HARVARD COLLEGE
LIBRARY
GIFT OF THE
GOVERNMENT
OF THE UNITED STATES
U^^2>oc a.
INVESTIGATION OF COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES
IN THE OHIO AREA
(TESTIMONY OF KEVE BRAY)
HEARING
BEFORE THE
COMMITTEE ON UN-AMERICAN ACTIVITIES
HOUSE OF EEPEESENTATIYES
EIGHTY-FOURTH CONGEESS
FIRST SESSION
JULY 13. 1955
Printed for the use of the Committee on Un-American Activities
INCLUDING INDEX
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
66298 WASHINGTON : 1955
HARVARD COLLEGE LIBRARY
DEPOSITED BY THE
COMMITTEE ON UN-AMERICAN ACTIVITIES
United States House of Representatives
FRANCIS E. WALTER, Pennsylvania, Chahman
MORGAN M MOULDER, Missouri HAROLD H. VELDE, Illinois
CLYDE DOYLE. California BERNARD W. KEARNEY New York
iAME?B FRAZIER, Jr., Tennessee DONALD L. JACKSON, CaWornm
EDWIN E. WILLIS. Louisiana GORDON H. SCHERER. Ohio
Thomas W. Beale, Sr.. Chief Clerk
II
CONTENTS
Pago
July 13, 1955: Testimony of Keve Bray 1419
Index i
Public Law 601, 79th Congress
The legislation under which the House Committee on Un-American
Activities operates is Public Law 601, 79th Congress [1946], chapter
753, 2d session, which provides:
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of (he United States
of America in Congress assembled, * * *
PART 2— RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rule X
SEC. 121. STANDING COMMITTEES
*******
17. Committee on Un-American Activities, to consist of nine members.
Rule XI
POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMITTEES
***** 4: 4c
(q) (1) Committee on Un-American Activities.
(A) Un-American activities.
(2) The Committee on Un-American Activities, as a whole or by subcommit-
tee, is authorized to make from time to time investigations of (i) the extent,
character, and objects of un-American propaganda activities in the United States,
(ii) the diffusion within the United States of subversive and un-American propa-
ganda that is instigated from foreign countries or of a domestic origin and attacks
the principle of the form of government as guaranteed by our Constitution, and
(iii) all other questions in relation thereto that would aid Congress in any necessary
remedial legislation.
The Committee on Un-American Activities shall report to the House (or to the
Clerk of the House if the House is not in session) the results of any such investi-
gation, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable.
For the purpose of any such investigation, the Committee on Un-American
Activities, or any subcommittee thereof, is authorized to sit and act at such
times and places within the United States, whether or not the House is sitting,
has recessed, or has adjourned, to hold such hearings, to require the attendance
of such witnesses and the production of such books, papers, and documents, and
to take such testimony, as it deems necessary. Subpenas may be issued under
the signature of the chairman of the committee or any subcommittee, or by any
member designated by any such chairman, and may be served by any person
designated by any such chairman or member.
RULES ADOPTED BY THE 84TH CONGRESS
House Resolution 5, January 5, 1955
*******
Rule X
STANDING COMMITTEES
1. There shall be elected by the House, at the commencement of each Con
ress, the following standing committees:
*******
(q) Committee on Un-American Activities, to consist of nine members.
* * *
*
Rule XI
POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMITTEES
17. Committee on Un-American Activities.
(a) Un-American Activities. , , , u -4-*-
(b) The Committee on Un-American Activities, as a whole or by subcommittee,
is authorized to make from time to time, investigations of (^)^the extent char-
acter and obiects of un-American propaganda activities in the United btates,
(2) the diffusion within the United States of subversive and un-American prop-
aganda that is instigated from foreign countries or of a domestic origin and
attacks the principle of the form of government as guaranteed by our Constitu-
tion, and (3) all other questions in relation thereto that would aid Congress
in any necessarv remedial legislation. ^ .l xi tt / +^ +i^^
The Committee on Un-American Activities shall report to the House (or to trie
Clerk of the House if the House is not in session) the results of any such investi-
gation together with such recommendations as it deems advisable.
For the purpose of any such investigation, the Committee on Un-American
Activities, or anv subcommittee thereof, is authorized to sit and act at such times
and places within the United States, whether or not the House is sitting, has
recessed, or has adjourned, to hold such hearings, to require the attendance
of such witnesses and the production of such books, papers, and documents, and
to take such testimonv, as it deems necessary. Subpenas may be issued under
the signature of the chairman of the committee or any subcommittee, or by any
member designated by such chairman, and may be served by any person desig-
nated by any such chairman or member.
INVESTIGATION OF COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE
OHIO AREA
(Testimony of Keve Bray)
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1955
United States House of Representatives,
Subcommittee of the Committee
ON Un-American Activities,
Washington, D. C.
PUBLIC hearing
The subcommittee of the Committee on Un-American Activities
met, pursuant to call, at 11:45 a. m., in the caucus room. Old House
Office Building, Hon. Francis E. Walter (chairman) presiding.
Committee members present: Representatives Francis E. Walter,
Clyde Doyle, and James B. Frazier, Jr.
Staff members present: Frank S. Tavenner, Jr., counsel.
The Chairman. The subcommittee will be in order.
Will you call your witness, Mr. Tavenner.
Air. Tavenner. Mr. Bray, will you come forward, please.
The Chairman. Will you raise jour right hand, please.
Do yon swear the testimony you are about to give shall be the truth,
the whole truth, and nothingbiit the truth, so help you God?
Mr. Bray. I do.
The Chairman. You may be seated.
TESTIMONY OF KEVE BRAY
Mr. Tavenner. What is your name, please, sir.
Mr. Bray. Keve Bray, K-e-v-e B-r-a-y.
