Congressional Body Holds Secret Session; Nazi Plots Slated for Airing Today

The Congressional committee to investigate un-American activities held its first session behind closed doors today, after which Chairman Martin Dies announced that the seven-man body will go directly into alleged Nazi plots in its first public hearing tomorrow.

Abruptly changing the order of witnesses, Mr. Dies said that “immensely important testimony” will be adduced at tomorrow’s session. At least four witnesses are expected to testify on Nazi activities in this country. Following their testimony, the committee will call on leaders of patriotic and labor organizations to testify on Communist activities.

In a preliminary statement, Mr. Dies said in part:

“We shall be fair and impartial at all times and treat every witness with fairness and courtesy. This committee will not permit any ‘character assassination’ or any ‘smearing’ of innocent people. We wish to caution witnesses that reckless charges must not be made against any individual or organization.

“The chair wishes to make it plain that this committee is not ‘after anyone.’ All that we are concerned with is the ascertainment of the truth.

“In investigating un-American activities it must be borne in mind that because we do not agree with opinions or philosophies of others does not necessarily make such opinions or philosophies un-American. The most common practice engaged in by some people is to brand their opponents with names when they are unable to refute their arguments with facts and logic. The utmost care, therefore, must be observed to distinguish clearly between what is obviously un-American and what is no more or less an honest difference of opinion with respect to some economic, political or social question.”