Files on the "Union of Russian Workers" (Federal Bureau of Investigation)

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:

A copy of all files concerning the organization "Union of Russian Workers in the United States and Canada," aka "the Union of Russian Workers," from 1905-1925. This was an anarchist organization consisting of working-class Russian emigres to the U.S. which was the target of intensive and at times violent persecution by the FBI and other federal law enforcement organizations during the first Red Scare in 1919.

351 members of the organization were arrested and deported from July, 1918 to June, 1920. I am especially looking for information on these arrests and deportations: any arrest records, accounts of the raids that led to these arrests, legal justifications for their deportation, communications between federal lawn enforcement and these UoRW members' employers, etc.

In addition, I'd like to specifically request files on two of the Union of Russian Workers more prominent members: Peter Bianki and Vladimir "Bill" Shatoff.

I request that I be properly classified as a news media requester. I am an editorial intern for MuckRock, and I am requesting this information in that editorial capacity. MuckRock is widely known for its investigative work as well as historical pieces based on public records requests. Records responsive to this request will likely be used as part of a commemorative series of articles on federal intimidation of labor organizers and working class leftists, to run this summer around the 100th anniversary of the Palmer Raids.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Liam Knox