Chapter 11 The Hiss Case Summary and Analysis

On August 1, 1948 Chambers is working at Time, when he begins to receive calls from the press asking if he has been summoned to testify before the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC). He doesn't yet know anything about the subpoena. He does not want to testify, but knows he must if he is subpoenaed. Testifying gives him a chance to tell what he knows of the dangers of Communism. Chambers begins to testify on August 3, 1948. Chambers begins by reading a prepared statement, and then answers the questions of the Committee members. The Communists begin their smear campaign by trying to portray Chambers as a drunkard to Richard Nixon. Chambers vows not to read any news reports during the testimony.

When Hiss testifies, he claims that he doesn't know Chambers. Hiss relates his career to the...