◆ SpookStack

PD 100-B472 he now, apparentiy, has much more to say about music than about politics does not mean that he has changed hie epinions, ‘My political position is precisely now as it has always been’ he declared," The article referred to the. subject's most recent appearance as having been under the epoensership of negro groups with many recitals in negro churches. It pointed out that no political message would — be given with his concert. - . a The Oregon Journal, Portland daily newspaper, on March 17, 1955, contained an article captioned “PAUL | ROBESON, “here as artist'; discussion on politica avoided" witer the byline of MARTIN GLARK, Journal music editor, which pertained to a press conference Dy ROBESON on Sunday afternoon (March 16, 1958). The article quoted ROBESON as saying "I'm here aa an artist" and referred to his scheduled concert on Tuesday evening March 18, 1958, at Botsford Auditorium on the Reed College campus, which 16 was noted was being sponsored by the “Focus Club, @ group of Reed College students which has no official connection with the coilege," - The article atated in part, including the phrase set out in paranthesis, that subject “has been accused of many things (including extreme left wing views and pro- Gommunist opinions), but new of a lack of sincerity. This was evident in all hia anawers,." It further noted that gubject was willing to answer political questions but he had made it clear that on this: visit he wanted fo be considered purely as an artist. It noted that subject had commented that should he return to Fortiand to give a lecture then he “woull be happy to go into all such questions", the latter atatement being indicated as prompted by a question goncerning his feelings on the Hungarian revolt. fhe article quoted subject in continuing "but I will say this, we here in the United States can get — awfully excited about what's happening to people in ofher countries while paying little attention to the injustices to my people here in this country." Subject was referred $0 as having stated that aince 1950, he had been concertising mainly in churches, He noted he was scheduled to Sing in Carnegie Hall this year under the sponsorship of the AME Zion Shurch in New York in which his brother is pastor. He remarked it was his feeling that the U.S. Supreme Court