Communists Deny That They Are Encouraging Violence

Wanganui Chronicle, 4 August 1948, Page 5

Communists Deny That They Are Encouraging Violence

Recd. 7.55 p.m. New York, Aug 2. The American Communist Party did not aim at overthrowing the United States Government by violence, and Elizabeth Bentley's allegation of Communist espionage activi*ies for the Soviet were part of a frame up” campaign, three Communist leaders told the open session of the party’s annual convention tonight. The leaders were Mr. William Foser, national chairman, and Eugene Dennis, general secretary, and Mr. John Williamson, member of the national board. All three are under federal indictment on charges of conpiracy to overthrow the United States Government by force. Bentley, who was a key witness in hearings leading to the indictment is now giving evidence before the House un-American Activities Committee,. Williamson said: ‘‘Republicans and Democrats and the powerful monopoly interests they are trying to keep people from thinking about their trouble by feeding them thriller dillers about ‘beautidful blondes’ who turn out to be homelv brunettes and 'snv rings' that n*»ver happened at a!’?-

Denn-s said: “We Communists don’t advocate force and violence. As

Marxists we are opposed in principle to adventurism, terror, assassination, conspiracies and coups d'etat.” Foster denied tnat the Communist Party was trying to dominate Henry Wallace's Progressive Party. He declared the Progressive Party ticket would rally Americans who were “determined that our people shall not be butchered for Wall Street’s profit and glory." In addition, Foster, Dennis and Williamson. nine other leading Communists who are under the same Federal indictment, were present. They were resoundingly cheered as they took their places on the platform in Madison Square Garden. There were no hammer and sickle flags among tile decorations.

Foster announced, in a keynote address. that the partv is offering no candidate in the Congressional elections in November. The Communists are supporting Wallace’s Progressive Party.

Twenty-nine delegates suspected oi Communist sympathies were denied seats todav at the opening session of the New York State Federation of Labour's annual convention. It was the first time in the State affiliates’ history that delegates have been unseated for ideological reasons.