Mr. Tavenner. It is noted that you are not accompanied by
counsel. It is the practice of the committee to advise all witnesses
that they are entitled to counsel if they so desire, or that they have
the right to confer with counsel during tlie course of their testimony
if they so desire. You understand that, do you not?
Mr. Bray. Yes, sir.
Mr. Tavenner. Mr. Bray, what other names have you been
known by, other than the name of Keve Bray?
Mr. Bray. I have not been known by, to my knowledge, any
other name except Keve Bray.
Mr. Tavenner. Have vou had nicknames from time to time?
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. What are they?
1419
1420 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE OHIO AREA ^
Mr. Bray. I don't know whether you would call them nicknames
or not, but it has been spelled these various different ways: K-e-v-i-e,
K-e-y-v-i-e, and various other ways.
Mr. Tavenner. Have vou been known by the name of Kay,
K-a-y? ^ , t^ V,
Mr. Bray. I have not been known, to my knowledge, by that
name. Somebody might call me Kay Bray, for example, but I
don't recall the K-a-y.
Mr. Tavenner. Have you been known by the name of Peter?
Mr. Bray. No.
Mr. Tavenner. Or by the name of Jap, J-a-p?
Mr. Bray. Well, I haven't been known by that name, but when I
was in junior high school that was the nickname that was given to
me for a short period of time.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you at any time use the name of Kay or
Peter?
Mr. Bray. I don't recall that I ever used that name. I am certam
that I never used the name Peter. I don't recall having used the
name.
Mr. Tavenner. When and where were you born, Mr. Bray?
Mr. Bray. I was born in Massillon, Ohio.
Mr. Tavenner. What date?
Mr. Bray. June 9, 1925.
Mr. Tavenner. Where do you now reside?
Mr. Bray. In Massillon.
Mr. Tavenner. Wliat is your occupation or profession?
Mr. Bray. Teacher.
Mr. Tavenner. Are you a teacher in public schools?
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Will a'ou tell the committee, please, wliat your
formal educational training has been?
Mr. Bray. I graduated from the University of Colorado.
Mr. Tavenner. What degree did you receive?
Mr. Bray. B. A. degree, and some •
Mr. Tavenner. Will vou give us the date?
Mr. Bray. 1952.
Mr. Tavenner. Where is the University of Colorado located, m
what city?
Mr. Bray. Boulder.
Mr. Tavenner. Boulder, Colo. How many years did you attend
the University of Colorado?
Mr. Bray. About 2 years; 2 or 3 years.
Mr. Tavenner. Did"^ you have any college work prior to going to
the University of Colorado?
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. What was that?
Mr. Bray. I started to college at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
Mr. Tavenner. In what year?
Mr. Bray. 1946. And I went to Arizona State College.
Mr. Tavenner. How long were you at Miami University?
Mr. Bray. About a year.
Mr. Tavenner. From there vou went ■
Mr. Bray. To Arizona State College. That was about a semester.
Mr. Tavenner. One semester in 1947?
I
COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES EST THE OHIO AREA 1421
Mr. Bray. In 1947. From there to Colorado College about 1 year
Mr. Tavenner. Wliere is Colorado College located?
Mr. Bray. Colorado Springs.
Mr. Tavenner. What year would that be, 1948 or 1947?
Mr. Bray. 1948.
And from there to the University of Colorado in 1949.
Mr. Tavenner. Does that complete your educational traininp-?
Mr. Bray. Yes, sir.
Mr. Tavenner. Were you in the Armed Forces of the United
States?
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Tell the committee briefly over what period and
in which branch of the Armed Forces you served.
Mr. Bray. I went in the Navy in 1943 and served until 1946 about
3 years. '
Mr. Tavenner. Then j'^ou entered Miami University almost at the
time you returned from the service?
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Prior to 1943, how were you employed?
Mr. Bray. I went to elementary school.
Mr. Tavenner. Where did you attend school?
Mr. Bray. At Massillon High School, Massillon, Ohio.
Mr. Tavenner. During the period you were with the University of
Colorado, which was from 1947 to 1952, where did you reside?
Mr. Bray. In the dormitories on the campus, and at Spruce Street
Mr. Tavenner. Is Spruce Street off campus?
Mr. Bray. Yes. I hved off the campus
Mr. Tavenner. What was your address on Spruce Street*?
Mr. Bray. I believe it was 1002.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you tell the committee when you first took
up your residence at that address and when you left it?
Mr. Bray. As far as I can remember, it was about in 1950 that I
began to reside on Spruce Street, and I left there about 1952.
Mr. Tavenner. Can you give the months of the year when you took
up the address and terminated it?
Mr. Bray. I cannot give the months. It wasn't important to me
and I didn't remember it.
Mr. Tavenner. Prior to your work at the University of Colorado
were you at Miami Universitv at Oxford, Ohio'? '
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Where did you live at Oxford?
Mr. Bray. I don't remember the number, but I lived on North
Campus Avenue, at a, home.
Mr. Tavenner. Could that have been 323?
Mr. Bray. That doesn't sound like it, no. It was 9-something.
Mr. Tavenner. But it was on North Campus Avenue*?
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Prior to that, were you at Arizona State College?
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Where is that located?
Mr. Bray. Tempe, Ariz.
Mr. Tavenner. How far is that from Phoenix?
Mr. Bray. About 13 miles.
66298 — 55 2
1422 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES EST THE OHIO AREA
Mr. Tavenner. Where did you reside while at Arizona State Col-
lege?
Mr. Bray. I resided in Phoenix at Dr. Wormley's residence. I don't
remember the address.
Mr. Tavenner. Do you remember the name of the street?
Mr. Bray. I think it was Washington Street.
