Pubdate: Thu, 22 Sep 2005
Source: Scotsman (UK)
Copyright: The Scotsman Publications Ltd 2005
Contact:  http://www.scotsman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/406

FBI SAYS LENNON NOT A REVOLUTIONARY

The FBI deemed John Lennon too high on drugs to be a real 
revolutionary, according to secret files which have just been released.

Agents investigated a series of stars and household names, including 
Marilyn Monroe, Albert Einstein and Liberace.

A file on the former Beatle reveals he was closely watched in the US 
shortly before the Republican National Convention in 1972.

He wanted to extend his travel visa so he could "engage in disruptive 
activities surrounding RNC", an agent reportedly claimed.

But an informant told the bureau that although Lennon "appears to be 
radically orientated" he did not give the impression of being a true 
revolutionist, "since he is constantly under the influence of narcotics".

The material dates back to 1974 and was released in the US under the 
Freedom of Information Act.

A file on screen legend Monroe reveals a 1955 rumour that she might 
have been a Communist Party member and had applied for a visa to 
visit Russia. The following year she was in New York with "a Life 
photographer who is a party member", an informant claimed.

In 1962, she travelled to Mexico where she "associated closely with 
certain members of the American Communist Group in Mexico," an FBI report said.

Einstein was watched for decades because of his alleged ties to 
Communists. The files indicate it was believed he was a member, 
sponsor or affiliated with 34 so-called Communist fronts between 1937 
and 1954, and honorary chairman of three Communist organisations.

Among a host of other allegations is entertainer Liberace's reputed 
fondness for gambling while I Love Lucy actress Lucille Ball was 
suspected of being a communist sympathiser. The FBI received a series 
of complaints branding the Doors music "filth". Even FBI boss J Edgar 
Hoover branded singer Jim Morrison's behaviour on stage "repulsive" 
and said it could have "serious effects on our young people".
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman