:17:01
We labeled it as controversial.
:17:04
Most of that report consisted of words
and pictures of the senator.
:17:08
At that time we said...
:17:10
... if the senator believes we have done
violence to his words or pictures...
:17:13
... if he desires to speak,
to answer himself...
:17:16
... an opportunity would be afforded
him on this program.
:17:20
The senator sought the opportunity,
asked for a delay of three weeks...
:17:23
...because he said he was very busy, and he
wished adequate time to prepare his reply.
:17:28
We agreed.
:17:30
We placed no restrictions on the manner
or method of the presentation of his reply.
:17:34
And we suggested that we would not take
time to comment on this particular program.
:17:39
Here now is Senator Joseph R. McCan'thy,
junior senator from Wisconsin.
:17:45
Good evening. Mr. Edward R. Murrow...
:17:48
... educational director
of the Columbia Broadcasting System...
:17:52
... devoted his program to an attack...
:17:54
... on the work of the United States
Senate investigating committee...
:17:58
... and on me personally as its chairman.
:18:01
Now, over the past four years
he has made repeated attacks...
:18:04
... upon me and those
fighting Communists.
:18:08
And, of course, neither Joe McCan'thy
nor Edward R. Murrow...
:18:12
... is of any great importance
as individuals.
:18:16
We are only important in our relation
to the great struggle...
:18:20
... to preserve our American liberties.
:18:23
Now, ordinarily...
Ordinarily I would not take time out...
:18:26
... from the important work at hand
to answer Murrow.
:18:30
However, in this case I feel justified
in doing so because Murrow is the symbol...
:18:36
... the leader and the cleverest
of the jackal pack...
:18:41
... which is always found at the throat...
:18:43
... of anyone who dares to expose
individual Communists and traitors.
:18:48
And I am compelled by the fact...
:18:50
... to say to you
that Mr. Edward R. Murrow...
:18:54
... as far back as 20 years ago...
:18:57
... was engaged in propaganda
for Communist causes.