Mr. Tavenner. East or West?
Mr. Bray. I don't remember the direction.
Mr. Tavenner. Prior to that you were at Colorado College at
Colorado Springs, is that correct?
Mr. Bray. Yes; at Colorado Springs.
Mr. Tavenner. Where did you reside while at Colorado Springs?
Mr. Bray. I believe it was, 733 Corona Street.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you reside at some other address, also, in
Colorado Springs?
Mr. Bray. Some place on Weber Street. I don't remember what
the address was.
Mr. Tavenner. Do you recah living at any other place in Colorado
Springs?
Mr. Bray. Yes. I lived on El Paso Street.
Mr. Tavenner. What address?
Mr. Bray. I don't remember that one, either.
Mr. Tavenner. Do you think 823 North El Paso Street may be
correct?
Mr. Bray. That sounds like it.
Mr. Tavenner. Where do you presently reside in Massillon?
Mr. Bray. In Massillon, I reside at 732 Fourth Street.
Mr. Tavenner. What other addresses have you had in Massillon?
Mr. Bray. My home prior to that was 909 Johnson Street.
Mr. Tavenner. The committee has just returned from southern
Cahfornia where it received considerable evidence regarding the
activities of the Southern California Peace Crusade which functioned
as a branch of the American Peace Crusade. I would like to ask you
whether or not you were a member of or affiliated in any way with the
American Peace Crusade while you were at Boulder, Colo., that is,
during the period you were a student at the University of Colorado.
Mr. Bray. I don't recall that I have been a member of the Peace
Crusade m Colorado.
Mr. Tavenner. You were active, however, were you not, in the
activities of the Boulder Peace Council at Boulder, Colo.?
Mr. Bray. No, I wouldn't say that I was active in the Boulder
Peace Conference.
Mr. Tavenner. Wliat w^as the extent of your participation in the
work of that organization?
Mr. Bray. I didn't have any idea that it operated as an organiza-
tion. I only know that I attended a peace congress in Chicago.
Mr. Tavenner. That was in June of 1951, wasn't it?
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. You attended as a delegate, didn't you?
Mr. Bray. No, I didn't attend as a delegate.
Mr. Tavenner. What were the circumstances under which you
attended?
Mr. Bray. I attended because I had become aware that Paul
Robeson was going to sing at this congress, and my interest was
aroused and stimulated to attend.
COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES EST THE OHIO AREA 1423
Mr. Tavenner. Wasn't your interest also aroused because of your
work with the Boulder Peace Council in Boulder?
Mr. Bray. No. I had no knowledge of the Peace Council as you
refer to it, up until the time that I had heard about the congress in
Chicago.
Mr. Tavenner. Do you recall the occasion of a caucus meeting of
the Boulder Peace Council delegates at Boulder, Colo., on June 27
1951, when the group of delegates got together and caucused at the
home ot Jake Saucedo, S-a-u-c-e-d-o?
Mr. Bray. I wouldn't say that I recall that I was attending a meet-
ing of delegates. The impression that I had gathered was that it was
a party, and that is the basis on which I attended. Since I knew them
I had no question as to what it was. On the campus we did have a
great many parties.
Mr Tavenner. It was a meeting of delegates to the peace congress
to be held m Chicago, was it not?
Mr. Bray. I have learned that to be so, I suppose.
Mr. Tavenner. How did it happen that vou were invited to this
meeting of delegates if you were not also a delegate?
Mr. Bray. I don't recall that I was even invited. I just appeared
there. I wasn't invited, but I happened to know Saucedo well enough
to drop in, but I had no awareness
Mr. Tavenner. How did you know this meeting was to be held at
Saucedo 's?
Mr Bray. I didn't know. I just knew of a partv being held, and I
attended. It wasn't unusual for me to stop in, since they were stu-
dents at the university and I knew them.
Mr. Tavenner. Had you decided prior to that time, or was it after
that time, that you would go to the peace congress in Chicago?
Mr. Bray. It was well after that time because, as a matter of fact,
It was the day that they were readv to leave that I decided changed
my nimd when I heard that Mr. Robeson was going to appear there
that I decided to go. » i-r ,
Mr. Tavenner. Do you mean j^ou decided that day?
Mr. Bray. The day that they were to leave.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you make your decision after or before this
meeting?
Mr. Bray. After.
Mr. Tavenner. How long was it after this meeting on June 27
that you departed for Chicago?
Mr. Bray. I beheve that it was about 2 days. I am not sure.
Mr Tavenner. Did you accompany the other delegates from
Boulder?
Mr. Bray. I went with the Saucedo's.
Mr. Tavenner. The Saucedo's were not students at the universitv
were they? -^ '
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. They were students at that time*^
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you tell the committee, please, what the
purpose ot the meeting was, which was held on June 27 at Jake Sau-
cedo's home?
Mr. Bray. As I said, I had the impression that it was a party,
but I have since- gathered that it was gathered together to raise
money for going to Chicago,
1424 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES EST THE OHIO AREA
Mr. Tavenner. Did you find that out at the meeting?
•Mr. Bray. I don't remember that I did. I know on several
occasions the type of gathering that was held, it was in the same
fashion, but I couldn't say that I really knew, because I hadn't
made up my mind to go.
Mr. Tavenner. Was there anything secret about this meeting of
the delegates to the peace congress?
Mr. Bray. It wasn't secret at all.
Mr. Tavenner. I don't understand what you mean by saying you
later found out certain things about it.
Mr. Bray. Sometimes one may not always know when going to a
party exactly, especially if he is an individual such as myself who
might stop in, as I did. I just didn't have any real thought as to
what type of meeting it was, or I didn't care what type of meeting
it was.
