Former Pacific Institute Chief Condemns McCarren Committee

Methods employed by the McCarren Committee are contrary to all standards of justice, a former secretary of the University who has just returned from Senate investigation, declared last night.

Jerome D. Greene '96 was called before the Senate Internal Security Subcommittee on Wednesday to testify about the origins and purposes of the Institute of Pacific Relations. The Institute is under investigation to find out if subversives used it to influence U.S. Far Eastern policy.

Greene, Secretary of the Harvard Corporation from 1905 to 1910 and from 1934 to 1943, drafted the constitution of the IPR. He was National Chairman of the IPR from 1929 to 1932 and international Chairman from 1929 to 1932.

Greene explained to Senators that the IPR was merely a private research organization, attempting to keep peace in the Pacific area by the spread of competent, disinterested information. Quizzed as to whether the IPR harbors subversives, Greene replied. "As one of the founders of the Institute, I would be shocked and humiliated by any evidence that it had thus betrayed its fundamental ideals."

Greene stated that the Committee gave him the impression of having formed all its opinions in advance, and badgering and interrupting to confuse the witness.

When asked about former IPR members like Frederic V. Field '27, Greene said during the '20's and '30's many American young people cherished the vain hope that by promoting friendly contacts, antagonisms between the U.S. and Russia could be softened.

"These young people may have been 'suckers' for Soviet propaganda," he said, "but their guilt must be measured by their subsequent behavior." About Field, he said; "I was pained and shocked by his defection, as a father would feel whose son betrayed his confidence."