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dE WFO 161-2419 ELN:cjl 3 b6& b7C They advised the friends of ALGER and b7D PRISCILLA HISS was ABE FORTAS, who resided at 3025 N Street, Washing , DU. c., and who were both attorneys. During the course of the above-mentioned investigat uary 14, 1949, by SAs concerning his knowledge and association with R HISS, Mr. FORTAS advised that he first became acquainted with ALBER HISS in 1933 when they both wor n LeWlture Department. He further adviséd that althoug ey were Y erent "areas," HISS’ work being concerned with the drafting of legislation regarding the Agricultural Adjustment Act, they were in contact with each other considerably. ee Mr. FORTAS stated that he considered HISS to be one of the "finest, most decent persons" he had ever known. He said that he was "unutterably shocked when he first. heard the allegations made aguinst HISS by WHITTAKER CHAMBERS." Mr, FORTAS also described ALGER HISS as "sympathetic, decent, very kind, and extremely able." He stated that although he, F RTAS, may have been "politi¢ally unsophisticated" at that time in that communism was "merely a wora" to him and he was not particularly looking for it, he would list HISS in terms of “loyalty, decency, and character," as tops. Mr. FORTAS advised that subsequent to HISS' employment with the Agriculture Department ;“ he had seen him on two occasions; once at the San Francisco Conference, and secondly, at the First General Assembly of the United Nations at London, England. At San Francisco, according to Mr. FORTAS, he discussed with HISS matters relating to trusteeships, and at no time during the course of these discussions did he recall HBISS “taking the Russian side," Mr. FORTAS gaid that during the course of their trip to London, HISS' attitude in this connection remained Phe same. Mr. FORTAS stated that he had considered ALGER HISS to be loyal and devoted to his country.