Abstract
In this time of world strife, one of the most important questions facing the American people today is what should we do and what can we do, about the activities of foreign powers who are striving to overthrow our government. |This state of anxiety is not due to the silly fears of a group of alarmists, it is an unquestioned fact that has been known for some time. The question has not been whether or not we should do some tiling a- bout this condition, but can we do something about it. |It is the purpose of this thesis, then, not only to show what the conditions facing us are, but also to show that we can and must do something about it. It is the contention of the "let them alone” group that, granting that the condition is serious, there is nothing we can do to these foreign agents because of the rights of free speech and free press guaranteed in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution. But can the Communist claim these rights which are so dear to every true American? Can they demand protection under a document which they have sworn to destroy? |We have seen the fate of France. A sad affair which should serve as a grim reminder of what lies in store for a country that delays too long in taking firm steps to control subversive activities. Australia is a democracy which did not think it was sacrificing any democratic principles by dealing swiftly and firmly with a similar menace that was threatening the continued existence of her form of government. |In the development of the thesis, the writer will attempt to show that legal steps should immediately be taken and that relief can be had under the Constitution as it stands without violating any democratic principles. |It is indeed regrettable that the government should have to take any steps to curb the activities of certain individuals, and to deny to them the rights granted to loyal American citizens. This consideration, however, should not be allowed to influence the swift and stern way the situation must be met, for self-preservation comes ahead of generosity. |The writer wishes, at this time, to extend a sincere vote of thanks to Reverend Father J. F. Walsh for his many and valuable suggestions for the improvement of this treatise, but he cannot be held responsible for its conclusions or its errors.