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Murphy Promises “startling Developments” in Probe of Anti-semitic Groups

January 5, 1940
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“Startling developments” in the Justice Department’s investigation of anti-Semitic organizations were promised within a few days by Attorney General Frank Murphy as he held his final press conference a few hours after his appointment to the Supreme Court today. He indicated the developments would come from Grand Jury action in New York and Boston.

In what amounted to a valedictory address, Murphy said that he considered of utmost importance the Department’s activities “in preserving the civil liberties of every man and opposing groups which would flood this country with intolerance and indoctrinate in the people racial and religious hatred.”

“These are the same sort of groups which set Europe aflame,” he said, “and the American people don’t want them here–we’re not going to let them get a start.”

The developments in the drive against Nazi-Fascist organizations will amase the country, he said. He did not reveal whether indictments against individuals would be returned or whether the organizations would be prosecuted under the law requiring registration of agents of foreign governments.

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