The Sinatra files_ the secret FBI Dossier Part 5

An article appearing in the Baltimore Afro-American dated April 10, 1945 reflected that Frank Sinatra was to give a talk on racial harmony. It stated that Sinatra was reported to have beaten several southern cafe owners who refused to serve negro musicians in his party.

On May 3, 1946 Phil Schatz, a reported Communist and member of the National Executive Board and Executive Secretary of the American Youth Division, Detroit, Michigan, made arrangements for an affair for Sinatra to be held at the Jewish Community Center in Detroit on May 13, 1946. It is reported that this rally was held to combat Anti-Semitism and all religions were invited to partic.i.p.ate. The American Youth Division was among the sponsoring groups.

On March 13, 1945 Francis Damon of the American Youth for a Free World contacted Captain Orest Shevtzov, a Red Army officer and representative in the United States for the Youth Fascist Committee in Moscow, at which time he was advised that a picture would be taken of him in his uniform along with Frank Sinatra.

A technical surveillance on the National Maritime Union, Baltimore, Maryland revealed that Florence Schwartz, chairman of the finance committee of the Communist Political a.s.sociation of Baltimore endeavored to get Sinatra, Orson Welles, and several others to appear in behalf of the committee on November 3, 1944.

The Baltimore Afro-American on April 10, 1945 reported that Sinatra was to give a talk on racial harmony.

The same paper also reported that Sinatra allegedly beat several southern cafe owners who refused to serve negro musicians in his party.

According to the weekly intelligence summary submitted by the New York Division on May 16, 1946, Sinatra was one of the speakers at the Veterans American Rally, a Communist infiltrated group which held a meeting at Madison Square Garden on that date. Other speakers included Senator Claude Pepper and Ralph Ingersoll, who was editor of the newspaper PM.

On May 20, 1946, according to a technical surveillance, the Russian Consulate at Los Angeles was advised that Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sinatra could not attend the Consulate party on that date.

An article appeared in the Narodni Glasnik (National Herald), an organ of the Croatian Communists in the United States, which reflected that an open letter was sent to the lodges of the Croatian Beneficial Brotherhood of the IWO concerning "I Am An American Day." The article announced that a publication ent.i.tled "The Idea of Americans," by Frank Sinatra, could be purchased at the rate of sixty cents for one hundred copies. In the same publication, for October 18, 1944, an article stated that Sinatra gave $7,500 to the Political Action Committee at a banquet held in the Women's Department of the Political Action Committee. It also stated that Sinatra donated $5,000 for himself and $2,500 for his wife.

Intrigued, Hoover asked for additional information on three seemingly innocuous items in the memo.

TO: Mr. E. A. Tamm DATE:April19,1947 DATE:April19,1947 FROM: A. Rosen

SUBJECT: FRANK ALBERT SINATRA, with alias MISCELLANEOUS-INFORMATION CONCERNING

PURPOSE.

To set out the information available relative to three allegations concerning Sinatra's activities in reply to the Director's query: "Are the paragraphs marked with ink provable?"

a.n.a.lYSIS.

1-The AYD Year Book will contain a contribution by Frank Sinatra.

Facts: ASAC [a.s.sistant Special Agent in Charge] A. H. Belmont of the New York Division advised that Bureau Agents had obtained a copy of the AYD Year Book published in the fall of 1946 and also the first issue of "Youth" magazine, a bimonthly publication of the American Youth for Democracy, 150 Na.s.sau Street, New York City, dated April 19, 1947, and neither of these books make any mention of Frank Sinatra. Mr. Belmont advised that Sinatra's name is not mentioned in either of the books and he did not contribute any article.

The information that Sinatra intended contributing an article to the Year Book was developed through the technical surveillance on the American Youth for Democracy, New York City, which revealed that on March 22, 1946,[image] called an unidentified man who was obviously a representative of Sinatra and inquired concerning a 500-word article on "Discrimination" which Sinatra was to prepare for the American Youth for Democracy Year Book. Mr. Sinatra's representative inquired of called an unidentified man who was obviously a representative of Sinatra and inquired concerning a 500-word article on "Discrimination" which Sinatra was to prepare for the American Youth for Democracy Year Book. Mr. Sinatra's representative inquired of[image] if the American Youth for Democracy was not the former Young Communist League, pointing out that Sinatra's political beliefs do not run "toward social beliefs-towards Communism." if the American Youth for Democracy was not the former Young Communist League, pointing out that Sinatra's political beliefs do not run "toward social beliefs-towards Communism."[image] advised that the AYD was not the former Young Communist League and stated the AYD was made up of persons of all religious and racial beliefs. Mr. Sinatra's representative then indicated that Sinatra would prepare the desired article. ASAC Belmont advised that there was no information in the files concerning the reasons Sinatra did not contribute the article. advised that the AYD was not the former Young Communist League and stated the AYD was made up of persons of all religious and racial beliefs. Mr. Sinatra's representative then indicated that Sinatra would prepare the desired article. ASAC Belmont advised that there was no information in the files concerning the reasons Sinatra did not contribute the article.

