SIR.—I'm afraid W. D. Paden is wrong in the dispute
about whether the US Government denies passports to Communists. He says the Supreme Court 'squashed the practice some years ago.'
In applying for a new US passport a week ago, I noticed the application form was prominently stamped at the top with the warning that, in accord- ance with the Internal Security Act of 1950, a member of the US Communist Party who applies for, renews, uses or attempts to use a passport is subject to severe penalty or fine.
Having also been under the impression that this law had been amended, I asked•the Vice-Consul at the Embassy in London to clarify. She said there had been no change in the law since it first came into effect, that a Communist was not ipso facto denied a passport, but that he must first get permis- sion from the Secretary of State before applying for a passport. If he were abroad at the time, he would generally be issued one for return to the US; other- wise, the granting of a passport would depend upon whether it was considered in the best interests of the US.
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