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Prosecution Witnesses / 49
Q« How did you prepare to leave the party? A* I started planning in late 1937. First I took a job with the federal government. I was afraid the Communists might kill me for leaving. I had been using false names and I thought if I started using my own name, it would be more difficult for them to kill a man with an identity. In November 1937 I told Hiss I wanted to buy a car, and he loaned me four hundred dollars. That Christmas I told Hiss that I was leaving the party. He cried when I told him. I finally left on April 15, 1938.
On many different occasions Chambers had told FBI investigators, members of HUAC, and the grand jury that he knew nothing of any spying. The prosecution wanted the jury to understand why he had lied so they would believe him now.
Q* Why did you finally testify about the spying? A* Up until I was sued by Mr. Hiss, I didn't want to injure people involved in the Communist conspiracy. I had found the strength to break with the party and had had time to work out a new life. I wanted to give these people the same chance. But when Mr. Hiss sued me, I had no choice but to reveal these documents. Q. How did you find your farm in Maryland?
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