Mr. Tavenner. But after you got there, you quickly found out
what it was, didn't you?
Mr. Bray. I wouldn't say I quickly found out. I think that I
found out money was being raised for a purpose. I will say that.
That is as much as I can remember that I actually felt at that time.
Mr. Tavenner. What other matters were discussed relating to
the Peace Council besides the raising of funds?
Mr. Bray. At that time I don't recall that anything else was dis-
cussed, because that is probablj^^ the reason why I hadn't decided to
go, because I don't recall that an5'thmg was discussed at all. I
didn't remain there until the close of the meeting.
Mr. Tavenner. Was Jake Saucedo the leader of this group?
Mr. Bray. I don't know. I don't really know who was the leader.
Mr. Tavenner. How long had you known Jake Saucedo?
Mr. Bray. Oh, I had known him for about 3 months prior to that,
I believe.
Mr. Tavenner. WTiat were the circumstances under which you
met him?
Mr. Bray. I think it was just on the campus at the Student Union
Building.
Mr. Tavenner. Did vou laiow him as a member of the Communist
Party?
Mr. Bray. No, I didn't know him as a member of the Communist
Party.
Mr. Tavenner. Was he a member of the Communist Party, to
your knowledge?
Mr. Bray. I don't recall that he was a member of the Communist
Party. In fact, I don't know.
Mr. Tavenner. Let us put it this way: You may not have seen
his Communist Party card or have seen him pay dues or anything of
that nature, but did you ever attend a Communist Party meeting
with him? Or let us put it this way: Were you ever at a Communist
Party meeting at which he was present?
Mr. Bray. I don't recall ever having gone to a Communist Party
meeting as such.
Mr. Tavenner. Did he ever discuss with you activities of the
Communist Party in which he was engaged?
Mr. Bray. He has never discussed anything with me pertaining to
the Communist Party.
COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE OHIO AREA 1425
Mr. Tavenner. Were any of the persons at that meeting of
delegates of the Boulder Peace Council Imown to vou to be members
of the Communist Party?
Mr. Bray. No, I don't recall if anyone there — I won't say I don't
recall. I am sure that I don't know anyone who was there who was
a member of the Communist Party.
Mr. Tavenner. You attended the peace congress which met in
Chicago in June 1951. Wliile there did you meet a person by the
name of Peter Hyun, H-y-u-n, from Los Angeles?
Mr. Bray. I don't recall meeting a Peter Hyun from Los Angeles.
Mr. Tavenner. Had you met Peter Hyun prior to that time?
Mr. Bray. No. I don't recall ever meeting any such person.
Mr. Tavenner. Peter Hyun was the executive secretarv of the
Southern California Peace Crusade and was verv active in that area
of the country. I understand you never had occasion to meet him.
Mr. Bray. No; not to my recollection.
Mr. Tavenner. Immediately after the peace congress in Chicago,
a convention was held in Chicago of delegates from the Independent
Progressive Party. Many of the peace delegates stayed over for
that convention. Did you?
Mr. Bray. No.
Mr. Tavenner. After you attended this convention, did you con-
tinue in the same way with the Peace Council in Boulder that you
had prior to the convention, or did you become more active?
Mr. Bray. I was never active in the Peace Council. As I said, I
went primarily to hear Mr. Robeson. Following that time I had no
awareness of the existence of the Peace Council in Boulder.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you attend the national convention of the
National Negro Labor Council at Cleveland, Ohio, in November 1952?
Mr. Bray. No; I did not.
Mr. Tavenner. Were you at any time made a deles:ate to that
convention, although you did not attend?
Mr. Bray. I wasn't aware that I was a delegate to that convention.
Mr. Tavenner. How did vou become emploved after leaving the
University of Colorado in 1952?
Mr. Bray. I was employed in the Denver public schools.
Mr. Tavenner. What is the name of the school?
Air. Bray. Cole Junior High School.
Mr. Tavenner. How long were you employed there?
Mr. Bray. About a year.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you begin your employment at Cole Junior
High in the fall of 1952?
Mr. Bray. Began in the fall of 1953.
Mr. Tavenner. How were vou emploved between the time of vour
graduation in 1952 and the fall of 1953?'
Mr. Bray. I took graduate work at the University of Colorado.
Mr. Tavenner. You didn't tell us that to begin with.
Mr. Bray. I was going to, and you went on.
Mr. Tavenner. How long did your graduate work last?
Mr. Bray. I believe it was about a year. I was just enrolled in
some courses.
Mr Tavenner. Did you have any employment between the time
of the completion of your graduate work and taking up your school
duties in the fall of 1953?
1426 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES EST THE OHIO AREA
Mr. Bray. I didn't have any employment between that time. I
had done a little teaching in a rural community.
Mr. Tavenner. What community?
Mr. Bray. Pleasant View.
Mr. Tavenner. In Colorado?
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Where did you spend the summer of 1953?
Mr. Bray. In Denver.
The Chairman. I think we will recess at this point until 2:30.
(Whereupon, at 12:20 p. m., the subcommittee recessed, to recon-
vene at 2:30 p. m., of the same day.)
after recess
(The subcommittee reconvened at 2:30 p. m. Committee members
present were Representatives Walter and Frazier.)
The Chairman. The committee will be in order.
Let the record show that a subcommittee consisting of Messrs.
Frazier, Velde, and Walter has been designated to continue this
hearing, and that a majority of the subcommittee are present.
Will you raise your right hand, please. Do you swear the testimony
you are about to give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth, so help you God?
Mr. Bray. I do.
TESTIMONY OF KEVE BRAY— Resumed
Mr. Tavenner. Mr. Bray, will you tell the committee, please,
whether or not you became a member of or affiliated with an organi-
zation known as the Young Progressives of America at any time while
you resided in Colorado?
