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(Testimony of Rufus Wayne , Special Agent, Youngblood)
Mr. Youngblood.
After the swearing-in ceremonies, it took off immediately. It was just a matter of letting the people who had to get off the plane, such as Judge Hughes and Chief Curry disembark, and as soon as they had disembarked, we closed the door and started taxiing out.
Mr. Specter.
Were there any conversations between Vice President Johnson and anyone else with respect to advice on the swearing-in ceremonies?
Mr. Youngblood.
Yes, sir. I think probably the first thing the Vice President did after he got on board the plane was to place a call to the Attorney General. In fact, he talked to the Attorney General, I believe, two times--at least two times.
Mr. Specter.
Were you present when those conversations occurred?
Mr. Youngblood.
I was present when he placed the first call. I think he placed the first call from the bedroom there of the plane. Then someone from the Attorney General's office called back--not the Attorney General, but someone from the office-- and gave the wording of the oath.
Mr. Specter.
Were you informed as to what advice Vice President Johnson received from Mr. Kennedy with respect to the time of swearing in?
Mr. Youngblood.
I heard him discussing this--because after we got on board the plane I told them to pull down the shades, and then I told the Vice President, I am going to stick with you like glue while we are on the ground here. And so we were joined by Mrs. Johnson and then by Congressman Thornberry and Thomas, and Congressman Brooks. And I heard them discussing about taking the oath immediately, right there in Dallas. I heard the Vice President ask about anyone in particular that should administer the oath. And as I gathered from conversation, it was anyone who was authorized to administer a Federal oath. And then he put in calls to Judge Hughes, and he told me to expect Judge Hughes and to be sure she could get through the security lines.
Mr. Specter.
Well, were you informed that Attorney General Kennedy advised Vice President Johnson that he should have himself sworn in as promptly as possible?
Mr. Youngblood.
Well, as I said, I was in the area, in their immediate vicinity, when they were talking about it. And this is what I gathered from hearing them talk--that the Attorney General had told him to go ahead and be sworn in there, as soon as possible.
Mr. Specter.
And upon arrival back in Andrews Air Force Base, what activity, if any, were you engaged in then, along with President Johnson?
Mr. Youngblood.
Well, on the plane, on the flight up here, there had been numerous radio contacts in making arrangements and so forth. But when we actually arrived, Mrs. Kennedy and the body were removed first by the lift that was provided, and then when the ramp was in place, our party disembarked from the plane, and then President Johnson had a short statement that he was to make, and we went over to an area where the microphones were set up, and he made this brief statement. And then we proceeded from there to the awaiting helicopter, which was just a few yards away. We boarded the helicopter and flew in to the south grounds of the White House.
Mr. Specter.
And did you then accompany President Johnson to his home?
Mr. Youngblood.
He didn't go to his home at that time; but the answer to your question is yes, when he did go later that night. You see, he went to his office in the EOB, the Executive Office Building, and conducted business there until in the vicinity of 9 o'clock. And then he went home, at which time I accompanied him, and many other agents.
Mr. Specter.
Would you describe briefly what security arrangements if any were instituted on that day for the Vice President's daughters?
Mr. Youngblood.
Yes, sir.
While we were in the hospital, receiving these reports relative to President Kennedy's condition, I asked Mrs. Johnson--I knew generally where Luci and Lynda were, but I wanted to get the very latest from her, since sometimes these girls might visit a friend or a relative. And I knew that Lynda was going to the University of Texas, and that Luci was going to National Cathedral. So I confirmed the locations with Mrs. Johnson and then told Agent Kivett, who was in our presence at the time I was talking to her, to make the necessary calls
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