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AT 100-5644 ZINN advised he would defend this country in the event of a war against any enemy including the Soviet Union. According to ZINN he was not ashamed of his past activities and did not believe he constituted a threat to the security of this country or our government, He acknowledged that perhaps some of the members of the associations to which he belonged might be CP members but he was also certain that not all of the members of these organizations were CP members. Among other activities, ZINN advised it was possible he had signed a petition or paper in 1948 indicating support of Communist SIMON W. GERSON, who was petitioning to be seated in the Council seat vacated because of the death of PETER V. CACCHIONE, ZINN stated he was employed by the American Labor Party (ALP), Brooklyn, N.Y., during 1949, stating he believed the ALP to be "truly a political party". ZINN admitted he was a member of the International Workers Order but stated his interest in this organization was entirely for the insurance benefits. On February 9, 1954, ZINN was re-interviewed by the above-mentioned Agents and again denied that he or his wife were members of the CP. He again stated he could not recall having attended the 1948 New York State CP convention as a delegate from the Sixth Assembly District, Kings County. ZINN recalled he made a trip to Chicago, Illinois, about 1947 or 1948 and stated it was possible he could have made this trip as a delegate to the American Peace Mobilization, He stated, however, he would not consider a person a threat to the security of the country as a result of association with this organization, stating it was sometimes necessary for responsible persons to associate with organizations of this type which have a good purpose. During the interview on February 9, 1954, ZINN questioned whether the CP was actually a threat to the security of the U. S. and whether the CP leaders were justly convicted, noting the minority opinion of the justices of the Supreme Court. ZINN concluded the interview by stating he would not under any circumstances testify or furnish information con- cerning the political opinions of others. - 7 -