Mr. Bray. I was never a member of the Young Progressive organi-
zation while I resided in Colorado or at any other place.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you participate in the work of that organi-
zation?
Mr. Bray. No. I do remember going to one of their meetings, but
I don't recall participating in any of the work of the organization.
Mr. Tavenner. Wlien and where was that meeting held which you
attended?
Mr. Bray. In the Student Union Building of the University of
Colorado.
Mr. Tavenner. In what year was that meeting held?
Mr. Bray. I believe that was 1951.
Mr. Tavenner. There was an organization, then, of the Young
Progressives of America at the University of Colorado?
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. The committee received sworn testimony during
its hearings in Michigan in May 1954 to the effect that the youth
group of the Communist Party was assigned to various organizations,
including the Young Progressives of America, and that in Michigan
the officials of that organization were members of the Communist
Party who had been affiliated with the youth group of the Communist
Party.
p
COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE OHIO AREA 1427
Will you tell the committee, please, whether at the University of
Colorado any of the officers of the Young Progressives of America
were persons known to you to be members of the Communist Party?
Mr. Bray. I don't have any proof of m.embers of the Young Progres-
sives that were, but there was only one individual who was considered
by people generally. I have no proof. I couldn't say, myself,
personally.
Mr. Tavenner. I will not ask you to state in pubhc session what
you heard or what was generally understood, but I may want to ask
you about that in closed session of the committee.
Did you become a member of or affiliated with the Independent
Progressive Party while living in Colorado?
Mr. Bray. No, I was never a member of the Independent Progres-
sive Party. I don't think I know exactly what it is or what it was.
_ Mr. Tavenner. The Independent Progressive Party was organized
m 1948 throughout the country generally. I wanted to inquire as to
what Imowledge you had of its organization in the State of Colorado.
Mr. Bray. I had no 1-mowledge at all. I knew that it existed, but
as close as I ever got to the Progressive Party was a meeting that I
spoke of, of the Young Progressives. But over and beyond that,
I don't have any knowledge or had no loiowledge and have no Imowl-
edge.
Mr. Tavenner. Do you have any knowledge of leaders of the
Progressive Party in Colorado being members of the Communist
Party?
Mr. Bray. No, I don't have any knowledge of that. I know of
several people who have been indicted, but I don't know whether they
were connected with the Progressive Party or not.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you have knowledge of your own, of the
Communist Party membership of the individuals that you referred to?
Mr Bray. No knowledge of my own. You mean of the recent
individuals we have mentioned?
Mr. Tavenner. Yes.
Mr. Bray. No knowledge of my own.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you ever sit in a Communist Party meetine:
with any of them? ^
Mr. Bray. No. I have never known that I was at a Communist
Party meeting, or I should say I have never been at a Communist
Party meeting or been aware that I was at a Communist Party meeting
as such. ^
Mr. Tavenner. Do you recall where this meeting was held which
you referred to as having attended?
Mr. Bray. The Young Progressive meeting that was held, if that is
the one you refer to, was held in one of the rooms of the Student
Union Building.
Mr. Tavenner. Are you acquainted with Mr. William Morris, Sr..
M-o-r-r-i-s?
Mr. Bray. I don't know whether I am or not.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you attend a Progressive Party meeting in his
Mr. Bray. No. Who is Mr. Morris?
Mr. Tavenner. As far as you know, vou don't recall the individual?
Mr. Bray. No.
1428 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE OHIO AREA
Mr. Tavenner. Did you attend a meeting of the Progressive
Party on May 26, 1950, at 2244 15th Street, Boulder, Colo.?
Mr. Bray. No, I don't recall attending a Progressive Party meeting
at that address.
Mr. Tavenner. You say you don't recall. May I ask you to state
whether or not you did attend such a meeting?
Mr. Bray. Since I have no recollection of it, I would be forced to
say no, because I can't recall, and therefore my answer would be no.
Mr. Tavenner. Has a person by the name of Wilham Morris, Sr.
been entertained by you in your home?
Mr. Bray. No. ^
Mr. Tavenner. Are you acquainted with Harry A. Lawson?
Mr, Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Did Harry A. Lawson at any time, more par-
ticularly on September 16, 1950, attend a meeting or function of any
character in your home?
Mr. Bray. I don't recall that he did on this particular date, but
he has on several occasions come to my home.
Mr. Tavenner. Was he a person known to you to be a member of
the Communist Party?
Mr. Bray. He wasn't. I would say as far as I knew, he was not a
member of the Communist Party.
Mr. Tavenner. Were you a member of or affiliated with the Civil
Rights Congress while living in Colorado?
Mr. Bray. No, I was not a member or affiliated with the Civil
Rights Congress.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you attend a Civil Rights Congress meeting at
2540 Washington Street, Denver, Colo., on January 26, 1951?
Mr. Bray. I did attend one meeting of the Civil Rights Congress.
Mr. Tavenner. Was that meeting held the time and place which
I mentioned?
Mr. Bray. Would you repeat that, please?
Mr. Tavenner. 2540 Washington Street, Denver, Colo., and the
date, January 26, 1951.
Mr. Bray. Washington Street was not the place.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you state what the correct address was of the
meeting?
Mr. Bray. I don't exactly know the street, but I know it was in
what they call Five Points in Denver. The Five Points area. It was
on one of the Five Points.
Mr. Tavenner. What was the date of the meeting?
Mr. Bray. I don't know the date, but I recall that the time was
later than 1951.
Mr. Tavenner. Do you mean the meeting did not occur in 1951?
Mr. Bray. No.
Mr. Tavenner. Then you did not attend a meeting of the Civil
Rights Congress during the year 1951?
Mr. Bray. No.
