The American press gave the name "Pumpkin Papers" to the microfilm hidden in a pumpkin on the farm of Whittaker Chambers and named clearly for the sake of a catchy headline phrase. HUAC subpoenaed and obtained that microfilm on December 2, 1948.

Hiss supporters have attacked the discrepancy in this name (like others), but in fact the microfilm in the Pumpkin Papers proved unimportant: they contained no information of value. 

However, the name "Pumpkin Papers" also implies or even includesthe far more important "Baltimore Documents," the 60-odd typewritten and handwritten papers which Chambers had given to the lawyers of Alger Hiss during pre-trial examination for a separate slander suit. Hiss had his lawyers send them to the Justice Department as part of another effort to attack Chambers legally--but instead led to his own indictment on December 15, 1948. 
 For more information, see:
"Whittaker Chambers: Pumpkin Papers (Baltimore Documents)"
http://www.whittakerchambers.org/pumpkinpapers.html
Source(s):
WhittakerChambers.org
"Whittaker Chambers: Pumpkin Papers (Baltimore Documents)"
http://www.whittakerchambers.org/pumpkinpapers.html

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