(Testimony of Marrion L. Baker)
Mr. Belin.
And where were you assigned to ride the motorcycle?
Mr. Baker.
At this particular day in the office up there before we went out, I was, my partner and I, we received instructions to ride right beside the President's car.
Mr. Belin.
About when was this that you received these instructions?
Mr. Baker.
Let's see, I believe we went to work early that day, somewhere around 8 o'clock.
Mr. Belin.
And from whom did you receive your original instructions to ride by the side of the President's car?
Mr. Baker.
Our sergeant is the one who gave us the instructions. This is all made up in the captain's office, I believe.
Mr. Belin.
All right.
Mr. Dulles.
Captain Curry?
Mr. Baker.
Chief Curry; our captain is Captain Lawrence.
Mr. Belin.
Were these instructions ever changed?
Mr. Baker.
Yes, sir. When we got to the airport, our sergeant instructed me that there wouldn't be anybody riding beside the President's car.
Mr. