested that I furnish you with information concerning an organization known 8.8 "The Silver Shirts". Attached hereto you will find a memorandum which I received from the Federal Bureau of Investigation dealing with this subject. Sincerely yours, The President, The White House. May 17, 1938 MEMORANDUM Re: SILVER SHIRTS The "Silver Shirts of America," also called the "Silver Legion" and the "Christian Militia," is an organization founded by William Dudley Pelley in Asheville, North Carolina, in 1932, and has for its objective the establishment of William Dudley Pelley as dictator of the United States. There are indications of obtaining this objective by means of a revolution. The organization is dedicated to "sterling Constitutionalism and Christian patriotism." It is apparently an anti-Semitic, anti-Communistic and anti- Roosevelt organization. While some of the phases of the program of the Silver Shirts will appear fantastic, its seriousness is reflected in the forceful means by which the organization apparently intends to achieve its objective. There are allegations and indications of assassinating President Roosevelt in the attempt of this organization to obtain its end. The "Who's Who in America," 1936-1937 series, states as follows: "Pelley, William Dudley, author, editor; b. Lynn, Mass., 1890; S. William G. A. and Grace (Goodale) P.; ed. in pub. schools. Editor and pub. Philosopher Magazine, Fulton, N. Y., 1909; treas., mgr. Pelley Tissue Corpn., Springfield, Mass. 1909-12; editor and pub. Chicopee (Mass.) Journal, 1913, Wilmington (vt.) Times, 1914, St. Johnsbury Caledonian, 1917-20. With Internat. Y.M.C.A. in Siberia, 1917-18. Editor Liberation Magazine (week- ly); chmn. The Foundation for Christian Economics, Asheville, North Carolina; founder of the Silver Legion of America, 1933, The Christian Party, 1935. Republican, Protestant. Author: The Greater Glory, 1919; The Fog, 1921; Drag, 1924; Golden Rubbish, 1929; (brochures) Seven Minutes in Eternity, 1929; The Trend is Upward, 1930; The Blue Lamp, 1931; No More Hunger, 1933; Nations- in-Law, 1935. Address; Box 1776, Asheville, N. C." The article entitled "Seven Minutes in Eternity," by William Dudley Pelley, was published in the American Magazine in 1929, in which he described his experience when his soul left his body, and according to his own words, he has returned to life to give the practical thinking man the benefits of his instructions from the spiritual world. Along this line of thought, information was obtained to the effect that about July, 1932, at Asheville, North Carolina, much began to be heard of the spiritual revelations which Pelley received. It was alleged that Robert Summerville and Pelley were the reincarnations of souls who had lived thou- sands, if not millions, of years ago upon the earth and much of their know- ledge came from India. They were allegedly able to speak in an unknown tongue, to have their memory lifted and recall the things that had happened -2- the last time they lived upon the earth. It seems that they lived on all parts of the earth, including the jungles of Africa, the great ancient civilizations of the East, Mexico, South America, and also with the American Indians. They lived on the earth more than once prior to this incarnation, end allegedly may have had many different reincarnations at different times in the past. It appears that William Dudley Pelley established himself in Asheville, North Carolina, in 1932, where he organized the Silver Shirts of America and founded the Gelahad College for the Foundation of Christian Economics. This school was open to students for one session in the summer of 1932, and since that time Pelley has carried on the school courses through correspondence and by publishing a magazine called "Liberation," which Pelley alleged is "A publication of instruction and inspiration from sources beyond or above mortality, expounding my belief about Government propagenda against the Jews and psychic research." In September, 1933, Pelley established an office of the Silver Shirts at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, which office was later moved to Los Angeles, California, and thence to Seattle, Washington. The Silver Shirts issued a booklet at Asheville, North Carolina, purporting to set forth the constitution of 8. new government which would be called a "Christ Government." The intro- duction of the constitution of the "Christ Government" reads in part 88 follows: "For sixty generations it has been rumored that the great Galilean was coming back among men to institute a new social order and set up a thousand year reign of righteousness and peace. For thirty-six months the chief of the ever increasing Christian Militia, "The Silver Shirts,' has been in possession of the basic outlines of the new Christ state but with his lips sealed by a higher order." It appears that the idea outlined in the constitution of the perfect government is to incorporate the whole of the United States. The sovereign people will do all the foreign trading, make all purchases abroad and carry on all manufacturing, buying and selling and working up into goods. A share of $1,000 each will be given to every man, woman, and child born in the United States, which will be good for that amount of clothing and foodstuff annually in any of the great Federal emporiums to be established. The "Christ men" who will head the National Corporation will handle all the food produced by the farmers and distribute it amongst the people. -3- "The Silver Legion Ranger" is an official organ of the Silver Shirts published by Pelley. A copy of the November 8, 1933, issue of this publication stated William Dudley Pelley was formerly a news- paper publisher from Vermont, who during the War was a "Red Triangle" man with the United States and Japanese forces in Siberia and had been an eye-witness to Russian Bolshevism; that he was formerly a fiction story writer in a number of popular story magazines and made & living writing novels while engaged in eight years of undercover investigation throughout every single state in the Union; that in 1929 Pelley cast aside his former occupation and started "The League for Liberation," its surface purpose being metaphysical research; however, under cover that it perfected a great national organization drawing people of importance from the highest walks of life, people whose names never have been published and may never become known. The article further reflects that during 1930, 1931, and 1932 Pelley appointed key men in all states of the Union and made effective contacts with influential partisan Christians in Wash- ington, D. C. The article further stated: "On January 31, 1933, the date that Hitler came into power in Germany, Pelley came out from under cover with his Silver Shirts National Organization. Having planted depots of his facts throughout the entire United States, enlightened police and vigilante groups, secured the cooperation of outreged Christian citizens to carry on regardless of what happens to him personally. His organization of Silver Shirts 18 now snowballing exactly 8.8 Hitler's Nazis snowballed in Germany when at last the German people were persuaded to the truth. Heads of certain Jewish organizations in America masquerading as high-principled benevolent institutions have already threatened Pelley with death, thus prov- ing the American tie-up between Judaism and Communistic Satanism." The article concluded with the statement: "If you are eighteen years of age, of reasonably sound health, and not afraid to risk your life and limb for your country, you are asked to take the Oath of Consecration upon you and step out as a true Christian soldier, garbed in a shirt of silver with the great scarlet 'L' emblazoned on your banner and over your heart, standing for love, loyalty and liberation." Members and officers of the Silver Shirts of America, located at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, advised that the Silver Shirts barred no one from becoming a member and that a Catholic, Jew, or negro was permitted to join as long 8.8 he paid the initiation fee of $10. However, if anyone desired to join he was permitted to do so without payment of the initiation fee if he believed in the principles of the organization; that the organization was mainly organized for the purpose of enrolling every honest, upright American -4- who believed in the Constitution of America, opposed Communism and wanted the laws enforced; that the organization had the support of many police officials all over the United States and was desirous of having every po- lice official of the United States a member, and that when police depart- ments or any official law enforcement agency was handicapped by politics it would then be the duty of the Silver Shirts of America to enforce the laws violated. A Congressional report, in 1934, reflects that Pelley founded the Silver Shirts of America with headquarters at Asheville early in 1933, the organization being patented after the Storm Troops of Germany; that Pelley, who for years had been writing on metaphysical subjects, at this time changed his prophetic writings into violent and scurrilous attacks against certain religious groups, and evidence taken by a sub-committee at Los Angeles proved many Silver Shirts at San Diego had been armed, and that Government arms from North Island had come into their hands through nefarious methods and a tar- get range nearby was being used for practice and maneuvers. In 1934 these various ventures, both military and publishing, were placed into bankruptcy. It appears that William Dudley Pelley was investigated under the National Bank- ruptcy Act, but upon completion of the investigation the United States Attorney at Asheville, North Carolina, from which point Pelley operated his organi- zation, declined to authorize prosecution against Pelley or his partner, Robert C. Summerville. On February 18, 1935, William Dudley Pelley and his assistant, Robert C. Summerville, were both convicted in the State Court at Asheville, North Carolina, for violation of the Blue Sky Law of that State for selling stock without authorization and registration. Pelley was sentenced to serve not less than one year and not more than two years in the State Prison at hard labor. The sentence was suspended on the following terms and conditions: 1. That he pay a fine of $1,000 and cost of prosecution. 2. That he continue on good behavior for a period of five years. 3. That he neither publish nor distribute in the State of North Carolina anything having to do with stock sales transactions. The sentence of Pelley's associate, Robert C. Summerville, was substantially the same. It is interesting to note that a copy of Pelley's Weekly, published during January, 1936, at Asheville, North Carolina, indicated that at that time William Dudley Pelley WELS forming the Christian Party with himself as candidate for President of the United States and Willard W. Kemp of California as candidate for Vice President. A leaflet distributed by the organization, -5- Bulletin 1-A, apparently published at Detroit, WB.5 headed "Christ or Chaos: - The Fate of Our Nation Depends upon the Christian Party". In the leaflet it is stated that out of seventy-five keymen surrounding the President, fifty-two are Jews who at some time or other have gone on record as favoring a Soviet alteration in the Government of the United States. The circular closed with the statement, "Christians Unite! You have nothing to lose but your Jewish shackles.' The publication, Pelley's Weekly, contains most rabid statements regarding the political situation and the alleged Jewish influence on the Government and business of the United States, and is described as the official organ of the Christian Party of the councils of safety throughout the United States, advocating sterling constitutionalism and Christian patriotism. As late as July, 1936, Fred Hofer, agent for and distributor of, Pelley's Weekly at Colorado Springs, Colorado, told the Chief of Police there that the Silver Shirts planned to take over the Government on September 16, 1936, and he had already received his orders as to what part he was supposed to take on that date. (In the election of 1936 Pelley ran for President of the United States on the "Christian Party" ticket, and received a total of less than 1000 votes, according to & newspaper dispatch). Speaking through the column in Pelley's Weekly, Pelley himself indicated that his Legion would be in a position to take over the Government in the event of a Communistic outbreak. It has been alleged that the avowed purpose of the organization was to kill or oppress all Jews in the United States, and to accomplish this end the organization threatened to bring about a revolution. An allegation relative to the assassination of President Roosevelt is noted in that a representative of the Silver Shirts WB.S reported to have stated on May 21, 1936, that on June 6, 1936, or thereabouts, a Communistic revolution would occur in this country, which revolution would break out in the principal eastern cities of the United States. When the Communist dis- orders occurred, The Silver Shirt organization was to step in and restore order. During the revolution of the Communists, President Roosevelt was to declare martial law, which was anticipated to be in effect for a period of ten days. Some time during the period martial law was to be in force, President Roosevelt, according to the informant, would be assassinated or forced to leave the country, and either the Honorable Rexford Tugwell or Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia of New York would assume the executive power. Messrs. Tugwell and LaGuardia, the Silver Shirts claim, are of Jewish extraction, and are ready to act when the occasion arises. The Silver Shirt representative indicated that the dis- orders would occur by reason of the bank holiday which would have to be de- clared in June because of the issuance of the soldiers' bonus bonds, as the banks allegedly would not be in a position to take the bonds. It was claimed by the Silver Shirts that the bonus bonds would be in the mail on June 15, 1936. -6- With reference to the alleged uprising in America by the Silver Shirts, Pelley's Weekly for May 20, 1936, in an article entitled "Silver- shirts Instructed to Prepare for Nation's Upset," states: "But the Silver Legion and the Silvershirts themselves are not expected to come into their own till Red Jewish activities in this country have openly declared them- selves." The article goes on to indicate that there will be no open re- bellion on the part of the Silver Shirts until a crucial moment has arisen. This is borne out by the following language appearing in the last mentioned article: "Roosevelt and his Jewish advisors have cleverly contrived to spend the nation bankrupt, ala bond issues and drains on bank assets*****. This has produced a situation where a second bank holiday must unerringly ensue. And just as the previous bank holiday called for a Man of Action, the abdication of Congress of its constitutional offices and the turning of them over to a pseudo-dictator, just so the second bank holiday will re- peat the outrage and make a real Man of Action more requisite than ever. This means a Dictator--openly !" Further, the May 20, 1936, issue of Pelley's Weekly carried a news item which alleged that on March 15, 1935, the Detroit Jewish Chronicle carried an item indicating that Mr. Roosevelt was part Jewish. The said paper later carried a letter written by Mr. Roosevelt, in which he stated: "In the distant past they (my ancestors) may have been Jews. All I know about the origin of the Roosevelt family is that they are apparently descended from Claes Martenssen van Roosevelt, who came from Holland." Pelley's Weekly went on to state that the family tree had been traced and was of careful record. It further alleged that Roosevelt's male ancestry through Claes Martenssen van Roosevelt traced directly to the Jewish Rossocampo family, which was expelled from Spain and settled in Holland. It was deemed appropriate to set out the above mentioned news item in view of the avowed purpose of the Silver Shirts to kill or suppress all Jews in the United States, the allegation being made that President Roosevelt is part Jewish. The seriousness with which the Silver Shirts view themselves is indi- cated by two circulars which were distributed among members of the Silver Shirts organization who were to attend the Annual Encampment, which was held in the vicinity of Redmond, Washington, during the summer of 1936. The first circular advised each individual who expected to attend the Encampment to bring certain standard equipment, such as two Silver Shirts; one pair of dark gray breeches, one pair of brogan boots; one campaign hat, and so forth. This cir- cular also stated, "Do not leave behind anything in way of cotton cloth, old sheets, etc. which can be sterilized and used for bandages." -7- The second questionnaire called upon the various persons expecting to attend the Encampment to indicate thereon the quantity of certain staple food items which each individual could furnish. With reference to the means by which the Silver Shirts intended to accomplish their objective, it was related on September 17, 1936, by one William Lohrer, 4316 University Way, Seattle, Washington, that he was at that time a dealer in guns and ammunition, and a short time prior to Septem- ber 17, 1936, an alleged organizer for the Silver Shirts named Roy Zachary, of 308 Virginia Street, Seattle, Washington, called upon Lohrer and offered to buy large quantities of ammunition, 30.06, 30.40, .38 super-automatic, .45 automatic and many other kinds. It was alleged that Zachary wanted 15,000 rounds of automatic ammunition. He also desired to buy high caliber rifles in large quantities, claiming that he had a permit from the local police de- partment for all the side arms which he could purchase. Lohrer further alleged that Zachary wanted him to go to Tacoma, Wash- ington, and appraise and inventory the stock of the Kimble Company, a bankrupt dealer who had a supply of arms and ammunition. Zachary stated he had the cash to purchase all the arms and ammunition he could obtain. At that time, September, 1936, Zachary claimed that he was an organizer from the East; that there was going to be no election in "ovember; that the Silver Shirts were going to put in their man Pelley as President. He stated there was going to be an uprising before the election. Zachary advised Lohrer that the Silver Shirts had the National Guard and Army all "fixed", and they were pre- pared to take over the Government, indicating there were 17,000 men organized and in readiness at Yakima, Washington. In connection with the securing of arms by the Silver Shirts, it is to be noted that on September 24, 1937, a newspaper dispatch stated that the Silver Shirts were arming for a pogrom of the Jews in Seattle, Washington. The article further stated that it had been revealed that attempts had been made to purchase 100 rifles, 300 pistols, and several thousand rounds of ammunition by a representative of William Dudley Pelley's Silver Shirts. The article stated that Roy Zachary, Christian Party State Organizer, tried to purchase arms from William Lohrer's Sport Shop, 4316 University Way, Seattle. The article also alleged that Zachary had a permit to obtain these guns, which permit bore the signature of Chief of Police William H. Sears, Seattle, Wash- ington, Police Department, and that he had admitted these guns were to be used by Pelley's private Fascist party army in an immense pogrom being planned by the combined forces of the Black Legion, the James True Associates and the Silver Shirts. -8- The article further stated that Chief of Police Sears denied he had issued a permit, and branded it a forgery. Sears stated, "If Zachary has a permit bearing my name, it's a forgery. I have issued no pistol permit since I've been in office. I intend to investigate thisaffair thoroughly, and if he has a permit, I will prosecute him to the full extent of the law." No further action was taken by Chief of Police Sears in connection with this matter. As an indication of the affiliations of the Silver Shirts, informa- tion was received under date of August 1, 1937, to the effect it was alleged that the Ohio Valley was seething with the spirit of vigilanteism. The Fuehrer of this movement was said to be Miss Susan Sterling, whose real name is Miss Elsie Theurer. The organization was alleged to be known as the Association of Leagues. "It has at least a cooperating working relationship with William Dudley Pelley's Silver Legion; with Republic Steel Corporation; with the Patriot Guards, the National Republic and the Student Americaneers, American Fascist groups; the German-American Volksbund, successors of the Friends of the New Germany." In this connection, it is to be noted that Mayor Harold H. Burton of Cleveland, Ohio, wrote to the Department of Justice to the effect that there had been concern felt by numbers of people about the activities of the Associated Leagues under the leadership of Miss Susan Sterling, which was a movement sometimes referred to 8.8 the Silver Shirt movement. A resolution was adopted by the Cleveland City Council on August 25, 1937, and approved by the Mayor, asking that the Civil Liberties Committee of the United States Senate include this matter in their pending investigation. Along this same line of thought, information was obtained on April 14, 1938, to the effect that again last August Pelley's Silver Shirts had worked with the Nazis against the Little Steel Strike. Silver Shirts and Nazi German-American Volksbunders and the "Secret Seven" of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce were alleged to have been merged together in the "Associated Leagues of Cleveland." It was further stated that Pelley feared his tie-up to the Nazi and Big Business organizations would be revealed by the investigations of the La- Follette Senate Committee. The committee subpoenaed the records of the Silver Shirt "Ranger" for Ohio, one Spencer J. Warwick. Pelley appealed to the United States Supreme Court for an injunction restraining the committee, but was turned down. Pelley stated in the "Liberation" that he would jail LaFollette, as well as John L. Lewis, for life if he seized power. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle of April 5, 1938, in an article by William Weer, stated as follows: -9- "Aiming for the post of Adolf Hitler of America is William Dudley Pelley, currently of Asheville, North Carolina. He is not the only one. There are scores of potential little dictators, play- ing with little 'patrictic' organizations, each of them dreaming of the day when he will take over Washington as Hitler took over Germany or "ussolini marched on Rome. They know one another, they cooperate with one another, and among them the search is becoming daily keener for that one of their number whom the lightning is to strike in a big way. Perhaps the readiest of all to receive the lightning stroke and most inspired of all the candidates is Pelley. He has his uniformed Legion, his underground press and his mustic metaphysical-astrological 'prophecy' foreshadowing the victory to come. He can't lose." In this article, William Weer described Pelley as the "most raucous of the whispering campaign propagandists who disseminate race venom with an eye to establishing a dictatorship in the United States". He stated his proclaimed ambition is to make Pelley the dictator-chief. This writer further states Pelley's Silver Legion is the chief of the secret shirt societies which have been laboring, under more or less cover, to inherit the hooded pomp and power that was once the reborn Ku Klux Klan. With regard to the strength of the movement the Brooklyn Daily Eagle of April 5, 1938, stated that the actual membership of the Silver Shirts remained a secret. At one time there were some 75,000 of them, and unofficial claims went as high 8.5 2,000,000. But that was before, in 1934, the Congres- sional investigation into Nazi and related activities threatened to look into the Silver Shirts too, and before Pelley himself was indicted for fraud. There was a collapse then of Pelley's various activities, and he transferred his headquarters to California and thence to Seattle, Washington. With the finances apparently rehabilitated, he became active again a few months ago. His "Lib- eration", which had gone into the hands of a receiver and suspended publication, was published as a weekly instead of as & monthly. The Silver Legon became again, at least in the "Liberation", a. great patriotic movement to save America. In this connection, it is interesting to note that 8. newspaper dispatch under date of April 14, 1938, indicated as follows: "'Silver Shirt' Pelley, America's blatant Fascist, is trying a comeback today. His magazine, 'Liberation', announces a cam- paign for one million Silver Shirts. Recruiting opens today. Pelley's organization flopped during the great progressive wave of the last couple of years. He wants to come back with the help of the forces of Big Business that defeated President Roosevelt's reorganization bill." enfidenteet PSF Instice Hoover folder THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WASHINGTON July 2, 1938. is My dear Mr. President: The enclosed memorandum from Mr. Hoover may be of interest to you. Sincerely yours, Nome hangs The President, The White House. JOHN EDGAR HOOVER DIRECTOR Federal Bureau of Investigation United States Department of Justice Mashington, D.C. June 22, 1938 OFFICE JUN 24 RECEIVED OF ED THE MEMORANDUM FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL GENER 1938 AT Please have reference to my memorandum to you dated June 11, 1938 with regard to the proposed "March" on Washington to be initiated by the Trade Union Committee on Unemployment and the Works Progress Administration. I have now received information to the effect that the "March" is to take place on June 27, 1938 and is to include more than six hundred arts and professional Works Progress Administra- tion workers and trade unionists. These "Marchers" will protest against the "$1,000 a year plant" scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 1938, which allegedly will result in drastic wage cuts and lead to the eventual liquidation of the projects. I am informed that the demonstrators will assemble in Washington from various sections of the country. They will rep- resent the Workers Alliance, United American Artists Union and other organizations having Works Progress Administration workers in their ranks. The New York "Marchers" will leave New York City by train on Sunday, June 26, 1938, arriving in Washington the fol- lowing morning. They will spend the entire day of June 27, 1938 in Washington and will return to New York that evening. The registration of the "Marchers" is being handled at 781 Broadway, New York City, which is the address of the Workers Alliance of Greater New York. Respectfully, is. Hoaver John Edgar Hoover Director JOHN EDGAR PSF: Justice Dgs DIRECTOR full HOOVER d-1- Federal Hoover folder Burrau of Investigation United States Department of Justice Washington, B. C. November 2, 1938 Honorable Marvin H. McIntyre Secretary to the President The White House Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. McIntyre: I have just received the attached leaflet entitled, "Invisible Powers," which I thought might be of interest to the President and you. Advice has reached me that this leaflet is being given wide distribution in Hammond, Indiana. With assurances of my highest re- gards, I am Sincerely yours, J edgan Hoover Enclosure INVISIBLE POWERS Justice Hower THE world la in a condition of our predominance, and this state lion plan, plows under cotton and we also had plenty of "new depar- ferment, confusion of thought is of things, will put both sides al curtails corn and whest acreage. tures la the governmental consti- rampant. The nations are in @ tur- the mercy of our International a So the farmer is to cut his own tutional working" and that sort of meil, economic crises are intenal- gentur; which posesses millions of throat? And the AAA farmer is thing. fied and suffering humanity is be- eyes over on the watch and un already preparing for it by hold- FROM Protocol No. 3: "Nown- ing sold on the idea that PRIV. hampered by any limitations what ing the knife on the grindatone days, with the destruction of the ATE capitalism is to blame. In soever. Our international rights with little "Walley" at the crank. aristocracy, the people have fallen spite of the efforts of thousands will then wipe out national rights "What fools ye mortals be." How Into the gripa of merciless Money- of good honest individuale and of In the proper sense of right, and fine did these diabolic Jewish grinding scoundrels who have laid societies to arrive at the truth will rule the nations precisely at schemes work out in Runsia where a pittless and eruel yoke upon the and the facts, and bring about a the civil law of States rules the 20 million people were starved to necks of theworkers. more wholesome economic condi- relations of their subjects among death. la Waliace the hired serv- "WE appear on the scene as al- tion, It has become evident that all themaelves." ant of the Jews? leged saviours of the worker from these efforts have been and are deliberately thwarted at every PACIFISM FROM Protocol No. 6: "The an this oppression when we propose Istocracy of the goyim as a polit- him to enter the ranks of our turn- by sume mysterious Influ- FROM Protocol No. 9: "We have leal force is dead-we need not fighting forces-Socialists, Anar- ence, sume hidden power. in our service persons of all opio- take it into account; but as landed chista, communists- whom we What is this evil influence, this lona, of all doctrines, restoring proprietors they can still be harm- always give support in accordance disturbing power? monarchists, demagogues, sociale ful to us from the fact that they with an alleged brotherly rule of IT IS THE POWER EXERCIS- late, communists, and utoplari are self-sufficing in the resources solidarity of all humanity." ED BY JEWRY. dreamers of every kind. We have upon which they live. It is easen- But by whose authority can one harnessed them all to the task: tial, therefore, for us at whatever Propaganda and Press make 60 terrible an accusation? each one of them on his own ac- cost to deprive them of their land. PROTOCOL No. 7: "We must The answer IP BY THE AUTH- count is bering sway at the last This object will be best obtained compel the governments of the ORITY OF THE LEADERS OF remnant of authority, in striving by increasing the burdens upon goyim to take action in the direc- ZIONISM THEMSELVES. to overthrow all established form landed property-in loading lands tion favored by our widely-con- THESE self-accuaations or con- of order." with debts." ceived plan already approaching fessions are contained in a work THAT means world revolution. THIS deprivation of land was the desired consummation, by entitled THE PROTOCOLS OF We see It in Russia and Spain. carried out according to schedule. what we shall present as public THE LEARNED ELDERS OF Over 85 per cent of the Jews are In the "National Review," Mar., opinion, secretly prompted by us ZION, published in Russia In 1905 communists. The following is con- 1925, Arthur Kitsen sald: "The one through the means of that no-cal- and placed in the British Museum tained in the Communist manual, aim of these financiers is world ied "Grest Power," the press, in August, 1906, under number "World Rules for Civil War": control by the creation of inextin- which with a few exceptions that 3926 D, 17. It was published by "They must be accused of being guishable debts!" may be disregarded, la already en- Sergius Nilus in 1901. class governments; they must EDUCATION tirely in our hands." IT contains 24 of the lectures pushed to extravagant expends IN 1920 Mr. John Swinnerton, which were delivered to the Eld- tures; the armed forces must be FROM a Protocol of 1869: "But former editor of the N. Y. Tribune ere of Zion at Basel, Switzer d, disorganized and disrupted so that above all let us monopolize edu- speaking on "The Independent in 1897 by their President. These they will be unavailable when the cation. By this means we SPREAD Press" made the following remark- PROTOCOLS are a startling rev- time comes to isolate the authori- IDEAS THAT ARE USEFUL TO able statement: "There is no such elation of a Jewish plot of world tics and paralyze their action." US and shape the children's brains thing in America as an Independ- conquest and domination by Jew- RELIGION to sult us" ent Press, unless It is in the coun- ry and are a serious threst to FROM Protocol No. 9: "We try towns. You know and I know our liberties and the destruction FROM Protoco] No, 17: "Free- have got our hands in the admin- It. Iam paid $150 a week for keep- of Christianity and Civiliaation. dom of considence has been de- intration of the law, into the con- ing my honest opinions out of the LET as from now on remember clared everywhere, ao that now duct of elections, into the press, paper I am connected with-others that the Jew is an international only years divide us from the mo- Into the liberty of the person, but of you are paid similar salaries bird. Patriotism and loyalty to the ment of the complete wrecking of principally into education and for similar things." country in which he lives is all that Christian religion." training as being the cornerstones SENATOR Shall of Minnesota piffle to him. He is loyal only to FROM Protocols No. 3: - The of a free existence. Informs us that 25 days after F. super international Jewish gov- word "freedom" brings out the "WE have fooled, bemused and D. Roosevelt was Insugurated the ernment aimed at world control communities of men to fight a- corrupted the youth of the goyim first time, he (Roceevelt) had a and domination. "Jewry umber al- gainst every kind of force, against by rearing them in principles and bill before Congress making it un- les." "Rule of the people, by the every kind of authority, evan theories which are known to - twwfut for angume 16 publish - people and for the people" is, in gslnst God and the laws of na- to be false although it is by us criticiam against the government the ideas of the Jews, most appal- ture." that they have been inculcated." unless it was first censored by ling nonsense. FROM Protocol No. 4: "There FROM Protocol No. 19: "This Roosevelt of one of his appointees. We will now quote a few short is & reason why it is indispensable advertisement has Increased the excerpts from the "Protocols," for us to undermine all faith, to contingent of liberals and has MONEY tear out of the minds of the Goy, brought thousands of goyim into PROTOCOL No. 20: "You are INDUSTRY Im (gentiles) the very principle the ranks of our livestock cattle." sware that the gold standard has FROM Protocol No. 3: "We (the of Godbead and the spirit, and to so they number us with their been the ruin of the State which Jews) shall create by all the sec- put in its place arithmetical calcu- livestock cattle, penned up in a adopted it for it has not been able ret subterranean methods open to Istions and material needs." Jewish barn yard paradise till we to salisfy the demands for money, us and with the aid of gold, which APPARENTLY their first "ideal" are ready for the slaughter. And the more so that we have removed is all in our hands, a universal ec- is 'hatred of God and all forms of yet we continue to Nek the boots gold from circulation as for as onomie crisis whereby we shall religion." The first "ideal" of com- of these kosher butchers. possible." throw upon the streets whole mobs munism is the abolition of all GOVERNMENT PROTOCOL No. 22: "In our of workers simultaneously In all forms of religious belief. hands is the greatest power of the the countries of Europe." FROM Protocol No. 14: "In FROM Protocol No. 10: "The day-gold: In two days we can WELL, how perfectly has this countries known as progressive president will, at our discretion, procure from our storehouses any been accomplished, not only in and enlightened we have created Interpret the sense of such of the quantity we may please." Europe, but also in America. a senseless, filthy, abominable, Ht- existing laws as admit of various PROTOCOL No. 20: "Economic Hence, what we now see didn't erature." And more from a Proto- interpretation; he will further crises have been produced by us just BO happen, but some one plan- col of 1869: "Let us foster the annul them when we indicate to for the goyim by no other means ned It so for us. Who? idea of free love, that We may de- him the necessity to do so, besides than the withdrawal of money FROM Protocol No. 6: "We shall stroy among Christian women at- this, he will have the right to pro- from circulation." create an intensified centralization tachment to the principles and pose temporary lawa, and even TODAY 59 men are ruling and of government in order to grip practices of their religion." Free new departures in the government controlling Russia. 56 of them are in our hands all the forces of the love and filthy literature are both constitutional working, the pre Jews and the other three are mar- community. We shall regulate the product of a filthy brain. And text both for one and the other ried to Jewesses. mechanically all the actions of the that brain would govern the world. being the requirements for the are- ONE of the first things those political life of our subjects by Surely that would be some gov- preme welfare of the state." Jews did when they got into pow- new laws." ernment MORE from Protocol 10: "By er was to call in ALL THE GOLD. WE observe: "Centralization of AGRICULTURE such measures we shall obtain the And what happened in the U. 8. Government is Roosevelt's theme power of destroying little by little when the New Deal' took control? and scheme. All the "forces of the FROM Protocol No. 3: "Our step by step, all that at the outset Do you see the light? These are community" Roosevelt wants in power is in the chronie shortness when we enter upon our rights, shocking resemblances, but If you his hands. "New laws", yes plenty of food and physical weakness of we are compelled to introduce into ever read the 'Protocols' you will of them-NRA and company. "We the worker because, by all that the constitutions of states to pre- get one shock after another. Read shall regulate". And what does this Implies, be is made the slave pare for the transition to an tm- them. It is a book of 75 pages. Roosevelt not regulate? of our will and he will not find in perceptible abolition of every kind One of the tasks set before the his own authorities either strength of constitution, and when the time Communist party is given in one LEAGUE OF NATIONS or energy to set against our will has come, to turn every form of of their Handbooks. It is: "Trans- FROM Protocol No. 2: "It is In- Hunger creates the right of capital government into our despotism." for to the State of all gold re- dispensable for our purpose that to rule the worker more surely WHAT a president under their serves." wars, BO far as possible, should than it was given to the aristocra- thumb will not do at "their dis- APPARENTLY there is perfect not result in territorial gains: war cy by the legal authority of kings." cretion." harmony between the Jews, the will thus be brought ento the ec- "OUR power is in the chronic HOW nicely does Roosevelt's Communists and him who called onemic ground, where the nations shortness of food." Well, that ex- court packing scheme and bis at- la the gold. will not fail to perceive in the us- plains the scheme back of the titude toward our constitution fit sistance we give the strength of AAA. Wallace sinughters six mil- in with these Jewish schemes? And (OVER) OTHER STARTLING are assembling from every coun- Occar Stranse (Jew) was coming tried to strangle that country to try to take part in the last attack seross the States Island facry to death financially, as In the case of upon the world." Manhattan, when be was Juined by Spain and Portugal REVELATIONS The Jew, Zingview, in his own & Gentile neighbor who noted the "For over 1700 years the Jews "Gasett": "We shall render our distress on his face. He gently In- have been bewailing their sad hearts cruel, ruthless, pitiless, so terrogated Mr. Strause as to what fale In that they have been exiled The grand Rabbi of Jerusalem that mercy does not penetrate might be depressing him. "It la from their homeland, M they call in July 1980: "The Jew appears them and to that they shudder not my people," returned the Jew, and Palastine But gentlemen, did the now to be the true monarch of the before an ocean of enemy blood. he wagged his besd in unutterable world today give it to them in fee world. Soon the Jews will and their We will open the stuices of that madness. "I'm tailing you, my jaimple, they would at once find fing fiying over the world." bloody tide. Without marcy and friend, that If my people do net some reason for not returning. "Der Tag" Yiddish, N. Y. April without pity, we will kill our en- mend their ways and be good citi- Why? Because they are vampires, 9. 1936: "The Jews of America, be- emies by thousands, We will sens IN FACT, pretty soon the and vampires do not live on vam- cause of their numbers, Interest drown them in their own blood." time is coming when America is pires. They cannot live only a. and ability constitute a GREAT going to see pogroms (massacres) mone themselves. THEY MUST POLITICAL FORCE They have 42,800 Christian pastors of all beside which the pogrema of Eu- SUBSIST ON CHRISTIANS AND not usurped this power. IT BE- denominations and ranks killed in rope were NOTHING, NOTHING" OTHER PEOPLES NOT OF LONGS TO THEM AS OF RIGHT Russia during the Revolution and They are going to exercise it as 17,000 murdered in Spain, prove Epllogue to Protocols THEIR RACE "If you do not exclude them they see fit." that the teachings of certain Jews An Englishman who signs him- from these United States, in this Isider Loob (Jew) anys: "The have been followed to the letter. self "C. D." in his epilogue on whole fortune of nations will pass London Jewish Savant, Dr. Oscar Constitution, in less than 200 years the Protocols makes the following Levy, anys: "We Jews have griev- they will have swarmed In such Into the hands of the Jewish peo- observations: "Let anyone who ously arred. We, who have posed great numbers that they will dom- ple; they (the gentiles) will march has read the Protocols challenge Inale and devour the hand, AND behind the Jewish people la chains as having given to the world himself to my whether It is pos- CHANGE OUR FORM OF GOV- as captives, and will prostrate be- "the" Saviour, are today nothing sible to find a single flaw In this ERNMENT, for which we Ameri- fore it." else than its seducers, its destroy- wonderful series of statements ers, Be incendiaries, its execution- cans have shed our blood, given Morning Post, London, Sept. 6, which were made to the Elders of er. We, who have promised you & cur lives, our substance and jeop- 1920: "The day la not far distant Zion in 1897, Is any one of them new heaven, have given you ardised our liberty. when all the riches and treasures untruthful or insocurate? I have of the earth will become the pro- NEW HELL" If you do net exclude them, in searched diligently to find doubt- less than 200 years our descend- party of the children of Tarael." Ziovief (Jew): See Cong. Record ful points so that I might anticle Dec. 19, 1925: "We have extermin- anta will be working in the fields Rene Groos (Jew) in Paris pa- pate possible objections and deal to furnish them substance, while per May. 1927: "The two Interna- sted the capitalista and property with them here and now, But in they will be In the counting hous- tionales of Finance and Revolu- owners in Russia. We are going to valo; there are no such points. I es rubbing their hands. I warn tion work with ardour; they are do the same to the eligentata therefore lerve the reader In pos- you, gentlemen, If you do not ex- the two fronts of the Jewish In- ession of a new line of knowledge of Euro and America." clude Jews for all time, your chil- ternationale, There is a Jewish of extraordinary value, It suppli- dren WILL CURSE YOU IN conspiracy against all nations." THE KAHILLA es the answer to that examperat- YOUR GRAVES. Rabbi S. Wise: "In Spain the Ing question, "WHY DOES THE "Jews, gentlemen, are Asistics, Government (Red) found a nec- The KAHILLA sppears to be a WORLD CONTINUE INDEFIN- let them be born where they will, easary to arm its workers. In A- vast network of espionage and ITELY IN A MORASS OF TROU- merica let it be beforehand by preditory actionism for worldwide or how many generations they are 181" For years and years you, away from Asia, they never will strengthening the organization of Jewry. Mr. Reader, have noted the fruit- be otherwise. Their Ideas do not labor; AND BY SYSTEMATIC- The Jews have divided the earth less efforts of the pupper-politie conformr to an American's and ALLY REMOVING FROM KEY into two hemisy heres, the eastern islans to find a way out, and have and the western. The KAHILLA is will not, even though they live a. POSITIONS IN ARMY AND NA- noted their continued failure. mong us fen generations A leop- TIONAL GUARD ALL OFFICERS constructed on the symbol of sev- But when you have read what and cannot change its spota. Jews WHOSE LOYALTY TO THE en. the June say about these puppet- the Asiatica, are a menace to this CONSTITUTION MAY BE QUAL- Over each hemisphere is put 9 politicians in Protocols Nos. 1, 2 PRINCE of Jewry, known as a country if permitted entrance, and IFIED BY CLASS ALLEGIANCE" and 10 it becomes clear why they should be excluded by this con- Maurice Samuel (Jew) in his SPONSOR There is one SPONSOR have always falled. You know now titution." WITH THIS QUOTA- book, "You Gentiles:" "We Jews, for each hemisphere. that for years you have beeh TION WE HAVE REACHED THE we, the destroyers, will remain de- The SPONSORS for both bem- watching the blind leading the CLIMAX, WE REST OUR CASE. stroyers forever. Nothing that you ischeres are accountable only to blind. as described in Protocol No. HERE WE HAVE THE KEY will do will meet our needs and AKAD HA'AM, the Uuknown and 1. These blind men are never tir- TO THE MYSTERY OF OUR PO- demands, We will forever destroy Uncrowned king of Jewry through ed of making Pacts and Agree- LITICAL AND ECONOMIC TROU because we need a world of our out the earth, whose Identity is ments which have no real force. BLES OF ALL TIMES. own." kept a guarded secret. Ministers for Foreign Affairs AKAD HA'AM rules the Jews Several thousand copies of this War and Revolution spend much time in knite and of the earth by a very effective article distributed in every town meroplanes, darting about from He has his PRINCE-SPON and city will atte our people to Remanter emastry another discomine SORS in each hemisphere. Then Metha agrinst, those red-costs Jew: "You have not began to furile agreements which seem to who have taken the dalbolic oath appreciate the real depth of our under these PRINCE-SPONSORS be framed to that they may lead to exterminate us and TO guilt. We are Intruders. We are falls the arven-times-seven organ- to other futile agreements, and DROWN US IN OUR OWN subverters. We have taken your feation. which in point of fact lead no- BLOOD. In the face of these natural world, your Ideals, your Under each SPONSOR there are where except to the brink of war. SEVEN ARCH-CENSORS, threats all prattle about racial destiny and played havoe with The condition of the world, in them. We have been at the bottom Under each ARCH CENSOR predjudice is just so much piffle. spite of the efforts of the politi- there are SEVEN MINISTERS. The Jew has sworn openly that not merely of the latest great war ciana, grow worse all the time. but of nearly all your ware, not Under each. MINISTER there he is going to get you; and UN- If the Gentiles do not alt up and are SEVEN HERALDS. LESS YOU GET THE JEW, THE only of the Russian, but of every take notice of what is going on a- JEW WILL GET YOU- "BE- other major revolution in your Under each HERALD there are round them they will be in dan- LIEVE IT OR NOT." history. We have brought discord SEVEN COURIERS. ger of losing their heads like and confusion and frustration into Under each COURIER there are thousands of clargymen and peas- The Defenders of American Li- your personal and public life. We SEVEN AUDITORS. ante did in Russia." berty. are still doing it. No one can tell Under each AUDITOR there are In a letter to the "Spectator" In P. O. Box 793, Ledyard Towa, or how long we shall go on doing IL" SEVEN MUTES, 1921, Lord Sydenham of England P. 0. Box T. N. T. Clear Lake, In We shirk our patriotic duty in This figures out to 960,800 In- gave his opinion of the Protocols: wartime because we are pacifists fluential Jews all organized Into a "Nothing that was written in Resd the following liferature: Hght, rigidly-controlled body. "Protocols of the Learned Eld- by nature and tradition, and we 1865 can have any bearing on the are the are-plotters of universal This, no dcubt, is that secret deadly accuracy of the Protocole, en of Zion" (50e). power to which President Wilson "The Red Network" and - The wars and the chief beneficiaries most of which have since been of those wars." referred on his return from Ver- fulfilled to the letter." Roosevelt Red Record and Its James W. Wise speaking In the silles when he said that, "THERE Now if you still think that the Background" by Mrs. A. W. Dill- Synagogue in 1934: "Our next step WAS A SECRET POWER IN Germans are devils and the Jews ing, 545 Easex Road, Kenilworth, to be taken as soon as ever it is EUROPE WITH WHICH HE are angels, then hear what Benja- III, (price $1.00 and $1.15). possible, must be to selse, in the COULD NOT COPE" min Franklin said about the Jews. "Red Justice", by J. E. Waters, interest of the workers, ALL THE (117 Jews accompanied Wilson Box 242, Madison Wis. (50c) NATION'S INDUSTRIES, & LET on his trip to the Conference. Franklin's Prophecy "The Key to the Mystery", P. N o T H I N G WHATSOEVER "This is the terrible power," "I agree fully with General O. Box 2290, Montres), Que, Can- STAND IN OUR WAY EVEN anys Earnest Sincere, "that had Washington-that we must pro- ada, (15c) Roosevell's "Invisible Dictator- SHOULD WE HAVE TO USE VI- started the World War in further- tect this young nation from an in- OLENCE" ance of its schemes, to powerful sidious Influence and Impenetra- ship," by Robert E. Edmondson. Bezboznik (The Godless), Mon- in British as W ell as German af- tion. That menare, gentlemen, is 400 W. 160th St., N. Y. City. (Se) cow, editorial staff 100 percent fairs, that the atatement is made the Jew! Jewish, Nov. 5, 1930: "We will on reliable authority that orders "In whatever country Jews have burn to the ground all the church- were given to the British Admir- settled in any great numbers, they es in the world, and knock all pri- alty and air forces, that at no time have lowered Its moral tone: de- some to pieces. We will place our during the war were Berlin, Ham- precisted its commercial Integri- anti-religious work, which la un- burg or Frankfort to be raided, ty: have segregated themselves dermining the foundations of the shalled of bombed, because their and have not been assimilated; world, upon a more enduring base. homes and families were there and have sneered at and tried to un- We will gather the millions of they had no Intention of suffering dermine the Christian religion up- pessants and workers under the physically or jeopardizing their on which that nation is founded PSF: Justice: Bag of milltant godiessness. They lives in this war which they had by objecting to Its restrictions; are already advancing under the concelved for their own world have built up 6. state within a waving banners of Lenin. They plans and financial profit." state; and when opposed have ,Edgan Hoover ATT. 11-2-38 Order Copies for Distribution-$8.00 per 1000, $2.00 per 500, Postpaid, within 400 miles of Ledyard, lown. JOHN EDGAR HOOVER DIRECTOR Federal Burrau of Investigation United States Department of Justice Washington, B. C. November 5, 1938 PSF: Hoover Instine folder PERSONAL AND Honorable Marvin H. McIntyre Secretary to the President The White House Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. McIntyre: I an transmitting the attached memorandum with reference to the fusion of the Communist Party and the Socialist Party of the Philippine Islands and the legalization of the Communist Party, in the thought that it may prove of some interest. With assurances of my highest regards, I am Sincerely yours, J. J.00 Hoover Enclosure November 5, 1938 MEMORANDUM The Communist Party of the Philippine Islands was legal- ized during the latter part of October, 1938. In pursuance thereof the Communist Party held its Third National Convention in Manila, which consisted of a three-day session terminating on November 1, 1938. This Convention was important in so far as it marked the merger of the Socialist Party and the Communist Party of the Philippine Islands into & solid bloc, which now calls itself the Communist Party of the Philippine Islands. The Third National Convention was represented by 380 dele- gates from twelve provinces and included 57 Socialist delegates. The Convention adopted resolutions, "......giving the Communist Party's support to ex- tension of democracy, to the fight against fascism within and without, with the Japanese fascist-imperialists representing the main danger." The Convention, . supported the progressive measures of Philippine President Manuel Quezon and advanced a program of the main demands of the workers and peasants The merger of the Communist and Socialist Parties was approved unanimously. The officers of the new Communist Party of the Philippine Islands elected at the Third National Convention are the following: Crisanto Evangelista - National Chairman Pedro Abad Santos - National Vice- Chairman Guillermo Capadocia - General Secretary. It is reported that 5,000 persons attended a rally as an - 2 - outgrowth of the Third National Convention at the Manila Opera House where the Communist Party of the United States was repre- sented by James Allen, a member of the National Committee of the Communist Party of the United States. Allen was one of the prin- cipal speakers. q.2 PSF: Instice Hower folder THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON March 13, 1939. MEMORANDUM FOR J. EDGAR HOOVER Thank you for the information about Dr. Schwars. Never heard of him, did not know former Chancellor Wirth was over here and never heard of the plans or activities of this group. Otherwise what he says may be true! My guess is that it is not worth spending a lot of time on these people except to check up now and then to be certain that they are not acting as underoover people for the Nazi-Fascist crowd under this dis- guise. F.D.R. JOHN EDGAR HOOVER DIRECTOR Federal Burrau of Investigation United States Department of Justice Washington, D. C. March 10, 1939 Honorable Marvin H. McIntyre Assistant Secretary to the President The White House Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. McIntyre: The following information has come to me from a source which has heretofore been found comparatively reliable, and I thought that you might desire to pass this information on to the President. Doctor Paul Schwarz, former German Consul in New York City, attended the dinner of the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in New York City on February 24, 1939. Doctor Schwarz was reported to be residing with former German Chancellor Wirth at the Hotel Saint Moritz in New York City. Wirth incidentally is reported to have been responsible for Schwarz' rapid rise as a German official, Schwarz having acted in charge of the secret political police at the time Wirth was Chancellor. The activities and the presence of Wirth in the United States have been clothed with considerable mystery and a con- certed effort has been made to keep stories concerning Wirth out of the newspapers. The real purpose of Wirth's presence in the United States however is stated to be for the purpose of establishing secretly a provisional German government which will be established if and when the Hitler government is overthrown in Germany. Former German Chancellor Heinrich Bruening and former President Benes of Czecho-Slovakia are reported to be parties to the plans being formulated for the establishment of the provisional government. Doctor Paul Schwarz is stated as having confidentially informed a confidant that no hasty con- clusions should be drawn from the information furnished concerning the provisional government since the plans for the overthrow of the Hitler government would probably not Honorable Marvin H. McIntyre - 2 - - March 10, 1939 immediately function and the establishment of the provisional government might not occur for years but that the present plans contemplated the establishment of the organization for the provisional government in order that it might begin to function immediately upon the overthrow of the Hitler regime. Doctor Schwarz confided that he and his friends were preparing a thoroughly bourgeois government and that the hopes of the radicals to share in an overthrow of the present German regime or to share in the government after the overthrow was "just dreaming" on their part. Doctor Schwarz claims that important American circles, where it had been possible to approach Americans with great discretion in view of the very secret nature of the undertaking, were not only in full accord with the project but would render active financial and political help. Doctor Schwarz stated that representative Americans who were contacted were sympathetic to his movement because of their belief that an overthrow of the Hitler regime might not only avoid a world war but that the makeup of the group working for the establishment of the provisional government will guarantee against a universally feared Bolshevik Germany "after Hitler." Doctor Schwarz claims that support of a similar nature is being received from England, France and several smaller countries. Doctor Schwarz has also made the statement that several officials in the State Department are fully cognizant of the plans and activities of this group and are secretly supporting these plans. Doctor Schwarz also made the statement that President Roosevelt knew of this movement and was extending every possible help to it other than to openly support the movement. Honorable Marvin H. McIntyre - -3- - March 10, 1939 Doctor Schwarz stated in concluding these confidential statements that nothing of a startling nature should be expected in the near future from the group forming the provisional government of Germany. If any further information upon this subject reaches me, I will transmit it to you promptly. With assurances of my highest regards, Sincerely yours, J. edgan Hoover PSF: Instice JOHN EDGAR HOOVER Hoover folder DIRECTOR Federal Surrau of Investigation United States Department of Justice Washington, D. C. December 1, 1939 Brigadier General Edwin M. Watson Personal and Secretary to the President Confidential The White House Washington, D. C. Dear General Watson: Recently Colonel Fred W. Wilson called at the FBI headquarters and furnished some information concern- ing conditions in Central America which I thought would be of interest to both you and the President. Wilson was an officer in Military Intelligence during the World War and has been residing in Guatemala for some years. He stated that the present efforts on the part of the United States to build good will in Central and South American countries are being subtlely but completely negatived by the representatives of American firms operating in those countries. Colonel Wilson stated that he had observed this subtle type of propaganda over a period of many years and was convinced that it will completely offset deliberate efforts to create good will. According to Colonel Wilson, conditions in Guatemala are similar to those in other Central and South American countries where, it is reported, American firms employ persons of European nationalities as local heads of their various American enterprises. As an example, Colonel Wilson pointed out that the head of the Guatemala Railroad is an Englishman; that many employees of the United Fruit Company are British; and that many officials in other industries in Guatemala are German or Italian, despite the fact that most of the industries represent American capital and are American controlled. According to Colonel Wilson the representatives of these American firms subtlely undermine American good will efforts by belittling -2- American activities and making apologies for American business methods and procedure. Colonel Wilson states that this type of propaganda is extremely effective in tearing down and destroying good will efforts. Knowing of the President's intense interest in procuring good will in the Latin American countries, I thought he would be interested in knowing of Colonel Wilson's statement. With assurances of my highest regards, Sincerely yours J. Hoover JOHN EDGAR HOOVER DIRECTOR PSFigantice Federal Burran of Investigation United States Department of Justice Washington, B. C. December 5, 1939 Brigadier General Edwin M. Watson Secretary to the President The White House Washington, D. C. Dear General Watson: Reference is made to previous communications furnished you concerning conditions in Mexico. I am transmitting herewith as of possible interest to you and the President additional informa- tion obtained in the above regard from confidential sources. Sincerely yours, J Edgan Hoover Enclosure (malvens Delands) EDGAR HOOVER DIRECTOR Federal Bureau of Investigation United States Department of Justice Washington, D.C. December 5, 1939 CONDITIONS IN MEXICO Mexican Activities in Guatemala and British Honduras With reference to previous information obtained from confidential sources concerning the alleged plans of President Cardenas of Mexico in connection with Guatemala and British Honduras, additional information has been obtained from the same confidential sources indicating that Cardenas was delayed in taking his proposed trip to Quintana Roo, Yucatan, Campeche, Tabasco and Chiapas. It is reported, however, that Cardenas plans to take the above journey within the immediate future. An attorney, Ignacio Garcia Tellez (ranking member of the Mexican Cabinet) has allegedly been sent ahead to complete certain arrangements within the territories which Cardenas plans to visit. It is reported that the Mexican garrison at Tapachula, State of Chiapas (on the Guatemalan-Mexican border) has been increased during the past ten days to approximately 2,000 men, the present armament at this garrison including five pieces of artillery, sixty machine guns, three fighting aircraft and approximately twenty Army trucks. In connection with the alleged Mexican plans relating to the possible annexation of the British Honduras, and a part, if not all, of Guatemala, a news item appeared in the newspaper, "Excelsior" of Mexico City, on November 7, 1939, under the date line of Santiago de Chile, which indicates agitation in Argentina with regard to the annexation of the Malvinas or Falkland Islands, formerly possessed by Argentina, but presently in the possession of Great Britain. The news item in question is quoted as follows: "ARGENTINA WILL URGE ENGLAND TO RETURN THE MALVINAS ISLANDS "A Committee for the Defense of Captured Territories. "Santiago, Chile, November 7.-- The present European War, in which are involved so many diverse interests, has suggested a subject that interests the American continent and in particular the Argentine - 2 - Republic. It treats of the latent problem of the Malvinas or Falkland Islands, situated in the southern hemisphere and which indisputably are an Argentine possession, which is found in the hands of a European nation. "The Malvinas Islands were taken by Great Britain through the means of a 'stroke of the hand' in an epoch in which the nations of America were in a com- plete period of organization and because of which they could not defend their patrimony from the conquest of other greater and more powerful nations, who extended their glances to other latitudes in search of lands for their imperialistic ends. "English agents have divulged that in the event that Germany defeated England, it intended to establish colonies in these American countries. Immediately, this has produced a reaction and has brought forth anew the reality of the subject of the Malvinas Islands, since Great Britain has no right to possess these terri- tories where it has installed gigantic naval bases. "On the occasion of the recent Conference of Chancellors held in Panama, the president of the Argentina delegation, Doctor Melo, in a brilliant discourse, made known the Argentina thesis concerning the Malvinas Islands. "A Committee Formed for Fighting for the Return of the Islands. "Immediately following, headed by Mr. Alfredo Palacios, there was formed 'A Committee for Return of the Malvinas Islands to Argentina', which has commenced active efforts and has initiated a strong propaganda program in the press and radio in defense of those territories 'captured from the Argentine Republic'. "This committee according to correspondence that has reached us from Buenos Aires - now has a great quantity of following of all classes and conditions. "In this connection there can be shown other cases of foreign colonization that in truth cannot be justified now that this continent has arrived at its full maturity and progress and has the capacity to take advantage of its rights. - 3 - "For example, England possesses British Honduras, as also exist the famous Guinas, which as much for England as for France and Holland, serve as penal colonies, for sending the criminal elements of these European nations that they cannot regenerate and which are a weighty burden for their States. "On the other hand, in these last colonies there has been given the case of certain insurrections that have been r epressed in blood and fire, considering this case as a demonstration that the neutrals do not desire the yoke that the foreign countries have placed upon them. The workers are exploited barbariously and have to work for starvation wages for the European proprietors of the plantations. All this is an unpleasant after- taste of the epoch in which the South American continent did not exist with its firm sentiment of nationality and which is now truly absurd." German Activities in Mexico It is reported that the German colony in Mexico City has developed a committee for the purpose of purchasing supplies to be delivered by personal messengers to the sailors aboard the interned ships at Tampico, Vera Cruz and Puerto Mexico. This committee has allegedly expended some 3,000 pesos in the above regard, and avail- able information indicates that a portion of these supplies may be destined for submarines allegedly operating in the Gulf of Mexico. It is reported that the supplies in question are being purchased from a German mercantile organization known as "Bavaria", located on Motolinia Street, Mexico City, at a price ten per cent less than the original cost, it being reported that the German mercantile organization in question sells to the committee below cost as a means of contributing to the Fatherland. Information has been obtained indicating that supplies such as sausages, coffee, tobacco, and German and Mexican newspapers are delivered to German submarine crews by small boats operating out of Vera Cruz, Mexico. It is reported that some t wenty-four former members of the crew of the German Steamship Columbus, now anchored off the coast of Vera Cruz, are missing and a statement appearing in the Mexican newspaper El Universal Grafico under date of November 8, 1939, indicates that the Mexican authorities contemplate making an inspection of this vessel in order to verify whether any crew members are missing from the Columbus. The above mentioned news item is quoted as follows: - 4 - "New Recount of the Crew of the Boat 'Columbus'. "The German ship, 'Columbus', searched in Anton Lizardo, Vera Cruz, was the object of a new inspection on the part of Immigration Authorities of the port, who on this occasion were making a recount of the crew. "As is known, four of the crew of the super-transatlantic German steamer perished recently on being surprised by a tempest between Vera Cruz and Anton Lizardo; this will be taken into consideration in the count to see if the rest of the crew has obeyed the instructions received not to interne themselves in the country. "There will be rendered to the Government a detailed report concerning the result of this new inspection." Information obtained from the above mentioned confidential sources indicates that among the missing crew members from the German ship 'Columbus' are the following: Hortz Heinrichsmeyer Friedrich Neuman Arnold Lindmeier Herman Tachestner Johann Copanski The above named five individuals are reported to be presently in the service of the German legation, Mexico City, having been allegedly selected to work under the orders of four Gestapo Agents of the German Government now in Mexico, because of their excellent knowledge of the English language. It is reported that two of the above named five individuals (identities not known at this time) speak excellent English without accent, and are being considered for possible confidential missions into the United States of America. It is reported that German Minister Von Kollenberg has recently made statements to the effect that German submarines are under instructions to avoid acts of provocation along the American Coast, in order to avoid antagonizing the Government of the United States. It is also alleged that Von Kollenberg has voiced opinions that should Russia join up with Germany and proceed to attack any - 5 - of the Scandinavian countries the United States might enter the war on the side of the Allies, and in this connection, Von Kollenberg has allegedly stated that in the event the United States attempts to actively assist the Allies in the conduct of the war, an intensified sabotage campaign will be conducted in this country in accordance with prearranged German plans. Von Kollenberg, as well as members of the above mentioned German committee in Mexico City, has allegedly stated that German sabotage agents presently in the United States, Mexico and Panama are already organized and prepared for a most effective campaign of sabotage in the event such activities are deemed necessary for the best interests of Germany. A recent story which appeared in the Mexico City Post under date of November 11, 1939, concerning the German Steamship "Columbus" is quoted as follows: "The German steamship 'Columbus', which tied up in Vera Cruz at outbreak of the war to escape capture by British warships and which changed anchorage to a few miles down the coast a short time ago for reasons more clear to the captain than to the authorities, has half her lifeboats marked 'Bremen', while the other boats are stenciled 'Columbus'. Officers of the 'Columbus' say the 'Bremen' boats are so labeled because the steamer comes from Bremen, not because the boats belonged to the luxury-liner 'Bremen', said now to be interned in the Russian artic port of Murmansk. "Mystery surrounds not only the strangely labeled life- boats of the 'Columbus', but various other items pertaining to the steamer. Why did she shift to a less frequented part of the coast than Vera Cruz? Why do half her boats bear the name of the ship, as is customary the world around; and why does the steward buy such large quantities of food and supplies? And the 'Columbus' captain had to be warned by the Mexican authorities to stop using the ship's short wave radio. "Both the Germans and the Russians, their allies, say the 'Bremen' is in Murmansk. It also is said that the crew of the 'City of Flint' say they saw the big liner in Murmansk harbor. If the Americans really saw the 'Bremen', then all is as represented, but one assumes the captive crew were allowed little opportunity to see anything-unless - 6 - carefully arranged. Any large ship, seen at dusk and with a name showing up in fresh paint might easily be mistaken for the ship whose ticket she bore. And it might be possible, as was feared, that the 'Bremen', is NOT in Murmansk, but somewhere safely out of steamer lanes in the Carribean, where she is acting as mother ship for German submarines off Panama. "It will be remembered that both the 'Columbus' and 'Bremen' were near New York about August 30. If the 'Columbus' could make Vera Cruz and intern for safety, and if the 'Bremen' wished to make a secure berth as it is claimed she did, why not come to Vera Cruz also instead of running serious risk of capture by crossing the Atlantic-with the entire British fleet on the look- out? It is possible the whole thing has been a well executed bit of mystification, and that the huge liner really is rocking to her anchor cables in the Carribean?" It is reported that Germany recently established a legation in Nicaragua for the first time in history, one Herman Eckner being in charge with the designation of Minister. Eckner allegedly arrived at Managua, capital of Nicaragua on or about November 10, 1939. Japanese Activities in Mexico Information obtained from the above mentioned confidential sources indicates that one Tomonori Nakano, President of fifty Japanese industrial companies, is possibly making a tour of Mexico by chartered airplane, it being reported that Nakano plans to visit the Pacific Coast of Mexico, particularly lower California. A news item which appeared in the Mexico City Weekly News on the date October 21, 1939, relates to the above matter, and same is quoted as follows: "JAPANESE CAPITAL TO BE INVESTED IN MEXICO "Mr. Tomonori Nakano, president of fifty Japanese industrial companies, and Mr. Tajima, president of Okura and Co., of Tokio and one of Japan's most successful bankers, arrived - 7 - in Mexico City by plane last Sunday. Many personalities of the business world, as well as several members of Japan's diplomatic representatives in Mexico awaited their arrival to give them friendly welcome. "It is known that Mr. Nakano is extremely interested in the establishment of several industries in Mexico, and that he soon will make a trip to Lower California accompanied by high officials of the Mexican government in order to study several projects offered him for industrialization, "It was learned also that Mr. Nakano intends to buy large quantities of oil from Mexico. He is president of many Japanese refineries and a member of Japan's railroads' board of directors. "Mr. Nakano also is interested in Mazatlan and Manzanillo and has chartered planes to visit these ports during his stay in Mexico." Labor Conditions in Mexico Information obtained from the above mentioned confidential sources indicates that on October 29, 1939, the adherents of Avila Camacho, candidate for president, held a gigantic parade through the streets of Mexico City. Participating in this parade were three regiments of uniformed and armed laborers allegedly elonging to the Confederation of Mexican Workers (C.T.M.), labor union, which has been referred to as the "C.I.O. of Mexico". This union is headed by Vicente Lombardo Toledano. It is reported that conservative Mexicans have voiced alarm upon occasions during the past five years due to rumors that Toledano is prepared to arm and militarize his labor unions and eventually Sovietize Mexico. Toledano has vigorously denied any such intentions, as has the Cardenas Government. It is reported, however, that the above mentioned parade containing three regiments of laborers, uniformed and armed, caused fresh alarm among con- servative Mexicans. It is rumored that Toledano intends to complete the training and arming of approximately 200,000 laborers within the near future. - 8 - It is reported that the so-called "Radicals" in Mexico, enthusiastically supported by a number of Azanista refugees from the Spanish revolt in Spain, are very active in distributing propaganda advocating expropriation and confiscation of all foreign owned property within Mexico valued in excess of 5,000 pesos. It is reported that these so-called "Radicals" refer to Leon Trotsky as a hopeless conservative. According to available information, the above group includes eleven women (eight being Azanista refugees from Spain and three Mexicans) who are particularly active in advocating the above program by means of lectures and speeches delivered in public schools, colleges and universities, as well as a number of women's clubs. In the above connection, it is reported that approximately 2,800 labor strikes in Mexico at the present time are causing con- siderable concern, inasmuch as the street railways of Mexico City have allegedly been paralyzed by a strike for more than fifteen days, and six important Mexican cities have allegedly been without light and power for a number of weeks due to industrial strife. It is reported that the employees of the English owned street railway company in Mexico City, who are now on strike, have officially asked President Cardenas to expropriate the property of this company. Similar demands have allegedly been made by the employees of the English owned railway from Mexico City to Vera Cruz, as well as the two principal telephone companies owned by Swedish and American interests, respectively. It is reported that the above employees are backed in their demands by Mexican labor leaders, as well as a considerable number of Mexican legislators. It is reported that the cost of living in Mexico has steadily increased particularly during the past two weeks as is illustrated by the following: It is alleged that during the period from 1930 to 1934, potatoes in Mexico were retailed at approximately six centavos per kilo. During the past four years, the price rose to twelve centavos, and during recent weeks the price of potatoes in Mexico has increased to approximately sixty centavos per kilo. Cheap bricks for home construction were sold for twenty pesos per thousand during the period from 1930 to 1934. During the last four years this price has risen to thirty pesos, and recently the price has increased to approximately forty-five pesos per thousand. It is reported that the Mexican Government has officially recognized the fact that necessities purchased by the average family in Mexico have increased in price approximately twenty per cent during the past two weeks, with the exception of clothing, which has increased only about fifteen per cent. For the President: Emm E.M.W. PSF:Justice Hoover JOHN EDGAR HOOVER folder DIRECTOR Federal Bureau of Investigation United States Department of Justice Washington, D. C. April 11, 1940 Brigadier General Edwin M. Watson Secretary to the President The White House Washington, D. C. Dear General Watson: As of possible interest to the President and you, please be advised I am in receipt of information obtained from a confidential source in reference to the note transmitted by the Secretary of State to the Mexican Government, concerning arbitration of the expropriated oil industries in Mexico, to the effect that Vicente Lombardo Toledano, who is the head of the Confederation of Mexican Workers, called a joint meeting of the Confederation of Mexican Workers and the Party of the Mexican Revolution, for the purpose of organizing the entire Republic to stand behind President Lazaro Cardenas. It is reported that vicious proclamations have been issued and published by both of the above named organizations, and orders issued that all business be suspended throughout the Republic of Mexico on Thursday, April 11, 1940, and protestation held against the "Yankee Imperial Government." It is reported that members of Congress have advised they have been assured by President Cardenas that he will not deliver a speech during the demonstration. It is further reported that if President Cardenas does not deliver a speech disorder may be avoided. The above data have also been furnished to Honorable Adolf A. Berle, Jr., Assistant Secretary of State, Department of State, Washington, D. C. With assurances of my highest regards, Sincerely yours, di edger Abover JOHN EDGAR HOOVER Instice Hooverfolder DIRECTOR 1-40 : Federal Burrau of Investigation United States Department of Justice Washington, B. C. December 14, 1940 The President confidential The White House Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. President: With reference to your memorandum of December 3, 1940, suggesting the assign- ment of a man at Palm Beach this winter, I am pleased to inform you that I am taking appropriate steps to insure a complete coverage of "friends and enemies" at Palm Beach during the winter season. Respectfully, J Hoover Aboard Presidential Special December 3, 1940. Just 1-40 MEMORANDUM FOR HON. J. EDGAR HOOVER I think it would be a pious 1dea to put one of your men at Palm Beach this Winter to cover "friends and onemies"! F. D. R. DECLASSIFIED By Deputy Archivist of the U.S. By W. J. Stewart Date PSF justice Homer Re:Mr. Scherwin who is See to Mr. Walter T. Stern and who wrote to Miss Le Hand on May 6, 1940 indicating that Mr. Stern had infor- mation that might interest the Federal Gov. FBI agent called on Mr. Stern who said he did not think Thomas Dewey was qualified to be President of U.S.. He made statements which Mr. Edgar Hoover sent in letter to Mr. McIntyre of June 5, 1940. See:Thomas Dewey-Gen corres-Drawer 2-1940 Resp'y referred to the President. E.M.W. 1 FORWARD BY SPECIAL MESSENGER THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 20, 1940. MEMORANDUM FOR HON. J. EDGAR HOOVER Station KGEI at San Francisco on May fourteenth announced that there is native unrest in the Netherlands East Indies. This broadcast was picked up there. The officials in Batavia are greatly upset because they assert this story is entirely unfounded. They say that, as a matter of fact, the natives are anti-German and anti-Japanese. Please have a careful check made on the ownership and manage- ment of this Station. F.D.R. PSF which EDGAR HOOVER DIRECTOR Justice Federal Burrau of Investigation Hoover Mutted States Department of Justice Washington, D. C. PERSONAL AND May 22, 1940 Brigadier General Edwin M. Watson Secretary to the President filer The White House Washington, D. C. Dear General Watson: I am in receipt of the President's memorandum of May 20, 1940, advising that Station KGEI at San Francisco, California, on May 14, 1940, announced there is native unrest in the Netherlands East Indies. In keeping with the desires of the President, I in- mediately authorized an investigation concerning the owner- ship and management of Station KGEI and I am attaching hereto a memorandum dated May 22, 1940, summarizing the said investigation. I trust that the enclosed information will serve the purposes of the President. If I can be of any further assistance to you in this matter, I hope you will not refrain from calling upon me. With assurances of my highest regards, Sincerely yours, Enclosure J edgan thour edgan Hoover REGRADED UNCLASSIFIED May 22, 1940 Radio Station KGEI is owned by the General Electric Company, Schenectady, New York. It was first licensed by the Federal Communications Commission as Station W6XBE in March, 1939. This license was renewed in November, 1939, the Station taking the new designation of KGEI. This Station operates at frequencies of 6190, 9530, 15330 with power of 20,000 watts and is heard effectively in Alaska, Western Canada, the Philippines, Dutch East Indies, China, Japan, South Africa, New Zealand, East Australia and surrounding countries. The broadcasting station of KGEI is located on Treasure Island, San Francisco, California, having studios at Treasure Island and at 111 Sutter Street, San Francisco, California. The said Station is a member of the National Broadcasting Company chain. Employees of Station KGEI are likewise employees of the National Broadcasting Company, with the exception of its Manager, Mr. Buck Harris, who is employed by the General Electric Company. In addition to the regular NBC network programs, Station KGEI uses International News Service, which Service is the basis for its news broadcasts. Inquiries conducted through the Inter- national News Service and the records of Station KGEI reflect that the following International News Service Bulletins, which may be of considerable pertinence, were broadcast: (1) "London, May 14 (INS) Japanese returning from Batavia reported that natives there had launched emancipation movement against Dutch rule, according to an exchange telegraph dispatch from Tokyo. Netherlands authorities were said to be taking precautions against possible uprising." -2- (2) "Tokyo, May 14 (INS) a strong protest at in- creasing anti-Japanese agitation in Dutch East Indies was lodged on May 12th according to a Domei News Agency report today. Otojo Saito, Consul General at Batavia lodged the protest with Dutch Consul General, Domei said. It claimed feeling against the Japanese had been running high among the Dutch residents in Batavia in recent days." The foregoing Bulletins of International News Service emanated from its New York office and were broadcast over Station KGEI on May 14, 1940. During the inquiry in this matter it was ascertained that the following International News Service Bulletin, which was the subject of inquiry by a member of the Department of State in San Francisco, California, was broadcast over Station KGEI on May 11, 1940: "May 12 (Sunday) (INS) French marines were reported early today to have landed at certain islands of the Dutch East Indies to 'assure protection from local Nazi elements'. Seven hundred Germans were stated in this unofficial report to have been arrested in the East Indies Islands." It is believed by officials of the National Broadcasting Company that the above Bulletin was in error and should have read "West Indies" rather than "East Indies." A subsequent Bulletin was received from the International News Service as follows: -3- "London, May 12 (INS) authoritative British Government circles tonight stated that Great Britain has no intention of interfering with the status quo of the Dutch East Indies. Further it was officially announced that the dispatch of Anglo-French forces to the Islands of Curacao and Aruba in the Dutch West Indies had been decided upon with the full agreement of the Netherlands Government. Possibility of dis- ruption of the status of the Netherlands East Indies had caused some perturbation in the Japanese press today and it was predicted by Tokyo newspapers that expressions of official Japanese Government concern 'might be expected'. French marines have already been landed at Curacao and Aruba to aid the local Netherlands forces in protecting valuable oil refineries and other important plants from possible sabotage. Landing of Allied forces in the Western Hemisphere and close to the Atlantic end of the Panama Canal was not objected to as a breach of the Monroe Doctrine by Washington. The American Government, through Presidential Secretary Stephen Early, accepted the move as an Allied action which is not an infringement of the Monroe Doctrine." Home PSF; Justice Ed folder Edgar Hoover memo to Atty Gen--May 22, 1940 Re:Memorandum on Walter P. Reuther whom the Sec of Labor comtemplates appointing as head of Safety Device Bd of Dept of Labor---attached is letter to M.A.L. from Bob Jackson and the Presidents memo to Atty Gen of May 29, 1940. See:Robert Jackson folder-Drawer 1-1940 Memorandum for Paula Larrabee: Edgar Hoore For your confidential files. J.H.R. THE WHITE HOUSE 7 WASHINGTON June 18, 1940. MEMORANDUM FOR JIM ROWE If the memorandum to the President from the Senators has not been acknowledged perhaps it should be and then keep it in your own files. G.G.T. Recommended by din' Glass see: General Hiles THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON June 12, 1940. MEMORANDUM FOR JIM ROWE FOR YOUR INFORMATION F. D. R. PSF JOHN EDGAR HOOVER Justice DIRECTOR Hoover Federal Burrau of Investigation United States Department of Justice Washington, B. C. June 7, 1940 PERSONAL Honorable Stephen Early Secretary to the President The White House DECLASSIFIED By Authority of justice Washington, D. C. Dept letter 12-13-61 FEB 29 1972 My dear Mr. Early: By gs Date With reference to the President's request made to the Attorney General on May 29, 1940, for an investigation concerning Mr. Samuel M. Kaplan, 7 Vestry Street, New York, New York, I am very pleased to furnish herewith a statement dated June 7, 1940, con- cerning the results obtained in connection with this inquiry. The original enclosure furnished the Attorney General with the President's communication of May 29, 1940, is being returned herewith. With assurances of my highest esteem, I am Sincerely yours, J. Edgan Drover Enclosure JOHN EDGAR HOOVER DIRECTOR Federal Bureau of Investigation United States Department of Justice Mashington, B.C. June 7, 1940 SAMUEL M. KAPLAN Samuel M. Kaplan, President and Treasurer of B. D. Kaplan and Company, Inc., 7 Vestry Street, New York, New York, resides at 1175 Park Avenue, at which address he has maintained a very expensive apartment for the past fourteen years. Kaplan is fifty-five years of age, wealthy, married, with one married daughter. Kaplan has no sons. He is reported to be an Orthodox Jew. Kaplan has served as President and Treasurer of B. D. Kaplan and Company, Inc., 7 Vestry Street, New York, New York, since 1905. This is a wholesale mercantile firm reported to possess in excess of one million dollars in assets. B. D. Kaplan and Company, Inc., was founded by the father of Samuel M. Kaplan in 1875 and is at the pres- ent time one of the largest wholesalers of woolen waste and reclaimed wool in the United States. Kaplan possesses an excellent business record, as well as highly favorable bank references. His credit rating is reported to be very good. The firm of B. D. Kaplan and Company, Inc., purchases woolen waste locally and abroad, selling this product to manufac- turers of woolen goods throughout the United States and Canada. Kaplan is also President of the Saxony Corporation, woolen goods manufacturers, Norwich, Connecticut. Available information is to the effect that Kaplan amassed a considerable fortune during the World War period in connection with U. S. Government contracts for Army uniforms. His business experience is reported to be limited to waste and shoddy goods. It is reported that Kaplan is not con- sidered by business acquaintances as being the most capable man available for a position requiring a general knowledge of men's clothing and accessories. Kaplan is strongly hostile to Germany and has evinced great sympathy for England and France during the current conflict. He is reported to be a close friend of Senator Carter Glass of Vir- ginia. Kaplan has a brother, one Emanuel Kaplan, who is interested STATE 4 / - 2 - in B. D. Kaplan and Company, Inc., and controls the Willbrook Woolen Mills, Inc., Yantic, Connecticut. Emanuel Kaplan, according to rumors current in New York business circles, possesses influence in Washington in connection with obtaining Reconstruction Finance Corporation loans on a ten per cent commission basis. In this connection, information has been received that the Millbrook Woolen Mills, Inc., received a $120,000 Reconstruction Finance Corporation loan during 1935. The Millbrook Woolen Mills, Inc., is affiliated with B. D. Kaplan and Company, Inc. Prominent individuals in the wool industry in New York City and others have indicated that Samuel M. Kaplan possesses the reputa- tion of being an entirely legitimate and honest, although "sharp", business man, not being as competent as numerous other individuals except in connection with woolen waste and shoddy materials. Informa- tion obtained from highly confidential sources is to the effect that the appointment of Kaplan to a position in the Procurement Division of the Mar Department would not be generally approved throughout the wool and clothing industry. MEMORANDUM RE S.S. COLUMBUS CREW AT ANGEL ISLAND PSF: Justice: J. Edgan Hoover ADDRESS REPLY TO "THE ATTORNEY GENERAL" AND REFER TO INITIALS AND NUMBER DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE WASHINGTON, D.C. July 8, 1940 MEMORANDUM Following a telephone call received by us in Los Angeles from the Solicitor General in ashington, we proceeded to San Francisco on Friday, June 28, 1940. The Solicitor General stated on the telephone that a report had been received from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Office in San Francisco concerning the crew of the S.S. Columbus, presently situated on Angel Island under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization. We arrived in San Francisco Saturday morning, June 29, and called upon Mr. PeAper, Special Agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Office. He handed us two memoranda, each dated June 28, 1940, and labelled "Memorandum for the File". The originals are attached and numbered I and II. Memorandum I contains information relative to the crew of the S.S. Columbus, which was received at the Federal Bureau of In- vestigation Office in San Francisco from sources recited in the memorandum but whose reliability is not known. Shirley McMillan (no local address) wrote a letter to the San Francisco Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation saying that members of the "Columbus crew" visited the saloons along the water front and fraternized with the labor element. Undoubtedly this is true. The taverns referred to in the report are located near the pier used by the boats going to and coming from Angel Island. The International Longshoremen's Association Hall is about two blocks away and longshoremen and other laborers frequent the same bars. Certain other reports were not fully investigated because time did not permit. - 2 - We did not consider it worthwhile to interview R. McClellan, Brigadien Territorial Prison Chaplain of the Salvation Army, San Francisco, for the reason that the question of shore leave about which hewrote the State Attorney General is a matter which has received the consideration of the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization, the State Department and the German Consul. Edward H. Harris, of 1711 Washington Street, was not located. He reported a conversation with one "Heinrich" in Ward 4, Bed 14 of the Marine Hospital, where Heinrich talked of the "revolution" that this country would have shortly. It is not at all unlikely that the statement was made by Heinrich, but we did not take it of sufficient importance to warrant an independent investigation because our time was limited. The report from a Miss Fisk that a dance was held at Cali- fornia Hall for the benefit of the Columbus crew is probably true. Numerous dances of a similar kind are held at that hall, which is located in a section adjoining the water front. E. C. Holber, 1719 Scott Street, San Francisco, was not lo- cated. Here again, partly because of lack of time and partly because of its indefiniteness, the report that Holber met a German named Ehni, who it is reported was told by a seaman (name not given) that he disliked the Island and that he had some forged seaman's papers and was using them to sail away to San Francisco, was not investigated. It was established, however, that all members of the crew were accounted for July 3, 1940. Emory E. Smith, 651 Howard Street, was not located, but the report that he made to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Office is probably true. We made some discreet inquiries generally among bar- tenders and found that there has been some loose talk coming from members of the crew. At the Stag Tavern, 3 Kearney Street, in particular some of the crew members "popped off" so the bartender expressed it. Possibly Emory Smith's report that he overheard an argument among members of the crew of the S. S. Columbus in a saloon at Third and Market Streets, in which it was contended that "the United States was not justified in its stand against Hitler" relates to the Stag Tavern, as it is a saloon "near Third and Market Streets". - 3 - Miss Norma Wood, 157 Ellis Street, was interviewed. It is true that she is acquainted with some of the members of the crew and bought them a radio. She stated that she met some of the of- ficers and men of the Columbus at Karl Siegel's place on Stevenson Street. She stated that the Germans made quite clear that they were proud of the fact they were Germans. Miss Wood was a little reluctant to talk because she had promised Special Agent Louis J. Wine that she would report to no one but him. Of course, Agent Wine did not anticipate that another representative of the Department would be making an inquiry. We talked to Agent Wine on the day we left San Francisco and he offered every assistance. However, we did not again interview Miss Wood. We found no basis for the report that thirty members of the crew were absent without leave from Angel Island at any time. We did determine that thirty members of the crew are ashore every day on leave-ten from the Immigration Station where one hundred fifty men are quartered and twenty from the Quarantine Station where three hundred men are quartered. Inasmuch as our understand- ing was that the leave arrangement was the subject of correspondence between the German Embassy and the State Department, we did not con- sider it within our province to make any suggestions concerning it. We were advised that officers of the Columbus crew were escorted through Mare Island Navy Yard, but we did not get particular information about it, because if it were a fact, then the authorities at the Navy Yard were aware of it, and we did not want to be put in the position of questioning their discretion. If it was not a fact, then the matter was of no importance whatever. We were advised that Karl Ruppert, the first officer, is granted leave, but we received no information that he abused the privilege. It is our recollection that he admitted going to Los Angeles. It is a fact that Mr. Strand, Immigration Inspector in Charge, fraternizes to some extent with the members of the crew. In the nature of things as they are, he could hardly refrain from it. He admitted that he took a trip to Palo Alto and Big Trees sometime ago with Captain Daehne of the Columbus and a crew member. As to the wisdom of this, Mr. Haff, District Director, had the fol- lowing to say: "Inspector in Charge Strand is partial to this particular trip, on which he has taken many visitors to San Francisco. He works directly with the Captain on crew matters. - 4 - "I have a faint recollection that Mr. Strand did mention that he was considering making such a trip with Captain Daehne as a courtesy act to cement cordial relations in handling crew problems. I did not recall that the trip was actually made and upon questioning Strand today, he said that he did not inform me of it. The trip was made long after he first spoke with me and I do not recall that I then offered any objection. However, considerable time elapsed and conditions had so changed when the trip was made that I feel I would have advised against such a step even though the purpose was a worthy one. "I have had no reason to doubt Mr. Strand's loyalty. His judgment is not always the best, but I have found it to be honest." It may be that there has been some transferring of shore passes as that referred to between Becker and Ahl. We were unable to confirm it, however. The name Ulrich Holtz does not appear on the official list of members of the crew, so we did not inquire particularly as to the report concerning that individual. The memorandum recites that two members of the crew after hearing the President's Charlottesville speech remarked, "The President will pay dearly for his utterances". This was not inquired into for the reason that the name of one of the alleged crew members (Holtz) does not appear on the official list and it was assumed that the other crew member (Ahl) would deny it, if questioned. The source of the information was not given. We were unable to confirm the report that members of the crew remarked that in the event of a strict internment of the crew, that the crew men would make a serious break for freedom. We were unable to check on the accuracy of the report by a "confidential informant" that the crew men had any advance informa- tion as to the stopping of the U.S.S. Washington by a German sub- marine because we did not talk to the informant. The reports that the crew is in radio communication with Germany are without foundation. The report that crew members loaf around the water front and are able to learn sailing time of vessels is probably true. There is nothing to prevent it, but we do not believe it very important, however, because the same information is, no doubt, available from other sources. - 5 - Memorandum II contains information relative to the crew of the S.S. Columbus reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation office in San Francisco and coming from sources which that office believes to be reliable. Obviously, we were handicapped in our inquiry in not having available to us sources of information. Even if they had been, we would not have had sufficient time to check the absolute accuracy of all the reports. However, such information as we were able to obtain is set out below in numbered paragraphs-each number corresponding with the paragraph number in Memorandum II. 1. The crew of the S.S. Columbus remaining at Angel Island, counting one in jail, comprises exactly 451 men. We were advised that a general search has been made of their effects. 2. In a sense, members of the crew are permitted to go and come from Angel Island without any strict record or check made by immigration officials on the Island. At first the crew members were checked in and out by their own officers, working in conjunction with immigration authorities. After awhile immigration authorities discon- tinued checking and relied on daily reports made to them by the ship's officers. When we called this practice to Mr. Haff's attention, he stated he did not know his men had discontinued checking the crew members at the pier and indicated he would reinstate the practice. However, in our surprise check of the crew members, we made an air- tight count and all members were present or properly ac- counted for. Comment as to the wisdom of the immigration authorities primarily relying on a check by the officers of the crew will appear later on in this memorandum. 3. We are advised that on occasion members of the crew returned to the Island intoxicated. The night we checked those on shore leave when they boarded the launch "Jubilee", which leaves the mainland at 11:00 p.m., several had been drinking, but we do not believe any one of them was drunk. 4. The crew members formerly had access to Fort McDowell, which is on Angel Island and adjoins the Immi- gration Station. We found no instance of any members of the crew going there in disobedience of orders. When the German erew first arrived at Angel Island, the Commanding Officer at Fort McDowell gave them the freedom of the Island. At the present time they are restricted - 6 - and may only attend the movies twice a week. We are told that the ship's officers have stationed their own guards to see that the orders are obeyed. It is observed that the military authorities at Fort McDowell do not think it important enough to establish a guard line. 5. It is true that the seamen are not searched upon their return to the Island from shore leave. The immigration authorities advance a variety of reasons why they do not do it. The night we checked the seamen on shore leave as they boarded the "Jubilee" we examined the packages they brought with them. They contained nothing but tobacco, candy and notions. 6. It is true, so we were advised, that the fatigue colors of the seamen are khaki. 7. We were unable to confirm the story that a crew member shouted "Heil Hitler" at the canteen at Fort McDowell and that a fight ensued between a non-commissioned officer of the United States Army and the crew member. The immigration authorities were without information on the subject, and Major Arnold, Adjutant of the post, has never heard of any trouble between the crew members and the soldiers. 8. The statements that a barbecue pit has been built are probably true. lie did not think it of suffi- cient importance to ascertain the fact. The flag flying at the "Recreation Center" is an ordinary white flag with the picture of a fish on it. No one attaches any significance to it. 9. It is true that crew members are permitted to leave the Island on a pass issued by their own officer and some are permitted to stay over night. The record of their return is made by their own officer and a daily report furnished Mr. Strand, who is the Immigration In- spector in Charge. 10. We did not check the reports set out in this paragraph. The sources of the information were not known and we thought it was unlikely that either Newport or Harrison would admit any laxness on their part. - 7 - 11. The recitals in paragraph 11 are substantially correct to the effect that the German crew do their own policing and that the officers of the crew were to be notified of any matters requiring disciplinary attention. As far as we could learn, the ship's officers cooperated in every way. 12. It is true that some of the members of the crew are visited by feminine persons but we do not find it to be common knowledge among the guards that the crew members and their visitors engaged in immoral practices in the foliage adjoining the building. Among others, Chief Guard Harrison stated that it is possible that there has been some occurrences of this kind, but he knows nothing about them. 13. It is not at all unlikely that many persons in San Francisco are dissatisfied with the way the crew members are allowed to circulate. In fact we gained that general impression during the course of our investigation. It is reasonable to believe that if in the course of their travels they make any worthwhile "findings" that, as is indicated, they would report them to the German Consul. 14. The report made in this paragraph concerning the radio is misleading. There is a short-wave radio in the quarters, but no sending apparatus. About this Mr. Haff, the District Director, said: "Columbus crew members, through Inspector in Charge Strand, requested permission to install a short wave radio set, stating the regular radio was operated to suit the desires of Chinese and other nationalities and they were interested in getting some European news which could be made into a news sheet such as is posted on steamers. The request was discussed with Mr. Strand. It was our obser- vation that the broadcasts could be overheard by the guards, and, furthermore, any one of the crew- men on shore leave could listen in on such broad- casts and on return bring the news in written form. "Our Chief Engineer, living on the Island, has such a set and check could be made of such broadcasts, and also by the radio operator at Fort McDowell, Angel Island. - 8 - "Permission was granted. "The matter of ordering its removal was dis- cussed with Major Arnold of Fort McDowell, who, for the present at least, could see no reason for such action. He was furnished with the range measure of the set for possible checking purposes. No evidence of irregularity has been discovered." 15. It is true that no written check is made at night of the quarters where the radio is maintained. 16. The report is correct that none of the guards at the Immigration Station contact the members of the crew at the Quarantine Station. The reasons for not doing this are set out in another place. 17. The report about "selling Nazi propaganda" is greatly exaggerated, but there is probably some basis for it. 18. The report that German aliens are permitted to accompany the immigration service boat to the mainland and return with alien prisoners is probably exaggerated. Our inquiry disclosed that one crew member accompanied the operator of the boat on certain occasions. About this the District Director said: "This report evidently relates to several trips made by a young crewman with Engineer Mooney, who met Seattle deportation parties at Oakland pier. This young man, whose ambition is to get back to America to live, has been used as a secret informant on conditions obtaining in crew quarters. His name is Walter Moore. He was not allowed to operate the boat, nor was he taught about naviga- tion. He was favored for a purpose thought to be of value to our own Service." 19. The report relating to the use of the Immigration Service Switchboard has been developed by an independent investigation on the part of the District Director, a copy of the proceedings of which were sent to the Department. In commenting upon it, the District Director said: "Upon learning of this alleged complaint through F. B. I. sources on June 19th, an immediate investigation was directed and report made to Commissioner Houghteling as of June 26, 1940. The results did not disclose any such practice ob- tained or ever had been permitted." - 9 - 20. The "Jubilee" is a launch chartered by the German Consul for the use of the seamen on shore leave to take them back to Angel Island at 11:00 p.m. It is probably true that crew members have boarded it under the influence of liquor. We did not go into the question of whether the owner had a license to sell liquor. 21. We could not verify the accuracy of the report that members of the crew frequently exchanged passes. 22. We inquired particularly but were unable to con- firm the report that ten cases of beer were brought on the Island and taken to the seamen's quarters. 23. We did not try to confirm the report made in this paragraph that one of the crew members mentioned to the guard, referring to his fatigue clothes, that all he would need was a swastika and a cap, etc. It was not thought important enough to devote any time to investigating it because of the limited time at our disposal. 24. It is true that the crew is permitted to receive visitors on passes issued by the German Consul at San Francisco. Insofar as the reports contained in paragraphs 25, 26 and 27 relating to the traffic in beer, we were unable to get definite information or confirmation. The incident concerning the difficulty between Karl Ruppert, Chief Officer of the S.S. Columbus, and one of the immigration guards over the disposition of a bottle of what appeared to be intoxicants was probably the result of a conflict in instructions, or at least a misunderstanding. Perhaps the Chief Officer's actions were a bit extraordinary, but he was following the instructions of the Captain, who was under the impression (which was correct) that the immigration authorities had entrusted to him the duty of preventing the landing of intoxicants. In our opinion the incident could have been avoided, if written instructions instead of verbal ones had been issued to the shipsofficers and immigration guards alike. - 10 - We were told in a telephonic conversation with the Solicitor General or Mr. Schofield, or both, that it was reported that five mem- bers of the crew had deserted from Angel Island. Upon our arrival at the Immigration Station we checked the crew members and all were present or properly accounted for. Attached is a certificate by the District Director made the day after our count. The information contained in the reports received by the Fed- eral Bureau of Investigation and furnished us in Memoranda I and II must have presented a perplexing problem to the Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Standing alone, they indicated the existence of a very unusual situation at Angel Island insofar as the administration of the affairs of the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization is concerned. Particular inquiry and actual contact, however, develop that in reality the situation is not what we ourselves first believed. The seamen are not prisoners of war and they are not alien enemies. Their upkeep, including food, clothing and spending money, is paid by the German Consul General in San Francisco. Some of them have departed on foreign ships since the contingent arrived in Califor- nia. We found no evidence that any of them had deserted or tried to desert. The cooperation of the ship's officers and the German Consul General is essential if the problem is to be handled smoothly. It is a difficult and delicate one and, generally speaking, we are of the opinion that it has been handled as well as could reasonably be expected by those in authority at Angel Island. Granting it to be a fact that the status of these seamen is that of excluded aliens, it is possible that if habeas corpus proceedings were instituted, they might be enlarged and give rise to an even greater problem. It was established beyond any doubt that some of the crew mem- bers have made statements in barrooms which would not find favor with persons who are not sympathetic toward Germany. Particular inquiry was not pressed in this direction because we believe the best way to reach it is for the Attorney General or someone in authority in the Department to advise Mr. Haff, the District Director, as to our findings in that particular, and for Mr. Haff to take it up with Captain Daehne of the Columbus. We were both impressed with the Captain's sincerity and friendly attitude, and willingness to cooperate in every way possible. Daniel E mihms Daniel E. McGrath Special Assistant to the Attorney General James Ruffi Special Assistant to E. the Ruffin Attorney General 12016/8888 July 3, 1940 MEMORANDUM FOR SPECIAL ASSISTANTS TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DANIEL McGRATH AND JAMES RUFFIN: I hereby certify that on this date Inspector in Charge Strand and Chief Engineer Mooney made a check of the crewmen of the S.S. "Columbus" at Quarantine Station and that Guard in Charge Alex Harrison and Guard Peter Gallagher made a check of the crewmen at the Angel Island Immigration Station. This check was by means of the photograph identification