Mr. Tavenner. What was the purpose of the meeting which you
attended at a date later than 1951?
Mr. Bray. I arrived at the meeting not knowing — I was always
the victim of going someplace and not knowing what was going to
happen or where I was going, and this was one of the occasions. As
much as I could get out of this particular meeting, discussions were
COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE OHIO AREA 1429
being held on various issues, one of which I remember being civil
rights, race relations, and whatnot. That is the extent of what I
got out of the meeting. I don't recall more.
Mr. Tavenner. Do you know who the officers of the Civil Rights
Cono;ress were at that time?
Mr. Bray. I don't know who the officers were. I was invited to
go to Denver with the Saucedos, and it was entirely new to me.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you accompany them to this meeting?
Mr. Bray. Yes, I went with them.
Mr. Tavenner. What was the approximate date of the meeting?
Mr. Bray. The date was 1952, as far as I can remember.
Mr. Tavenner. Wliat was Mr. Saucedo's fii^st name?
Mr. Bray. Jesus.
Mr. Tavenner. Will 3'Ou spell it, please?
Mr. Bray. J-e-s-u-s.
Mr. Tavenner. Wliat was his wife's name?
Mr. Bray. Judy.
Mr. Tavenner. Did either Mr. or Mrs. Saucedo at any time solicit
your membership in the Communist Party?
Mr. Bray. No, they never sohcited my interest in the Communist
Party.
Mr. Tavenner. Are you famihar with the establishment of a fund
entitled the Ethnic Minoritv Scholarship Fund^
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you ever discuss the operation of that fund
with Mr. Saucedo?
Mr. Bray. I don't recall. I am sure that I have discussed some-
tlnng about the fund to him at some time or another. I don't recall
that It was any particular occasion. We did spend a lot of time
tellmg about the fund to various people. I therefore assume that he
must have been one of them.
Mr. Tavenner. Did he at any time tell j^ou that the Communist
Party took credit for the success that the fund enjoyed?
Mr. Bray. He has never said that to me. I believe that it would
have been something that I would have remembered, too.
Mr. Tavenner. Did he ever make that statement in your presence?
Mr. Bray. No.
Mr. Tavenner. Were scholarships awarded from that fund to the
University of Colorado?
Mr. Bray. You mean to a student to the University of Colorado?
Mr. Tavenner. Yes.
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Do you know of any Communist Partv participa-
^^^^"/"^^^ furnishing of scholarships to the University of Colorado?
Mr. Bray. No, I do not.
Mr. Tavenner. I was asking you before the noon recess about
work that you did during the summer of 1952. I would like to return
to that subject.
Were you employed in the summer of 1952, and if so, where?
Mr. Bray. I wasn't employed during the summer of 1952. I was
trying to remember. I had been employed one of the summers by a
construction company. I don't remember what summer it was that
1 was employed.
Mr. Tavenner. Where were you employed?
1430 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE OHIO AREA
Mr. Bray. There was a dam being built near Boulder, up near what
they call Green Mountain, and I was employed by the Macco Con-
struction Co.
Mr. Tavenner. Was that in the State of Colorado?
Mr. Bray. Colorado.
Mr. Tavenner. Were you employed at the San Cristobal Valley
Ranch, owned by Craig Vincent, in the summer of 1952?
Mr. Bray. Oh, yes. 1952.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you tell the committee the chcumstances
under which vou received that employment?
Mr. Bray." I got an ad from one of the Colorado newspapers and I
corresponded with this ranch.
Mr. Tavenner. With whom did you correspond?
Mr. Bray. Craig Vincent.
Mr. Tavenner. As a result of which you became employed?
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. What was the nature of j^our emplo\Tnent?
Mr. Bray. Just a counselor of children and participating in plays
that were given.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you return there in 1953 for emplo\Tnent of
the same character?
Mr. Bray. No.
Mr. Tavenner. Were vou there in the summer of 1953?
Mr. Bray. I was in Taos, N. Mex., the following summer.
Mr. Tavenner. How far is that from the San Cristobal Valley
Ranch?
Mr. Bray. About 13 miles, approximately.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you visit the San Cristobal Valley Ranch
during that year?
Mr. Bray. Yes, sir.
Mr. Tavenner. For what purpose?
Mr. Bray. When I was there the first time, I had acquired a lot
of friends dowTi there, and I spent the time visiting friends. Some of
them happened to be at the ranch.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you tell the committee, please, whether in the
summer of 1952 when you were employed at the San Cristobal Valley
Ranch, any member or members of the Communist Party, that is,
persons known to you to be members of the Communist Party, visited
the ranch?
Mr. Bray. I don't recall any individuals who were members of the
Communist Party. Practically all of the people were seen for the
first time by me. I had never seen any of them before, so I had no
knowledge of the people. It was a new experience for me.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you become acquainted there with any persons
who were members of the Communist Party?
Mr. Bray. No, I did not. . .
Mr. Tavenner. Did any member of the Communist Party visit
you while you were at that ranch?
Mr. Bray. They did not.
Mr. Tavenner. Did Mr. and Mrs. Saucedo visit you m July of
1953, at the ranch?
Mr. Bray. No, thev did not.
Mr. Tavenner. Did they visit you at the place you were staying?
Mr. Bray. No.
COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE OHIO AREA 1431
Mr. Tavenner. Did you see them in New Mexico in July 1953?
Mr. Bray. Not in New Mexico.
Mr. Tavenner. San Cristobal Valley Kanch is in New Mexico is
it not? '
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Wliere did you see them?
Mr. Bray. I saw them off and on during the time I was at
Colorado
Mr. Tavenner. But I am speaking of the summer of 1953 You
said you did not see them in New Mexico. Where did vou see them
in the summer of 1953?