2-Newspapers reported that on January 14, 1946, Sinatra was one of twenty-two Americans who received awards at the New Ma.s.ses dinner held at the Commodore Hotel January 14, 1946.

Proof: ASAC Belmont of the New York Division advised that this affair was not covered by Agents or informants and there was no proof of Sinatra's personal attendance at the affair other than that indicated in the Daily Worker and other New York papers. The article in the Daily Worker reflected that Sinatra was given the award "for his courageous fight on behalf of all minorities."

3-On May 3, 1946, Phil Schatz, a reported Communist and member of the National Executive Board and Executive Secretary of the American Youth for Democracy, Detroit, Michigan, made arrangements for an affair for Sinatra to be held at the Jewish Community Center in Detroit on May 23, 1946. It is reported that this rally actually took place on May 16, 1946, its purpose being to combat Anti-Semitism, and all religions were invited to partic.i.p.ate. The American Youth for Democracy was among the sponsoring groups.

Proof: The technical surveillance on the American Youth for Democracy, Detroit, Michigan, reflected that Phil Schatz spent considerable time arranging for this affair.[image] FBI confidential informant, reported that Sinatra, who was then playing an engagement in a local Detroit theater, personally appeared at the rally and was presented with a scroll of appreciation for his contribution to the Youth of America. FBI confidential informant, reported that Sinatra, who was then playing an engagement in a local Detroit theater, personally appeared at the rally and was presented with a scroll of appreciation for his contribution to the Youth of America.

Another FBI doc.u.ment offered more details on one of the things that caught Hoover's eye, and should have established once and for all that Sinatra was no Communist sympathizer. It didn't.

Advertis.e.m.e.nts issued by the American Youth for Democracy during 1946, concerning a yearbook which it intended to publish, ent.i.tled "Youth," claimed that Frank Sinatra would contribute an article to it on the subject of discrimination.

Detroit Informant [image]on or about 5/23/46.New York Informant [image]6/14/46.

The New York Office obtained a copy of the AYD yearbook which was published in the Fall of 1946. Sinatra's name is not mentioned in this book.

Memorandum from Mr. A. Rosen to Mr. E. A. Tamm, dated April 19, 1947, Re: "Frank Albert Sinatra."

In this connection, however, on March 22, 1946, an unidentified representative of Frank Sinatra was requested by an AYD representative to contribute a 500-word article on discrimination for the AYD yearbook, "Youth." Sinatra's representative inquired for information about the nature of the AYD, asking if it wasn't a continuation of the former Young Communist League, which was denied, although the AYD representative did admit that there were some Communists in the organization.

Sinatra's representative explained that he wanted to be sure of the type of organization he was dealing with since Sinatra and his "political beliefs don't run towards Communism" and added, "If they are strictly out-and-out Communists we don't fight them, we don't have any cause to question their rights-they can do as they believe, but it doesn't mean that we necessarily have to be active and further the principles of an organization with which we have nothing in sympathy." He also pointed out Sinatra had "recently" been criticized by one of the columnists for his connection with the American Youth for Democracy.

In conclusion, Sinatra's representative stated that, "We'll manage to get a story to you." He had previously admitted having had some dealings with the AYD in the past.

The FBI's interest in Sinatra wasn't limited to his political activities. In April 1947, Sinatra was in New York to receive an award at the Waldorf-Astoria for fighting racial and religious intolerance. Two days before the award ceremony, a woman visited Sinatra's room at the hotel. The encounter was deemed important enough to warrant this memo to Tamm from Alex Rosen, another headquarters official. (Bernard "Toots" Shor, the renowned New York City restaurateur mentioned here, was friendly with both Sinatra and Hoover.) was deemed important enough to warrant this memo to Tamm from Alex Rosen, another headquarters official. (Bernard "Toots" Shor, the renowned New York City restaurateur mentioned here, was friendly with both Sinatra and Hoover.)

TO: Mr. E. A. Tamm DATE:April17,1947 DATE:April17,1947 FROM: A. Rosen 5 p.m. 5 p.m.

SUBJECT: FRANK SINATRA, with aliases MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION CONCERNING.

a.s.sistant Special Agent in Charge A. H. Belmont advised that[image] well-known prost.i.tute, stated through arrangements made by "Toots" Shor, she paid a professional visit to Sinatra at his room in the Waldorf-Astoria on April 11, 1947. She advised, however, that due to her drunken condition, she was unable to fill her engagement, but nevertheless expected to be paid a fee of $100. well-known prost.i.tute, stated through arrangements made by "Toots" Shor, she paid a professional visit to Sinatra at his room in the Waldorf-Astoria on April 11, 1947. She advised, however, that due to her drunken condition, she was unable to fill her engagement, but nevertheless expected to be paid a fee of $100.

