Video: 'WNBC Channel 4 - Court Appearance (Raw Footage) - 30 August 1974'
(Friday, August 30, 1974, during sessions for Walls and Bridges) — John Lennon’s lawyer argued today that the former Beatle was targeted for deportation due to rumors he would participate in an antiwar rally at the 1972 Republican National Convention.
“We believe this is nothing but speculation,” replied Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Marro, denying any government conspiracy before U.S. District Court Judge Richard Owen to deport the British-born Lennon.
Lennon faces deportation by Sept. 10, 1974, due to a 1968 marijuana possession conviction in Great Britain. His visitor’s visa expired on February 29, 1972, and he has since been fighting in the courts to remain in the country.
Judge Owen took under advisement a defense motion to investigate the government’s motives for initiating deportation proceedings.
Meanwhile, defense attorney Leon Wildes indicated he would appeal the deportation order to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
“I’ll be here making music, one way or another,” the 33-year-old Lennon told reporters on the steps of the U.S. courthouse on Foley Square.
Video: 'WNBC Channel 4 - Court Appearance (Broadcast) - 30 August 1974'
Wildes sought to force the government to open its files on the case to determine if the deportation proceedings were influenced by a February 1972 letter from Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.) to then-Attorney General John Mitchell.
Wildes claimed the letter cited reasons related to the planned Republican National Convention in San Diego, discussing rumors that Lennon might appear at an anti-Vietnam War or anti-Nixon rally, and urging that Lennon be deported without regard to his immigration status or any potential hardship.
“There were rumors that my client was about to leave for an anti-Vietnam war rally,” Wildes argued, referring to the deportation case. “I believe there is a serious alternative motive behind it. I think this is a cover-up.”
Marro countered that Lennon’s petition to take depositions from immigration officials was “a new maneuver to forestall or delay the deportation.”
Outside the courtroom, Lennon, looking gaunt and bespectacled, told reporters there had been some discussion of possible anti-war action at the GOP convention, which was later shifted from San Diego to Miami. “But nobody had decided,” the British entertainer added. “There was only discussion going on.”
Regarding the marijuana case, Lennon claimed the substance “was planted by an English cop.” He said he pleaded guilty to possession “because I thought it would go away like a parking ticket, so I made a deal.”
As Lennon headed for his car in the rain, he declared, “It’s like an English rain. I feel at home.”