Air. Bray. I don't recall seeing them in the summer of 1953
When 1 was employed at the ranch, they came to the ranch- but f
don t recall seeing them in 1953. '
Mr. Tavenner. But they did come to the ranch in 1952?
Mr. Bray. When I was employed there.
• Mr Tavenner. What was the purpose of their visit to the ranch
in 1952?
Mr. Bray. Just visiting.
Mr Tavenner. Did they attend any meetings while there, to your
Mr. Bray. Not to my knowledge. At the time I was there, there
were no meetings that I attended myself that were not pertaining to
the operation of the ranch.
TVT^^^'o"^^^^^^^^,. ^^^^^ ^^^ *li^ purpose of the visit of Mr and
Mrs. baucedo, as far as you knew?
Mr. Bray. The Saucedos were on a vacation, and the ranch was a
place where people went to enjoy themselves. That is the only reason
that 1 could see that they came.
Mr. Tavenner. Do you know whether they had been there prior
to the summer of 1952?
Mr. Bray. I think it was their first time there.
}l^'- Tavenner. Did they come to the ranch to visit vou?
Mr. Bray. No. "^
Mr. Tavenner. You say you do not recall their having been at
the ranch m 1953.
Mr. Bray. No, I don't recall their being there at that time
Mr. lAVENNER. Do you know whether they arranged to attend a
meeting on July 5, 1953, at the San Cristobal Valley Ranch?
Mr Bray. No, I don't know of any arrangements which they made
about visiting the ranch m 1953.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you see them at any place on July 5, 1953?
Mr. Bray. I don t recall having seen them. As far as the date is
concerned I don't know. I don't even know whether I was at the
ranch at that time.
o-.f ""• ^''^^''''^^- Did you confer with Mr. and Mrs. Saucedo, or
A^r B "^' ^^ ®^^^^ P^^^ ^^ ^^^^ summer of 1953?
Mr. Bray. No I have mentioned before that I did visit them
occasionally, but I don't recall conferring with them about anything.
fl. Q- ^^^^^"i^^R. If Mr. and Mrs. Saucedo had made plans to be at
the San Cristobal Valley Ranch on July 5, 1953, do you know any
reason for their changing their plans? -" ' > ^ ^
1432 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE OHIO AREA
Mr. Bray. No; I don't know of any reason why they would change
their plans. It was never my interest. It didn't make any difference
to me.
Mr. Tavenner. You have no knowledge whatever of any happening
or any representation made to them which caused a change in their
plans?
Mr. Bray. No; I have no knowledge of that.
Mr. Tavenner. Are you acquainted with Lawrence Love?
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Did jou attend a function at his home at 2202
Ogden Street, Denver, on December 30, 1954?
Mr. Bray. I don't recall attending a function at his house on this
particular date. I did attend some parties that they used to have at
his house, but that is all I ever attended.
Mr. Tavenner. Were Mr. and Mrs. Saucedo present at those
parties?
Mr. Bray. Yes, sii-. Well, most of the time.
Mr. Tavenner. What was the purpose of the parties?
Mr. Bray. Just a party. That is all I can say.
Mr. Tavenner. Were any persons there known to you to be mem-
bers of the Communist Party?
Mr. Bray. There was nobody present that I could say I knew were
members of the Communist Party.
Mr. Tavenner. At these meetings we have discussed, which you
attended, and when Air. and Mrs. Saucedo were present, was any
Communist Party literature presented or discussed?
Mr. Bray. No, never at any party that I ever attended was there
any Communist Party literature presented or discussed.
Mr. Tavenner. Were you acquainted with Morris Wright,
W-r-i-g-h-t?
Mr. Bray. I have met him. I was acquainted with him.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you attend a function at his home on January
11, 1955, at 875 Shoshone Street in Denver?
Mr. Bray. I do recall attending another party at his house. I
don't know whether that was the date or not.
Mr. Tavenner. I am speaking of 1955. Was this meeting at-
tended by you in 1955?
Mr. Bray. I didn't attend any in 1955, because I was in Massillon.
Mr. Tavenner. What about the year 1954?
Mr. Bray. I remember attending some party at his house in that
year.
Mr. Tavenner. Was it in January 1954?
Mr. Bray. That seems likely, but I don't remember the date.
Mr. Tavenner. Were Mr. and Mrs. Saucedo present?
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Wliat was the purpose of that meeting?
Mr. Bray. I don't know that, either. I think somebody was hav-
ing a birthday, maybe one of his children.
Mr. Tavenner. Could it have been a birthday celebration for the
National Guardian magazine?
Mr. Bray. That I don't know, because that was never explained
and I never inquired about it, because every time I was invited to go
to a party, it was just a party.
COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE OHIO AREA 1433
Mr. Tavenner. You found out what the party was after vou e:ot
there, didn't you?
Mr. Bray. No. There was nothing discussed pertaining to this
paper, and ah that I could see was going on was that people were
drinking and talking. That is all.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you visit the San Cristobal Valley Ranch
m New Mexico dunng the weekend of January 8 and 9 1955?
Mr. Bray. No, I did not.
Mr. Tavenner. When was the last time you visited the San Cristo-
bal Vaney Ranch?
Mr. Bray. About that time I was in New Mexico because as I
said, we had acquired a number of friends in New Mexico in Taos
N. Mex., especially. For that reason my wife and I went down to
visit.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you go to the San Cristobal Ranch while
3^ou were there?
Mr. Bray. No.
Mr. Tavenner. Were you acquainted with Anthonv Morton of
Denver? " '
Mr. Bray. Oh, yes.
Mr. Tavenner.' Wliat was his occupation?
Mr. Bray. He worked at the Union Hall there.
Mr. Tavenner. Wliat union?
