Statement of Alger Hiss
8/5/1948
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Formed in May 1938, the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) investigated disloyalty among American citizens. It became extremely powerful during the Cold War years and focused its investigations on left-wing political activities, especially on individuals accused of Communist sympathies.
In 1948, professed-Communist Whittaker Chambers accused former high-ranking State Department official Alger Hiss of espionage during the 1930s – of spying for the Soviet Union before and during World War II. Hiss immediately denied the charges and asked the committee if he could testify before them to clear his name.
Later, an FBI investigation found evidence verifying Chambers' statements. Hiss was charged with perjury; he could not be indicted for espionage because the statute of limitations had run out. Hiss was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison. The case continued to be debated for decades; Hiss maintained his innocence until his death.
In 1948, professed-Communist Whittaker Chambers accused former high-ranking State Department official Alger Hiss of espionage during the 1930s – of spying for the Soviet Union before and during World War II. Hiss immediately denied the charges and asked the committee if he could testify before them to clear his name.
Later, an FBI investigation found evidence verifying Chambers' statements. Hiss was charged with perjury; he could not be indicted for espionage because the statute of limitations had run out. Hiss was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison. The case continued to be debated for decades; Hiss maintained his innocence until his death.
This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. House of Representatives.
National Archives Identifier: 595266
Full Citation: Statement of Alger Hiss; 8/5/1948; Investigative Name Files, 1945 - 1974; Records of the U.S. House of Representatives, Record Group 233; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/statement-of-alger-hiss, March 27, 2025]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
