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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
100-359682-85 Los Angeles Rept. 4-27-50; Made by: Arthur C. Wittenburg; LA File #: 65-4846
Captioned. Dr. Sydney Weinbaum, W.A.S. Espionage — R Perjury
On March 13, 1950 John W. Parsons [Jack Parsons] was interviewed by reporting agent and SA William C. Patterson. At the time of this interview, Parsons related the extent of his knowledge concerning Weinbaum and stated that he would make up a signed statement which would include all his regard to Weinbaum's affiliation and advocacy of the CP [Communist Party].
On March 27, 1950 Parsons delivered to SA Harold F. Dodge and the writer a signed statement dated 3-13-50 which is set forth hereafter:
I John W. Parsons, make the following statement to Arthur Wittenburg and Harold F. Dodge, who have identified themselves to me as Special Agents of the FBI. No threats, promise of reward, or duress have been used to induce me to make this statement, and I have been told that it may be used in a court of law.
"In 1937 I joined with a small group of friends, students, and faculty members at the Cal. Inst. of Tech. to engage in unsponsored rocket research. It became our custom to meet at one anothers houses to discuss our work and plans; these meetings also had a social and philosophical tone. The discussions were general and several different viewpoints were presented. Some were slightly socialistic but none were communistic, and there was no special slant to the discussion. In the beginnings, no one present seemed particularly acquainted with communistic literature or detailed communistic ideas.
"In 1938, Dr. Sidney Weinbaum was introduced to the group as a mathematician on the staff of the Institute. Dr. Weinbaum expressed an intense interest in communism and progressed from exposition on socialism in a few meetings to extreme communist views. He brought books and pamphlets to the meetings which offered to loan or sell. These included Lenin's State and Revolution, Marx's Capital, The Communist Manifesto, books by Palm-Sutt, Messages by Stalin, and the Peoples World. I believe I got some pamphlets and papers at the time, but do not recall what became of them.
"I was first curious as to Dr. Weinbaum's views, but after I understood them began to express opposition and some hostility, both to Weinbaum and to various members of the group. At this time Weinbaum was helping me in a mathematics course. He showed great interest in the formation of a reading and discussion forum from our group, and indicated to me it would be to my advantage to join. He told me that prominent faculty members and Hollywood personalities were members, that the names of these people were not revealed, and that I would run no risk in joining. Dr. Weinbaum indicated that there was another "open" organization group, but that there was no necessary contact between the two, and that prominent or vulnerable people were well protected.
"On further questioning, he hedged and told me I would no [sic] more after I joined. He showed me a card, and told me that if I would sign one like it I would be eligible for meetings. He seemed to take considerable personal interest, and reemphasized the social value of the group, and the advantages of joining. I do not recall that he even referred to this directly as a communist group or to himself as a member of the CP.
"At this time I expressed considerable opposition to Weinbaum's views, and to the direction in which he was attempting to steer our group. Shortly thereafter, our relations cooled considerably, and I did not have much further contact with him. I recall making some strong statements to my friends, and acquaintances in this period, but did not feel myself in a position to make definite charges that Weinbaum, was a Communist.
"I probably do not recall all of the details of occurrences ten or twelve yrs. in the past. The foregoing represents my best remembrance of the facts, and is true to the best of my knowledge and belief."
John W. Parsons 1200 Esplanade
[Redacted], Pasadena, upon interview advised that he had known John W. Parsons for several yrs. and that to his knowledge he knew of no derogatory info. concerning him other than his connection with the religious cult in Pasadena. He stated he personally believed Parsons was a loyal American citizen and that he had no info. concerning his being radically inclined. He stated that he believed that Parsons had at one time attended the Calif. Inst. of Tech. and that to the best of his knowledge Parsons had received some sort of a degree in Chemistry. He stated that Parsons was at present engaged in research work in connection with explosives and rocket propelled missiles. He stated that he did not know the name of Parsons present employer.
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