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(Testimony of Roy H. , Special Agent, Secret Kellerman)
Representative Ford.
What did you do after you got this assignment--what steps did you take?
Mr. Kellerman.
OK. The steps that I took--this entails work right here in Washington. First, to determine, to staff people in the White House, who is all going to make it, who are the passengers. This is a thing that those advance people out in the field do not know when they leave. You set up the time schedule--flight time--because the people on the other end want you there at 11:30 in the morning, you have to work back a flight time from Washington, or the helicopter time from the White House. All this is incorporated. Weatherwise--you will use an automobile. Allow a little more time. All right.
From the people that are out in the field on those 4 or 5 different spots, they are the ones that coordinate with the local folks what program they would like, which is forwarded back, conferred with staff people, whether it is approved, disapproved, added, or cut out. And about the day before you leave, then it is all gelled.
Representative Ford.
But this is your principal responsibility, to pull everything together.
Mr. Kellerman.
Right.
Representative Ford.
Now, according to the various reports we have, when you know you are going to a particular city, or several cities, you have a method or a procedure to check to see if there are any individuals or organizations that present a serious threat to the President.
Mr. Kellerman.
Yes, sir. We have what we call a Protective Research Section. This has been in existence for many years, through Roosevelt's days--I will go back that far. Through the combined efforts of various sources, through other agencies, they have a file on all the, let's say dangerous, for a better word, people that could be suspected in the city he arrives in. They will furnish the agents on those three shifts, if there are a number of them, or even one--it doesn't make any difference--all the data possible on that person-- it will be given to each shift. It is a report form; can be read by all. And, if possible, there is a photograph included. That will be circulated around.
Representative Ford.
Now, when you got your assignment on or about November 17, what did you do in this regard?
Mr. Kellerman.
One little thing I should say. Well, I am sorry. One of the first things we do, when a trip is planned, is make a call on that PRS Section and tell them, "On November 21 we are going to be in San Antonio, Houston, and Fort Worth. On the 22d we will be in Dallas, Austin, and at the ranch." And they take it from there.
Representative Ford.
So, on or about November 22d, you made this inquiry.
Mr. Kellerman.
This inquiry, sir, would be made a week ahead of time.
Representative Ford.
A week ahead of the date that you were appointed?
Mr. Kellerman.
That's right.
Representative Ford.
Who would make that inquiry?
Mr. Kellerman.
That would be made by any one of the three people--Mr. Behn, Mr. Boring, or myself, or one other person which I interrupted you a second ago. A departure is given to one man from one of the shifts who would set up a departure from the White House to Andrews. He, too, in turn notifies our Protective Research Section of this thing.
Representative Ford.
Well, do you know who in this case for this trip made that inquiry of the Protective Research Section?
Mr. Kellerman.
I don't have the name right now.
Representative Ford.
Would there be a record of that made?
Mr. Kellerman.
Yes, sir; yes, sir.
Representative Ford.
I think we ought to have that for the record--the time it was made. You don't recall making it yourself, however.
Mr. Kellerman.
No.
The Chairman.
Do you know if it was actually done?
Mr. Kellerman.
It is always done, sir.
The Chairman.
I know. But do you know if it was done in this case?
Mr. Kellerman.
Not for a fact; no.
Representative Ford.
But you must assume it was done.
Mr. Kellerman.
Very much so.
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