Investigation of Communist activities in Seattle, Wash., area. Hearings, Part 3

On June 1, 1955, a House subcommittee convened to probe alleged communist activity in the Seattle area, and this recording captures the opening minutes of those hearings. Listeners hear the formal introductions of committee members, the legal framework that authorizes their inquiry, and the early questioning of witnesses as the investigation gets underway. The material offers a clear view of mid‑century congressional procedure and the language of anti‑subversive legislation.

The transcript preserves the procedural rigor of the Committee on Un‑American Activities, including the issuance of subpoenas and the rules governing testimony. Throughout the first act, participants outline the scope of the probe and begin to outline evidence that has prompted congressional concern. For anyone interested in Cold‑War era politics, civil liberties debates, or the mechanics of congressional oversight, the hearing provides an unvarnished glimpse into a pivotal moment in American history.