Spencer Heath Archive

Item 1757

Verbatim notes by Spencer MacCallum transcribed from recorded conversation with Heath for a letter to Senator Joseph McCarthy.

NO date

Dear Joe:

    Don’t let them rattle you. We know you’re not trying to usurp the law-enforcing power even though your Democratic colleagues pretend that you are. They must not be allowed to jockey you into untenable positions. Stand firm for your Committee’s right to function. This right is paramount above the obstructive subterfuges of those whom it is the function of your Committee to investigate.

    Distinguish between necessary secrecy for current negotiations with an enemy and secrecy for what the functionaries have done and have not done in the past. This exposing past action or past non-action cannot currently help the enemy.