The Jewish War Veterans today charged Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy with “needlessly complicating and endangering the fight against Communism through the use of methods which savor of the practices we condemn in totalitarian governments of both the left and the right. “
A statement here today by Harry T. Madison, of Detroit, newly-elected national commander of the JWV, assailed the Wisconsin Senator for instituting investigative procedures “that in a number of instances have led the public to accept mere accusations as actual evidence of guilt.”
Mr. Madison’s statement, issued after a meeting of his group’s national policy committee at the Mayflower Hotel here, asserted that Sen. McCarthy has exploited his senatorial office “as an instrument of indictment” with the result that the “public is finding it difficult to distinguish between an informal charge and a legal verdict.”
“This procedure,” said Mr. Madison, “is destructive of the American principle that an individual has a right to be heard on what he is charged with having done rather that on what he thinks or with whom he associates.”
The Veterans said they had decided to call for Congressional action next session to adopt procedures that will enable legislative investigative bodies “to perform their important and necessary function of safeguarding the nation’s security while at the same time affording full protection to all persons accused of wrongdoing. “
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.
