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Title: Morris Childs Papers,
Date (inclusive): 1938-1995
Collection number: 98069
Creator:
Childs, Morris, 1902-1991
Collection Size:
2 manuscript boxes, 35 microfilm reels
(6 linear feet)
Repository:
Hoover Institution Archives
Stanford, California 94305-6010
Abstract: Correspondence, reports, notes, speeches and writings, and interview transcripts,
relating to Federal Bureau of Investigation surveillance of the Communist Party, and the
relationship between the Communist Party of the United States and the Soviet communist
party and government. Includes some papers of John Barron used as research material for
his book
Operation Solo: The FBI's Man in the Kremlin (Washington, D.C., 1996). Hard-copy material also available on microfilm (2 reels).
Physical Location: Hoover Institution Archives
Language:
English.
Collection open for research.
The Hoover Institution Archives only allows access to
copies of audiovisual items. To listen to sound recordings or to
view videos or films during your visit, please contact the Archives at least two working
days before your arrival. We will then advise you of the accessibility of the material you
wish to see or hear. Please note that not all audiovisual material is immediately
accessible.
For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Archives.
[Identification of item], Morris Childs Papers, [Box no.], Hoover Institution Archives.
Hard-copy material also available on microfilm (2 reels).
For related materials, see also the John Barron Collection.
In part, originals in: J. Edgar Hoover Foundation.
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the repository's online public access catalog.
Communism--United States.
Communist Party of the United States of America.
Internal security--United States.
Kommunisticheskaia partiia Sovetskogo Soiuza.
United States. Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Communism.
United States--Politics and government.
Soviet Union.
Russia (Federation)
Barron, John, 1930-
| 1902, June 10 | Born, Russia |
| 1911 | Arrived in the United States |
| 1921 | Joined the United Communist Party of America |
| 1929-1932 | Received training at the Lenin School in Moscow |
| 1933-1938 | Functionary of the Communist Party, member of the Central Committee |
| 1938 | Ran for the US Senate |
| 1946-1947 | Editor, Daily Worker |
| 1954-1982 | Cooperated with FBI agents in Operation SOLO |
| 1987 | Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for Intelligence |
| 1991, June 5 | Died, USA |
The collection includes mainly papers of Morris Childs (1902-1991), a prominent member of
the Communist Party USA (CPUSA). In 1954-1982, Morris Childs, along with his brother Jack
Childs and wife Eva Childs, participated in an operation which was conducted by the FBI,
and later named SOLO. Morris Childs made fifty-seven trips (called by the FBI "missions")
to the Soviet Union and other countries of the socialist camp. He often accompanied Gus
Hall, General Secretary of the CPUSA; sometimes he traveled alone or with his wife.
Morris had conferences with party leaders in the countries he visited and was shown
confidential and secret documents. He took almost verbatim records of what he had heard
or seen, and the notes were later handed over to FBI agents. These notes, both holograph
and typescript (slightly edited), are included in the collection. They give a most vivid
impression of the position taken by communist leaders on various international issues.
The collection also includes Morris Childs's notebooks with brief notes about the places
he visited and people he met.
Within Operation SOLO the FBI supported a clandestine communication system designed and
built by the Soviet KGB (Committee for State Security). Through this system the FBI
regularly received messages from the Kremlin and, in the name of Jack or Morris, sent
back information the United States wanted the Soviets to get. The FBI also handled
millions of dollars smuggled from the Soviet Union to New York, either by Jack or Morris
or by KGB agents, for the CPUSA.
The collection is divided into three series. Of most interest is the Morris Childs File,
which includes his notes and his interview transcript prepared by FBI agents.
Microfilm of Morris Childs materials on loan from the J. Edgar Hoover Foundation include correspondence, reports, and notes,
relating to Federal Bureau of Investigation surveillance of the Communist Party, and the relationship between the Communist
Party of the United States and the Soviet communist party and government. The original papers are held by the J. Edgar Hoover
Foundation. A transfer table indicating corresponding folder and microfilm reel numbers is available at the Hoover Institution
Archives.