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Departnent of Justice official had stated that the FBI, having received com- plaints that the Highbander Folk School was engaged in subversive activities, had of necegsity conducted an investigation; that this investigation would probably continue as long as long as complaints concerning the school were received. The official further stated that no statement would be made con- cerning the Highlander Folk School that it had been inv+stigated and found not to be engaged in subversive activities. HORTON thc= stated that,since the Yighlander Felk Schocl is being investigated, he would make every effort to ccoperate with the FBI or any other invcestirative body who was seeking infornation. However, it was thought that a cross-exazination of HORTON would not be appropriate at this time. The reporting agent noted that a great many nagazines and recent publications, as well as posters which decc: ated the walls of the school, contained slogans that were extremely anti~-Fascist and anti- wudi, wiat everywhere democracy and war effort was stressed. HORTON further Stated that in his conversation with the Departmental official, he advised that if the school continued to be investigated by the FBI, certain local groups, primarily the Grundy County Crusaders, would use this point to stir up activity and criticism of the school pointing to the fact that it must be subversive if it were investigated by the FBI. ii. HORTON was advised by the nenter of the Department of Justice that, if any action were taken by Such a proup which infringed upon the civil rights and liberties of the Highlander Folk School or any members of its staff, he should immediately telephone Washington and a speedy investigation of such infringenent of their richts and liberties would be speedily and thoroughly investigated. It will be noted that, aithough the Grundy County Crusaders were very active in Monteagle at the time the schocl was being investigated by C. Hi KILBY of the Consolidated Coal Company, since inves- . tigation has been taken over by the FBI, no complaints have been received that any mob action i§ contemplated against the school. (ies HORTON was questioned concerning RICHARD hone, whe was formerly a meriber of the staff of the Highlander Folk Schoor. stated that he was not positive as to dates and circumstances, ‘but that to the best of his knovledze, GOTHE was a German, was educated in Germany, came over to this country for a short tine, returned to Germany, was active in the pre-Hitler German ‘ork Camp progran, that he returned to america in 1938, and wae affiliated with the American Youth Comnissicn, the International oO tay tervae service at § ‘lest Fortieth Street, New York City, with the NYA and - v.. “wrk Camp of ancrica. HORTON stated that GOTHE had written a thesis entitled "Introduction to Work Camps" while he was working for the American Youth Commission; that as a result of this he had come to the Highlander Folx School highly recommended by the american Youth Comission and the ~ 10 =