BACKGROUND.

[image]was interviewed by Bureau Agents in connection with the Crime Survey program and during the interview it was observed that she had in her possession an address card containing the notation, "Room 5H, Waldorf, 2:30." Questioned concerning this, she advised that on April 11th, she had received a call from "Toots" Shor instructing her to make a professional visit to Sinatra to this room which he was occupying at the Waldorf-Astoria. She stated that when she arrived there, she found Sinatra in the company of[image] and during the course of the visit became so drunk that she did not engage in s.e.xual relations with Sinatra. She expressed the hope, however, that despite this, he would pay her the fee of $100 for her engagement. and during the course of the visit became so drunk that she did not engage in s.e.xual relations with Sinatra. She expressed the hope, however, that despite this, he would pay her the fee of $100 for her engagement.

Handwritten notation at the bottom: Director advised. Director advised.

The FBI came upon other indications that Sinatra consorted with prost.i.tutes.

[image][image]was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department on December 1, 1947. At that time her "call house customer book" included the name of Frank Sinatra.

Los Angeles Crime Survey, 4-15-48.

A New York Crime Survey Report of April 15, 1949, reported that various prost.i.tutes operating on their own as call girls maintained address books which included the names of many Hollywood personalities including that of Frank Sinatra.

New York Crime Survey report of 4-15-49.

Meanwhile, Sinatra was coming under attack in Washington at hearings of the House Un-American Activities Committee and in California, where state senator Jack B. Tenney, a virulent anti-Communist, led HUAC's counterpart panel in the legislature. FBI reports excerpted and summarized testimony by Gerald L.K. Smith, the far-right radio commentator, and other like-minded citizens regarding Sinatra.

On 1/30/46, GERALD L. K. SMITH testified before the HUAC Committee, which was headed by Honorable JOHN W. WOOD, Chairman. Paragraph 1, of this testimony contained a pet.i.tion filed with the committee by SMITH. This pet.i.tion was ent.i.tled, "A Pet.i.tion for Redress of Grievances and for an Investigation into Promoted Terrorism, Denial of Civil Liberty, Conspiracy Against Freedom, Organized Character a.s.sa.s.sination, Corrupt Practice, Organized Rioting, etc." The part of SMITH's pet.i.tion pertaining to SINATRA is quoted as follows: "I pet.i.tion this committee of Congress to investigate the activities of FRANK SINATRA who, on the surface seems to be just a highly paid emaciated crooner, but who recently gave support to a meeting of the American Youth for Democracy which held an elaborate banquet at the Hotel Amba.s.sador in Los Angeles and which organization was recently branded by J. EDGAR HOOVER as the successor to the Young Communist League and one of the most dangerous outfits in the nation."Of SMITH's testimony is as follows:

"SMITH:

Shortly after that, the Youth for Democracy, which is the successor of the Young Communist League, held a banquet at the Amba.s.sador Hotel in Los Angeles.

"Mr.ADAMSON:

Is that the American Youth?

"SMITH:

The American Youth for Democracy, successor to the Young Communist League. The most conspicuous personality used in advertising this meeting was the much publicized crooner, FRANK SINATRA. Then SINATRA entered into a campaign to exonerate these children who had been leaders in this organization for truancy. At this same meeting, the much publicized movie star, INGRID BERGMAN appeared and spoke. At this banquet, were the most outstanding Communists of the state.

"Mr. THOMAS:

You wouldn't say FRANK SINATRA was a Communist, would you?

"SMITH:

He may not be that intelligently, but he certainly is being used by the CP because when you take a man that is publicized as he is and then direct the spotlight that leads right to a young Communist banquet, you overtake millions of young people unprepared for that sort of persuasion and lead them to believe that Communism is respectable.

"Mr. THOMAS:

Would you say he was sort of a Mrs. ROOSEVELT in pants? (laughter) "SMITH:

Well, I would not want to represent myself as an authority on that, but I would say this, Congressman, that I am convinced that FRANK SINATRA is not a naive dupe. He has been appearing recently and frequently at meetings known to be set up by the CP.

"Mr. THOMAS:

He and I live in the same county in New Jersey.

"SMITH:

Well, of course you must consider the SINATRA vote. I don't think they are for you."

Paragraph one, of SMITH's testimony before the HCUA is quoted as follows: "There is a cabal in California which includes Congressman PATTERSON, HELEN GAHAGAN, ORSON WELLES, FRANK SINATRA, and INGRID BERGMAN who are playing with STALIN's first line."Of SMITH's testimony is as follows:

"SMITH:

Here is a copy of a telegram I sent to Miss BERGMAN and I think I sent a copy to this committee.

"Mr.ADAMSON:

What is the date of it?

"SMITH:

1/12/46." (The telegram mentioned above is quoted as follows:)