Forum Fears Repercussions; Cancels Appearance by Fast

A Law School Forum on "Communism in Hollywood," featuring left-wing novelist and critic Howard M. Fast, has been cancelled, and a new forum, "Limitations, on Free Expression," has been scheduled to take its place this Friday evening.

In a letter to Fast, the Law School Forum expressed regret that "after all the trouble we have put you to, we are compelled to tell you that we cannot present a program upon Communism as we had planned. As you doubtless understand from the newspapers, putting on such a program at this time would not only embarrass, but hurt, several people connected with the University."

No Intervention

Martin J. Hertz, president of the Forum, denied there had been official intervention in the affairs of the Law School organization. "There was no faculty pressure," he said. "The decision not to have the forum is ours alone. We have been under pressure from no one. We always presented speakers representing every political persuasion, and we will continue to do so." Hertz termed "unfortunate" the use of the word "compelled," appearing in the letter to Fast.

When contacted in New York last night, Fast said "the letter struck me as strange . . . . I am completely bewildered as to why the forum was cancelled."

According to Fast, he was first contacted to speak at the "Communism in Hollywood" forum before the Jenner Committee announced plans to hold hearings in Boston.

Fast has been denied access to many of the nation's companies.

Speakers at the newly scheduled forum, "Limitations on Free Expression," will be Victor Laski, Oscar Handlin, associate professor of History, and John Clardi, instructor of English. Moderator will be cartoonist Al Capp.