Mr. Corleone, you have been advised as to your legal rights. We have testimony from a previous witness, one Willi Cicci. He stated that you are head of the most powerful Mafia family in the country. Are you?
No, I'm not.
He testified that you are personally responsible for the murder of a New York police captain in 1947, and with him a man named Virgil Sollozzo. Do you deny this?
Yes, I do.
Is it true, that in the year 1950, you devised the murder of the heads of the "Five Families" in New York, to assume and consolidate your nefarious power?
That is a complete falsehood.
Mr. Questadt?
Is it true you have a controlling interest in three major hotels in Las Vegas?
Do you have any control over gambling and narcotics in New York State?
No, I do not.
Senator, my client would like to read a statement.
Mr. Chairman, I think this statement is totally out of order at this time.
Sir, my client has answered this committee's questions with the utmost sincerity. He hasn't taken the Fifth Amendment, as it is his right, so in all fairness this statement should be heard.
[Questadt whispers to Chairman's ear]
N-No, I'll allow Mr. Corleone to read his statement. I'll put it in the record.
[reads his prepared statement]
In the hopes of clearing my family name, to give my children their share of the American way of life without a blemish on their name and background, I have appeared before this committee and given it all my cooperation in my power. I consider it a great personal dishonor to have to deny that I am a criminal. I wish to have the following noted for the record: That I served my country faithfully in World War Two and was awarded the Navy Cross for actions in defense of my country. That I have never been arrested or indicted for any crime. That no proof linking me to any criminal conspiracy, whether it is called "Mafia" or "Cosa Nostra" or any other name, has ever been made public. I have not taken refuge behind the Fifth Amendment, although I have the right to do so. I challenge this committee to produce any witness or evidence against me, and if they do not, I hope they will have the decency to clear my name with the same publicity with which they have besmirched it.
Well, I'm sure we're impressed, particularly with your love for our country. The court will be in recess until 10 a.m. Monday, when we will produce a witness who'll corroborate the charges against you. At which time you may very well be subject to indictment for perjury. I remind you that you're still under subpoena. Adjourned!
