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WADARS Pewens OR. Ha a * 4 _ Office Menwrandum - ps S& \ ce TO 2 MR. L. V. BOARDMAN Kew pats: February 11, 1958 1 ~ Mr. Boardman iE 1 - Mr. Belmont ta FeoM = MR, A. H, BELMONT 1 - Mr. Nease Bhordmon 5, \ ~ ye’ 1 = Mr. Bland eet CA 1 - Central Research ~ Parsons —— SUBJECT: PAUL TE ROY ROBESON 1 - Mr, Thornton Rosen THuSRNAL SECURITY - CG 1 - Mr. Kleinkauf } ame 1 - Mr. Rachner phe" Neate = napa ; A ( i ARollo: — SYNOPSIS: ( "Gpndy” Robeson is controversial Negro coneert singer who Has consistehtly supported comrminist and related front causes and has been’ outspoken in praise of Russia. He recently wrote and published book entitled "EHeré I Stand," which purports to explain his dedication to winning freedom for Negro, the meaning of fight for Negro freedom, and means of obtaining such freedom. In dealing with question he seeks to explain-his political stand. he charges controversy concerning him originated with "Big White Folks," his persecutors and real "Un-Ameficans," He explains sentiment for Soviet Union and Afro-Asian nations “stems from their support of colonial liberation movement and their views against racial discrimination. He denies any connection | with "international conspiracy" (makes no denial of connection with Communist Party (CP)); admits association with nonconformists and radicals; and criticizes Government for refusing him passport. He denounces segregation and its advocates and proposes coordinated mass Negro action through effective leadership to fight for Negro freedom. He makes mo reference to FBI and content of book provides no new intelligence data to Bureau. BACKGROUND s Robeson is noted Negro concert singer who has long been controversial figure due to his consistent support of communist and related front causes and his outsvoken praise of Soviet Union. He was chairman of Council on African Affairs (cited by Attorney General) ye until its dissolution in 1955. State Department has refused Robeson /¢ passport since 1950 for failure to answer questions concerning CP membership; however, State Department has recently lifted ban on travel by Robeson to countries in Western Hemisphere where passport is not generally required. Robeson, his wife, and his son are current Security Index subjects of New York Office. His son, Paul, Jr., was recently elected to the New York State Conmanyst Party Board. O Robeson authored book "Here I Sta ne @egd Februdry 3, 1958. He states he was assisted by noted Ne writer, Lloyd L. Erown, who is believed identical with Lloyd Louf# fom, 18 Scurrent member of ES ‘enon 1900-12304 ire ato pORtayn nut A eh yi A abe ee ' of, : Th ! ayy SPN Heer nD ‘ SDshh