Replies

Senator Geary: Uh, Mr. Chairman, I would like to verify the witness’s statement. For years now a growing number of my constituents have been of Italian decent, and I’ve come to know them well. They have honored me with their support and with their friendship. Indeed, I can proudly say that some of my very best friends are Italian-Americans. However, Mr. Chairman, at this time, very unfortunately, I have to leave these proceedings in order to preside over a very important committee, my own committee. But before I leave I do want to say this: that these hearings on the Mafia are in no way whatsoever a slur upon the great Italian people. Because I can state from my own knowledge and experience that Italian-Americans are among the most loyal, most law-abiding, patriotic, hard working American citizens in this land. And it would be a shame, Mr. Chairman, if we allowed a few rotten apples to give a bad name to the whole barrel. Because from the time of the great Christopher Columbus up through the time of Enrico Fermi right up until the present day, Italian-Americans have been pioneers in building and defending our great nation. They are the salt of the earth, and they’re one of the backbones of this country.

Committee Chairman: I’m sure we all agree with our esteemed college. Now, Mr. Corleone you have been advised as to your legal rights. We have testimony from a witness — a previous witness — one Willie Cicci. He has stated that you are head of the most powerful Mafia family in this country. Are you?

Michael Corleone: No, I’m not.

Committee Chairman: The witness has testified that you are personally responsible for the murder of a New York City police Caption in 1947 and with him a man named Virgil Sollozzo. You deny this?

Michael Corleone: Yes, I do.

Committee Chairman: Is it true that in — in the year 1950 you devised the murder of the heads of the so-called “five families” in New York to assume and consolidate your nefarious power?

Michael Corleone: That’s a complete falsehood.