The Russo-German non-aggression pact was brought into a Dies Committee hearing today to embarrass an anti-Semite testifying that he favored militant action against “Jewish Communism.”
Henry D. Allen, of Pasadena, Calif., already revealed as having connections with William Dudley Pelley’s Silver Shirts, was closely questioned by Chairman Martin Dies until he was forced to admit in confusion that he did not know enough about Nazism and Fascism to comment.
Dies asked: “Are you opposed to Commu-Nazism? That’s a new word I’ve coined now that Russia and Germany have got together.”
“I favor a purge of Jews and Communists,” Allen replied. “I admire Hitler’s method of curbing the stranglehold of the Jews on the Government of Germany.”
Pointing out that Allen had cooperated with the Mexican Gold Shirts, the German-American Bund, the Italian Fascists and Arab groups, Rep. J. Parnell Thomas asked if he thought he was engaged in a patriotic undertaking. The witness replied affirmatively.
Thomas asked: “Then why do you work with foreigners to assist them in this truly American work?”
Allen: “We’re working to fight the international enemy. Naturalized foreigners are better Americans than Jews.”
Dies: “You’d work with any group to fight Jewish Communism?”
Allen: “Yes.”
Dies: “In the light of present day events you would work with Russia? That’s logical.”
Allen: “I don’t subscribe to Communistic ideas.”
Dies: “You subscribe to Nazi ideas?”
Allen: “Only within the limits of its dealing with Jews.”
Dies persisted in trying to show the “inconsistency” until Allen pleaded lack of knowledge.
Earlier, Allen was questioned about a letter he received from James True, Washington anti-Semitic propagandist, in 1938, saying: “If your friends want some pea-shooters, I’ve connections now for any quantity at the right price.” Allen said the “pea-shooters” meant rifles and that he had discussed with True the need of weapons “to combat a possible Jewish-Communist uprising.” Counsel Rhea Whitley brought out that Allen had a long criminal record, including a conviction for forgery.
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