A protest against the possibility that the House Un-American Activities Committee may probe the activities of the American Nazi Party, the Ku Klux Klan and other elements of the “radical right” was filed with the committee here today by the American Civil Liberties Union.
Conceding that “the record shows” that the organizations named “engage in acts of physical harassment and violence,” the ACLU contended, nevertheless, that the committee had “no authority whatever” to probe into these matters.
Rep. Edwin E. Willis, Louisiana Democrat, who is chairman of the committee, announced last weekend that the group has ordered a staff study to help it determine whether it should investigate the Nazi Party, the KKK, Black Muslims and the Minutemen. Such an investigation, the Louisiana Congressman said today, “would provide badly needed information,” but it may be “some time” before the HUAC decides on the probe.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.