and by name, and the four hundred and fifty-one (451) crewmen were fully accounted for. This includes the crewmen in hos- pital.and the one (1) in jail District Federal Bureau of Investigation United States Department of Justice San Francisco, California June 28, 1940 No. I MEMORANDUM FOR THE FILE The following information relative to the crew of the ex-S.S. COLUMBUS has been received at this office from the following sources whose reli- ability is not known: SHIRLEY McMILLAN, (no local address) San Francisco, wrote a letter to the San Francisco Office on June 16, 1940, reading in part as follows: "Re your investigation of Fifth Column' activities. *** A number of aliens interned on Angel Island visit these saloons daily and drink and fraternize with the Union and labor element on the waterfront. * * * Quite a few of them go to the Funchal Tavern at 209 on the Embarcadero and some to LOUIS SILVA'S place in the same block." R. McCLELLAND, Brigadier, Territorial Prison Chaplain, the Salvation Army, San Francisco, wrote a letter to the State Attorney General of California, reading in part as follows: "I have felt for several days that I should write to you on the matter of 'shore leave' being given those German sailors. When so much havoc has been wrought in European countries through 'Fifth Column' tactics, and in our own land here, we have evidences of its subtle working, might it not be well to have the shore leave of these men stopped." in EDWARD H. HARRIS, 1711 Washington Street, San Francisco, called at the San Francisco Office and reported that he became acquainted with a sailor off the S.S. COLUMBUS, who was also confined with him at the Marine Hospital, San Francisco, and this sailor was pro-Nazi. He had a "storm trooper's" uniform and often during the conversation talked of the "revolution" that this country will have shortly. He is known as HEINRICH, which is his first name, and he was in Ward 4, Bed 14. On June 14, 1940, a Miss RUTH KEATING FISK, (no address) telephoni- cally advised this office that the sailors from the S.S. COLUMBUS were being accorded a benefit dance at California Hall on this day. (2) E. C. HOLBER, 719 Scott Street, San Francisco, reported he became acquainted with WALTER EHNI, a German, that a seaman from Angel Island is reported to have told EHNI that he disliked the Island, that he had some forged seaman's papers, that he was using the papers to sail away from San Francisco. (3) EMORY E. SMITH, 651 Howard Street, San Francisdo, called at the San Francisco Office and reported that he observed an argument be- tween members of the crew of the S.S. COLUMBUS in a saloon near Third and Market Streets. They contended that "the United States was not justified in its stand against HITLER". The statements made by the crew were loud enough to be heard easily. SMITH 11 further reported that a friend of his, whose name he would not furnish, had stopped at the "Seven Wile House" and some of the crewmen made threats against the United States. Mr. SMITH was in charge of the iron and steel plants on the west coast for the 11 army and navy during the world war and appears to be a reasonable and sound business man. A confidential informant reported to an agent of this office that one of the crewmen had called on a Jewish professor at Stanford University and talked "long and loud" in support of the Nazi govern- ment and sought to borrow someliterature from him. Informant stated that it is his observation that all of the Nazis have the same approach, and have been undoubtedly instructed by their govern- ment. Informant is a Profesmor at Stanford University and an outstanding authority on the international situation. () Miss NORMA WOOD, 157 Ellis Street, San Francisco, called at the San Francisco Office and reported that she had been friendly with MALTE MILDAHN, one of these crewman, had visited him on the Island, and brought him a radio. She talked with a number of the crewmen and one of them told her that there will be a revolution in this country, and afterward the Nazi Government would step in and take control. One of them told her that one of the crewmen intended to go to Washington, D. C., and work for the German Ambassador. She said she had visited the German Consulate and had seen one of the officers of the S.S. COLUMBUS, HENRY LAMPE, working there. The clerk in charge denied that he was there when she made inquiry for him. She said she had seen some of these officers and crew- men in the place of KARL SIEGEL, German photographer on Stevenson Street, San Francisco. 15) DAVID KAMORE, 704 Market Street, called at this office and stated that he was in the Stag Tavern, 3 Kearney Street, when he heard five crewmen from the German ship COLUMBUS make the remark in substance "if the United States sent an army to Europe, they would need only a one-way ticket", and other similar remarks. -2- An individual whose identity is known to this office and who asked that his name be held confidential stated that thirry members of this crew were absent without leave and no action was taken by the authorities at Angel Island Immigration Station where they had been quartered and that the officers of the S.S. COLUMBUS were reported to have been escorted through the United States Navy Yard at Mare Island. Another informant stated that KURT RUPPERT, First Officer of the S.S. COLUMBUS, stays away days at a time and is reported to have gone on one occasion to Los Angeles. A Complaint had been received at this office that J. X. STRAND, Immigration Inspector in Charge, is reported to have fraternized with some of the officers of the ex-S.S. COLUMBUS, and is said to have taken a social trip with one or more of these men to the vicinity of Santa Crus, California, over the weekend. The San Francisco Office had received numerous complaints from varied sources of the activities of these men while ashore, of their drinking to excess, and of their arguments with civilians. From another confidential source, it was ascertained that FELIX X BECKER, Deck Steward, one of the crew members, is said to have transferred his shore pass to GUNTHER AHL, another crew member, on occasions. UIRICH HOLTZ, another crew member, is said to have bought two shore passes from a soldier at Fort McDowell for 50 cents. HOLTZ is said to have ridden on the army boat from the Island which is forbidden to German crewmen, posing as a waiter from the aliens' dining room at the Immigration Station, and when challenged by an army officer he gave the name of "OTTO MUELLER". Upon hearing the President's Charlottesville, Virginia, radio address mentioning Italy, ULRICH HOLTZ and GUNTHER AHL, two German crew members are reported to have remarked that "the President would pay dearly for his utterances". These crew members are reported to have remarked that in the event of strict internment of the German crew, that the crewmen would make a serious break for freedom. It is known, according to a confidential informant, that the German crewien were aware that a German submarine had halted the U.S.S. Washington off the coast of Portugal loaded with American passen- gers fleeing from the war zone, before this news appeared in the newspapers or was heard on the radio. There have been numerous reports that this crew is in radio communication with Germany. -3- H all ### the 3 / the the the the STATE !!!!! 20 OUTF "// These German crew members have been reported loafing around ships and piers on the San Francisco waterfront, on intimate terms with some of the crews where they are able to learn dates of sailings of Allied vessels, destinations, itineraries, cargoes, and similar information of value to the German Government. 52 must Juilly stoold 9.0 -4- Instructions ast AD) treatment Regists mudit work Muster Harrism- eqtrie basios 301301 bedrioger ased evan error WHO name) ocerfT dibe carred no ,JHOTITYOJSW osstonati na8 add no stolq bas santitas 20 aetab msel of alds 9'18 you! words CHOTO odit 20 nase usitate bas ,2005780 ,anolJaniJeeb ,efeesev bettle to nameD edd of DUÍAV To gaugha - oly anderson Clark that - Jushson moneter which Federal Bureau of Investigation United States Department of Justice San Francisco, California June 28, 1940 No.II MEMORANDUM FOR THE FILE The following information relative to the Crew of the S.S. COLUMBUS at Angel Island was reported to this office from sources which are believed to be reliable: (1) The crew of the ex-S.S. COULMBUS comprise approximately 499 men. Since their arrival at the Island it is reported that their effects have not been searched for arms or contraband. (2) They are permitted to come and 89 to and from the Island, freely without any strict record or check made by immigration officials of the Island. (3) On occasions, they return to the island in a grossly intox- icated condition finding it necessary to have some of their fel- low members assist them to their quarters. (4) They formerly had free access to the Government reservation missing adjoining Angel Island known as Fort McDowell, and now are said to go there from time to time in direct disobedience of orders. (5) That they are reported not searched upon their return to the True Island, and their packages are not now examined for contraband. (6) That they have been furnished fatigue clothes, consisting of Frite khaki slacks and khaki shirt, which somewhat resemble the fatigue clothes worn by the United States Army. (7) That on one occasion one of the German crew was at the canteen at Fort McDowell, raised his hand in the Nazi salute and shouted "Heil Hitler", resulting in a "trouncing" by one of the United States Army non-commissioned officers. (8) That they have built a barbecue pit, and "recreation center", suiti on the beach and have erected a flag pole about 25 feet high on the U. S. Army reservation, but have not displayed any flag on this pole as yet. (9) That they are permitted to leave the Island on a pass said to be issued by their own officers, that they are permitted to stay away where and no record is made of their return by the immigration authorities. (10) That a shortage was reported on a count in the barracks, that this shortage was reported to Mr. NEWPORT, and that NEWPORT, in command, said that he would show the number supposed to be present as Mr. HARRISON, The Chief Guard, would put down the full count in any event. (11) That Guards received verbal instructions not to attempt to seize any contraband and that the German crew were to do their own policing, and that the officers of this crew were to be notified of any matters requiring disciplinary attention against any of these crew members; and that the ship's officers do not cooperate. (12) That it is general knowledge on Angel Island that some of the members of this alien German crew are visited by feminine persons, and 1" it is common knowledge among the Guards that these men and their fem- inine visitors engage in immoral practices in the foliage adjoining the buildings. (13) That there is considerable dissatisfaction among the people of San Francisco in having these aliens circulate freely among the popu- lation, as well as among the armed forces of the United States Govern- ment, as they doubtless report their findings to the German Consul General. (14) That they have in their quarters a short wave radio and are known to have German crew operators on duty there 24 hours a day. the (15) That no check whatever is made at night of the quarters of the Time crew or the room where the radio is maintained. (16) That none of the Guards at Angel Island make any investigation whatever, or have any contact with the quarantine Station where here approximately 325 members of this crew are quartered. (17) That these crew members are reported never to overlook an oppor- tunity to sell their Nazi philosophy to anyone who will listen, includ- ing the Immigration Guards. (18) That these German aliens are permitted to accompany the Immigra- tion Service motor boat to the mainland, and return to the Island with The alien prisoners without any Immigration Guard other than the boat operator being on board. (19) That some of these crew members are instructed in the use of the Immigration Service switchboard, and have actually operated this board, untime and thus have had access to incoming and outgoing official Government calls. -2- (20) That the crew members are reported to have chargered the Motor Ship JUBILEE, arrive at Angel Island late at night on this boat at times in an intoxicated condition, that liquor is reported sold on . ) this boat althought: it is not known whether there is any liquor license issued for the sale of such intoxicants. (21) That the passes issued by these S.S. COLUMBUS officers to the crew members are not carefully examined and men frequently exchange passes. (22) That on one occasion the crew brought on the Island openly ten cases of beer which were taken to their quarters. (23) That one of the crew members mentioned to a Guard, referring to the fatigue clothes, that all he would need would be a Swastika and cap, that it would be an easy matter to get arms from Fort McDowell, that they, the German crew, may be wiped out if they started anything, but "it would be for t he Fatherland" as one of them is alleged to have remarked ostensibly in humorous vein to one of he Government employees on the Island. (24) That the crew is permitted to receive frequent visitors who ar- the rive on passes issued by the German Consul in San Francisco. (25) That on one occasion an Immigration Guard observed the crew members bringing intoxicants on the Island, that he called upon several other Immigration Guards for assistance, that they declined to assist the Guard turning their backs on him, and one of the Immigration Guards made the remark "Nothing doing", and as a result of their actions four members of the crew got away and one case and one paper package of beer disappeared on the Island. (26) That on April 15, 1940, a boat landed at the Island, four cases of beer was put on the dock and placed on & truck for the Quarantine Station in the presence of the Immigration Guard on the gangplank and in the presence of the Second Officer of the Columbus Crew. (27) That on June 13, 1940, some of the crew were returning to the Island about midnight, one of the Guards started to remove from one of the German crew a quart bottle of what appeared to be intoxicants, that KURT RUPPERT, Chief Officer of the S.S. COLUMBUS forcibly took the bottle out of the Guard's hands, that the Guard tried to get possession of the bottle, and RUPPERT threw the bottle overboard, that RUPPERT was reported for interferring with an Immigration Officer in the performance of his duty, and no action was said to have been made, and the attention of the officer reported was not called to this indident, nor any action whatever taken on this complaint made by the Immigration Guard. -3- PSF: Instice for Hower THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON July 15, 1940. MEMORANDUM FOR HON. J. EDGAR HOOVER Please take this up personally with Francis Biddle. I hope the whole situation can be immediately tightened up, and I hope further that we can get rid of these people via Japan and Russia as fast as possible. F. D. R. Affidavit of James H. Newport, Foreman of the Guard, U. 8. Immigration and Naturalization Service, relative to Crew, German SS. COLUMBUS, interned at Angel Island, San Francisco, Cal. an THE JUL Jul 31 31 WHITE RECEIVED 3 HOUSE "40 m Office of the Solicitor General Mashington, D.C. July 31, 1940 MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESIDENT FROM THE SOLICITOR GENERAL Re: COLUMBUS On June 28, 1940, you sent me a memorandum calling attention to certain conditions alleged to exist among the 451 seamen and officers of the German Steamship "Columbus", scuttled on December 19, 1939, and detained at Angel Island, California, since March 1, 1940, and requesting immediate action. These conditions were described in two memoranda of the F.B.I., dated June 28th (attached), which suggested that $ of the crew had disappeared without any action of the immigration authorities to locate them; that free access to the maimland was accorded them with no record of their movements or of the persons visiting them; that intoxicants were brought freely to the Island; that guards on the Island had been instructed not to search the seamen; that they were "probably" engaged in espionage, and had a short-wave radio maintaining a news service with Germany, and might be sending messages from Angel Island; reports of immoral conduct; and, finally, that a situation had developed "of great potential -2- danger to the United States". I immediately telephoned to Daniel E. McGrath and James E. Ruffin, Special Assistants to the Attorney General, who were at Los Angeles concluding an inspection of the Border Patrol under my direction, and told them to make a thorough investigation of the situation. They arrived in San Francisco the next day, and kept in touch with L. B. Schofield, Special Assistant in charge of the Service, by telephone. Their report, dated July 9, 1940, is attached. This report finds no basis to support the serious allegations contained in the memoranda referred to. It may be summarized as follows: They found all 451 persons present and no sup- port in fact for the statement that 5 had disappear- ed; they found that members of the crew were permit- ted to go and come from Angel Island under the super- vision of their own officers who made daily reports with respect thereto; they found that on one occasion members of the crew had returned to the island in an intoxicated condition; they found that the crew was not accorded free access to Fort McDowell, though that had first been the case by the express permis- sion of the commanding officer. They were later permitted only to attend the moving pictures twice a week. They found that the crew members returning from San Francisco were not searched. This represented a relaxation of previous procedure after complaint by the officers of the crew who undertook to assume responsibility. Messrs. McGrath and Ruffin did conduct a search on one occasion and found nothing being brought on the island but tobacco, candy, and notions. They found that the report concerning the radio was misleading. There is & short-wave radio -3- in the quarters but no sending apparatus. Before permission was granted for the installation of a receiving set, the Army authorities at Fort McDowell were consulted and saw no objection. They found no evidence of immoral conduct with visitors, though women were permitted on occasion to visit the detention quarters. After we received this report you sent me, through Mr. Hoover, a copy of an affidavit from James H. Newport, an immigration inspector stationed at Angel Island, and suggested that we "get rid of these people via Japan and Russia as fast as possible". This affidavit contained allegations similar to those found in the memoranda. Mr. Schofield accordingly assigned N. D. Colleaer, Inspector in Charge at El Paso, Texas, one of the best men in the service, to proceed at once to San Francisco, take