Mr. Bray. The Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers Union.
Mr. Tavenner. Do you know what his position was?
Mr Bray. I think he was a clerk or he ran a mmieograph machine
1 don't really know.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you ever take anv material to him to be
mimeographed?
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. From whom?
.. J^^^; -^^^- ^^ ^^^^ ^ t»^'^>' which we were giving in Denver entitled,
(jrod's Trombones."
Mr. Tavenner. In addition to that, did you take any other
material to him?
Mr. Bray. No.
Txr^J-^- Tavenner. Did you deliver messages of anv character from
Wilham Morris, Sr., to Anthony Morton?
Mr. Bray. No, I never delivered any messages from Morris.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you ever deliver to Anthonv Morton anv
material? By that I mean any statement in writing or anv printed
matter? '
Mr. Bray. No, never any material that I ever dehvered.
o \ J-"^ venner, In other words, you have not transmitted anything
from Mr. William Morris, Sr., to Anthony Morton?
Mr. Bray. No. ^ '
^^'- Tavenner. You say you took master's work at the University
ot Colorado in 1953. Did vou receive an additional degree?
Mr. Bray. No.
Mr. Tavenner. After completing your graduate work, did you
then engage m the teaching profession?
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Where?
Mr. Bray. At Cole Junior High School in Denver.
1434 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE OHIO AREA
Mr. Tavenner. How long were you employed there?
Mr. Bray. One year.
Mr. Tavenner. Were you required to file a loyalty oath of any
character for employment?
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you file one?
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. At the time of filing such an oath, were you a
member of the Communist Party?
Mr. Bray. No. , r i r^ • ^
Mr. Tavenner. Had you ever been a member of the Uommumst
Party prior to that time? . r^ • ^
Mr. Bray. No; 1 have never been a member of the Communist
Mr. Tavenner. Have you at any time ever attended a Communist
Party meeting? • -n ^
Mr. Bray. I don't recall ever attendmg a Communist Party
meeting. 11.
Mr. Tavenner. Bv vour answer, am I to understand that you are
uncertain in your mind^bout that? Do you say you do not recall?
Air. Bray' No. I am merely stating that I have never gone to a
meeting knowing that it was Communist, and I have never attended
any meeting, having gone through a meeting with the impression that
it was a Communist meeting. .
Mr. Tavenner. Were you at any time solicited for membership m
the Communist Party? 1 • ..i,
Mr. Bray. I have never been solicited for membership m the
Communist Partv. ^■ ■ t
Mr. Tavenner. Have you ever at any time made application tor
membership in the Communist Party?
Mr. Bray. I have never made an application to the Communist
Party.
Mr. Tavenner. After serving 1 year as a teacher at Cole Junior
High School, were you employed elsewhere?
Mr. Bray. Yes. I signed a contract to teach in MassiUon, Ohio.
Mr. Tavenner. Is that the place of your birth?
Mr. Bray. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. For what vear was the contract?
Mr. Bray. It was for 1955^ 1954-55.
Mr. Tavenner. Are you under contract now to teach there?
Mr. Bray. No.
Mr. Tavenner. Was your contract canceled?
Mr. Bray. Well, it was terminated, yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you actually teach that year?
Mr. Bray. I didn't teach that year.
Mr. Tavenner. However, you were paid your salary for that year
weren't you?
Mr. Bray. Yes, sir.
Mr. Tavenner. Do vou still reside in Massillon?
Mr. Bray. Yes. You asked me whether or not I taught that year.
Did you mean at Massillon?
Mr. Tavenner. Yes.
Mr. Bray. I didn't teach at Massillon, no.
Mr. Tavenner. Where did you teach?
COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE OHIO AREA 1435
in¥ebruar ^' ^ ^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^ Cleveland beginning the second semester,
Mr. Tavenner. Do vou still teach there "^
Mr. Bray. No.
Mr. Tavenner. What was the name of the school"?
Mr. Bray. Rawlings Junior High School.
Mr. Tavenner. I have asked you about Communist Partv member-
ship at various periods. I want to ask you now, have you been a
member of the Communist Party at anv time?
at an'-'^k^e ■ ^ ^^^^^ "^^^^ ^^^^^ ^ member of the Communist Party
Mr. Tavenner. Mr. Chairman, I believe that is all that I want to
ask this witness m open session. I would like to ask him a few
questions m closed session.
The Chairman. All right.
If the members of the press will leave the room, we will proceed
witn tne closed session.
(Whereupon, at 3:15 p. m., the subcommittee recessed, to reconvene
in executive session.)
INDEX
T. -,, INDIVIDUALS Page
Hym;, Petlr 1419^1435 (testimony)
Lawson, Harry A j^^^
Love, Lawrence _ __ - -- - i^^o
Morris, William, Sr V/oy -{Joo. 1400
Morton, Anthonv ^' ^^^^' ^^^^
Saucedo, Jesus (Jake) "142^" "{424 " 1490- ilto
?tnS'crSg ^^'''- ''''"' Saucedo).....::::::::::::::...''!' lUti l^tltk
Wright,' Morris.::iI"] Jf^S
Organizations
American Peace Crusade, Southern California Peace Crusade 1422 142'i
Boulder Peace Council (Colorado) 1499LJ40?
Civil Rights Congress (Denver, ColoO lloo
Ethnic Minority Scholarship Fund JJoq
Mine Mill and Smelter Workers, International Union" of ^A^
San Cristobal Valley Ranch _ . . {aoq "fio , T^oo
Southern California Peace Crusade. (5ee"Ame7ican"Peace" Crusade ) ' '
University of Colorado ..... ^ , .«q
Young Progressives of America . : floe
University of Colorado branch . . "."" {426 -^"°
o
1427
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