complete charge, make & thorough investigation, end take such disciplinary measures as he found necessary, with a view to strict control of the movements and conduct of the men in question. Inspector Colleaer has reported that he found the situation well in hand; and that the charges which had any basis in fact were either greatly exaggerated or referred to conditions which had long since been corrected. Colleaer is keeping Mr. Schofield in constant touch with the situation. Arrangements have been made, satisfactory to the German consulate, with the President Lines, to transport these men on the "S.S. Coolidge", San Francisco, to Tokohama, August 9; STATE III can = E -4- on the "S.S. Taft", August 16; and on the "Cleveland", August 30. But the British Government has made vigorous objections, saying that the boat would be attacked, that they would not permit the seamen to get back into German service, and indicating that the question would be raised in Parliament. Accordingly, arrangements have been suspended until this angle can be further explored. FRANCIS BIDDLE, Solicitor General San Francisco, California July 9, 1940 AFFIDAVIT OF JAMES H. NEWPORT, FOREMAN OF THE GUARD, IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ANGEL ISLAND, CALIFORNIA I, JAMES H. NEWPORT, being first duly sworn, depose and say that: I am employed as a foreman of the guard, Immigration and Naturali- zation Service, Angel Island, California, and have been employed in this service at Angel Island for the past five years. For the past four years, I have been in charge of the night watch on this Island, working from 4:00 P.M. to Midnight and from Midnight to 8:00 A.M., alternately changing every 30 days. My duties are to make inspection tours and to supervise the guards and to post guards where they may be needed and to see that everything at this Immigration Station is operated in an orderly manner, and detect any fires or disturbances which may occur during my tour of duty. I have under my direct supervision three guards and a matron, whose names are: RAY H. JANES, JAMES E. BERRIGAN and EMMONS, and the matron, MISS IDA SMITH. It is my practice to return to my home, 777 Haight Street, San Francisco, Telephone Market 8090, upon the completion of my tour of duty. Since the arrival of the German alien crew of the ex-German steam- ship COLUMBUS at this Island or on about January 18, 1940, I have had occasion to frequently observe these men and officers. I work under the direct super- vision of J. X. STRAND, who is Inspector in Charge of Deportation and Detention. I have called today at the San Francisco Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation upon my own volition and for the purpose of informing the Government of the true facts in connection with the activities on Angel Island involving the crew of this German vessel. It is my purpose to furnish this information to the Government in order that the Government may have a true pic- ture of this situation. It is my understanding that the Department of Justice has recently conducted an investigation of conditions at Angel Island and that in connection with this investigation I was not interviewed by any official of the Department of Justice, and so far as I know no attempt was made to interview me or talk with me. I have come to the Department of Justice and am reporting this to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the sole purpose of having this government agency informed of the serious situation on this Island. This crew, which comprises about 450 German aliens, are at the F esent time very antagonistic to the guards on this Island and are maintaining & rather belligerent attitude toward the guards. Sime taking over my duties in connection with this German crew, I have not received any written instructions as to my duties and any instructions given me by J. X. STRAND, the Inspector in Charge, have been entirely verbal and have been conflicting. MR. STRAND informed me that the immigration guards on this Island were not to interfere in any way with the operations of these crew members; that they were to follow the instructions of their superior officers, who were the German officers in command, and that they were to come and go from the Island on passes issued by these officers. The immigration guards have had no supervision of these passes. They were frequently misused by the crew and are still being misused up to the present time. One of the crew members, a German named Vogel, is one of the petty officers, and I have seen members of this crew leaving Angel Island on the Government boat and after their passes have been ins pected by a guard, they would hand their passes to Petty Officer Vogel, a member of the German crew, who would run back and hand it to another German, who would leave the Island on the same pass. About a week ago, I learned that certain government officers from the Department of Justice, whose names were unknown to me, had been making an investigation of conditions on Angel Island involving this German crew, and that on July 5 a number of these men were returned to the Island and that J. X. STRAND, Inspector in Charge, is said to have made an official count of the crew members; that on this occasion I saw a lot of strange faces among the crew members whom I had never seen before and on that evening I made a personal check of the count in the quarters occupied by the German crew and 20 of them were missing. There were a group of these crew members under my direct supervision in the immigra- tion barracks, known as the shed. There are supposed to be 150 crew members in this shed, three of these are officers and live outside of the police quarters in the hospital building. The actual number of this German crew in the shed is 147 according to the official records and there are never more than two or three of the crew members who are in the local hospital. On July 6, 7, and 8, I conducted a physical count of these crew members and found on these occasions the following - 2 - numbers: 130, 129, and 128. During these last three nights, there were between 12 and 18 unaccounted for. Out of this group, the ship's offi- cers permit not more than 10 to stay away from the Island all night, and taking this number into consideration, there still are a number who are absent from their quarters without authority. The number per- mitted to go ashore at one time from this group, according to verbal instructions issued to me by J. X. STRAND, is not to be more than 10. They arrive and depart at and from this immigration station without any record being made by any of the immigration authorities. On the other side of the Island, about one-half mile away, is the quarantine station of the Immigration Service, where approximately 300 of these crew members are quartered. At this quarantine station there are no immigration officers to check this crew in any way. Some of these crew members have a very intricate and complex radio receiving set not of the type usually sold commercially for receiv- ing short wave radio messages. It is quite probable, and it is my opinion, that these men actually send messages through this radio set, as well as receive such messages. Heretofore I have listened to these Germans receiving messages in code, which was very loud and distinct, about 2:00 A. M. and at the present time the power is shut off at 10:30 P.M. until the early morning. The German crew have expressed their displeasure at this practice of shutting their radio at 10:30 P.M. This was done without the authority of J. X. STRAND. He was familiar with this practice which met with his approval. The crew members stated to me that they were going to complain to Mr. Strand in order that their radio would be permitted to operate during the night hours. One of the leaders of this ship's crew is a German by the name of Lothar Allweins, who was formerly ship's clerk and is very brilliant. He has had numerous telephone conversations with a woman, known only as Katie, from San Francisco, Telephone Tuxedo 0551. On the night of July 8, 1940, at 6:00 P.M., Lothar Allweins received a message from this number. He talked with this party about 10 or 15 minutes in German. He then went to the quarters of the ship's officers, who live in the hospital building, returned upstairs to the administration building, where the ship's crew have an office. He was there about 10 minutes and went back to the hospital. He then went to the crew quarters, was quite excited and was running around double time. - 3 - I called one of the guards, R. H. JANES, to watch him. All of the crew went into their own quarters and apparently discussed some matter of great importance, the nature of which was unknown to me as none of the guards present were familiar with the German language. R. H. JANES, a guard, then went to the radio room where there were gathered about 10 petty officers of this crew and about 12 members of the crew. R. H. JANES, the guard, reported to me that he rushed into the radio room hurriedly and observed the radio operator apparently engaged in the operation of the radio. JANES reported to me further that he left this radio room and had later observed that the Germans had posted a guard out- side of the radio room and as soon as JANES went by, this guard imme- diately stepped into the radio room for the apparent purpose of warning of the approach of this guard. It is the practice of the members of this German crew to wear shorts and exercise every evening after supper and it was particularly significant that on last evening, July 8, they did not exercise but re- mained in their quarters. Guard JANES reported to me that every night about between one and two A.K. he has observed a boat without lights close to this Island and that it would be quite possible for this boat to load or unload members of this German crew or any unauthorized individuals and take them from or to the Island without being detected by any of the guards, as this boat could land around the point on the sandy beach, which is not under observation. The German crew stationed at the immigration station use the same sanitary facilities with approximately 30 alien ex-convicts from federal and state institutions who are there awaiting deportation. They are permitted to mingle freely with these convicts, some of whom are murderers and are potentially dangerous characters. Since the German Crew has arrived, their effects have not been searched. I was told by Mr. J. X. STRAND, Inspector in Charge, that these crew members were to be treated with the greatest courtesy, that they were not prisoners or enemy aliens or detained against their will, that they were to be considered in the same category as passengers in & vessel without a passport. Mr. STRAND told me that it was quite possible for the German consul general in San rancisco to have all of these men released to the United States on a writ in the event that their treatment was not considered entirely satisfactory. These men go back and forth freely between Angel Island and the mainland and also go back and forth between their two quarters and -4- I have seen a number of strange faces among the crew. It is impossible to keep any accurate count of these men. The officers of the crew are supposed to take charge but they are very lax in issuing and taking up the passes and supervising the conduct of these crew members. Since the investigation conducted by the Department of Justice these men continue to come back to the Island at times in an intoxicated condition, at which times they are hilarious and belligerent. Usually one of the German officers of this group is present but he does not do anything about it at all. The khaki uniform issued to this crew is strikingly similar to that worn by the U. S. Army and the only addition required to make it complete would be an overseas cap. The similarity is so striking that the military authorities at Ft. McDowell advised the immigration authori- ties that these German crew members would not be permitted on the mili- tary reservation wearing such a uniform and would be required to wear civilian clothes. They are, however, permitted to enter the military post of Ft. McDowell, which is adjoining Angel Island, on two occasions during the day for the purpose of attending moving picture exhibitions there. They are not supposed to be on this military reservation at any other time, but I have been informed by soldiers from the U. S. Army that these crew members go on the army post without authority recently, and continue to fraternize with the military personnel. Angel Island is an old government reservation. There are many old wooden buildings located thereon, including a number of old buildings in which 124 Chinese and their families, including a number of small children, are quartered. There is a considerable fire hasard on this Island due to the inadequate water supply, as all water used on the Island is brought over in boats from the mainland and pumped into two large water tanks on the hill adjoining this Island. These German crew members are permitted to have free access to these tanks and I have frequently seen them sitting on top of these wooden tanks. These tanks are on tall metal towers with a platform on the top which permits an excellent view of the bay. These German crew members are permitted to have free access to the top of these tanks and if they were so disposed are in a position to commit sabotage or polute the water supply of the Island. In the event of a fire on the Island, the fire fighting facili- ties and trained personnel would be entirely inadequate and may result in a serious loss of life. One of my guards, R. H. JANES, reported to me that he had a conversation with one of the German crew members, who boasted to him that "some day the United States is going to be one of Germany's most prosperous colonies." Guard JANES also reported to me that he overheard one of the - 5 - crew members stated that "If the Americans started pushing the Germans around, we have access to plenty of guns and we could teach the Americans a lesson." The German crew members do not call themselves "crew" but speak continually of themselves as a "battalion" in referring to their own organization. Last night, July 8, one of the guards, MR. EMMONS, reported to me that a crew member had objected to him living on the Island, stating that the German government was paying $1.50 a day for the room and board of these men and that they could live on this very nicely in San Francisco. I am reporting this matter on behalf of myself and the mem- bers of the Guard of the night crew as I feel that there is a serious situation in which the lives of our men are in great jeopardy, since these German crew members are manifesting a most belligerent attitude and may at any time cause a serious disturbance. We would be out- numbered 100 to 1. There are no fire arms on this Island, we are not permitted to carry any weapons of any kind or clubs to defend ourselves and we would be at the mercies of any of these crew members or any aliens who may suddenly decide on violence due to their physical and mem- tal condition. Another serious condition existing on the Island is the use of intoxicants and the bringing of intoxicants on the Island by this German crew and that we were instructed not to interfere in any way with any of the German crew bringing liquor on to this reservation, but to report any disturbances or any violations of any rules to the officers of the German crew. These officers have repeatedly failed to cooperate and the First Officer, MR. RUPPERT, who has been particularly unfriendly and bel- ligerent in his attitude, is not disposed to cooperate in enforcing dis- cipline among the crew members who have free run of the Island and freely come and go to and from this Government reservation. The German crew have maintained the attitude that they will do as they please and they look upon the American guards with contempt, realizing that we have no jurisdiction or authority to supervise any of their operations on the Island. Some of the Government employees at this Immigration station are known to freely fraternize with members of this crew and on numerous occasions I have observed some of these crew members visiting one of the - 6 - guard's cottages when the guard was on duty and his wife was alone in the residence. This occurs so frequently that it was general knowledge among the guards that the wife of one of these guards was entertaining these German seamen from time to time. These men are accorded every courtesy and are not mistreated in any way but they have maintained a very superior, dominating, typically Prussian attitude. They not only visit San Francisco and the Bay district but it has been reported to me that they have visited Seattle, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and Reno. One of the crew members was making inquiry of R. H. JANES, one of the guards, as to the bus fare to New York City. I want to add to this statement that the opportunity that these German crew members have of fraternizing with the aliens awaiting depor- tation on the Island, many of whom are well known in San Francisco, affords them ample opportunity to become acquainted with women of the underworld in San Francisco and to obtain confidential information from various sources. It was also reported to me that members of this crew had visited Mare Island Navy Yard, where a number of important operations relating to our National defense are now in progress. I am acquainted with a number of other quards who feel exactly the same as I do about this situation and who are anxious to fully cooper- ate with the Department of Justice and furnish whatever information they may have in their possession. These guards are JOHN J. TROTTER and WIL- LIAM FIELDS, who are on different shifts and who both live on the Island and may be in possession of additional information. I have learned while at Angel Island that an investigation was conducted by some representative of the Department of Justice relative to the crew of the S. S. COLUMBUS. In connection with this investigation I was not interviewed by any representative of the Department of Justice. I was readily available at all times and as far as I know no attempt was made to interview me relative to this situation. I have talked with a number of the guards at Angel Island and none of the guards as far as I know have been interviewed by any representative of the Department of Justice and conditions at the present time are exactly the same as they were heretofore. It is my opinion that this investigation was nothing more than a "whitewash" and I am earnestly furnishing this information to the Govern- ment for the purpose of having the Federal Bureau of Investigation informed fully of the facts in my possession. S/d James H. Newport JAMES H. NEWPORT Subscribed and Sworn to Before Me This Ninth Day of July, 1940, at San Francisco, California S/d Louis D. Wine Federal Bureau of Investigation LOUIS D. WINE, Special Agent Suite 1729, 111 Sutter San Francisco, California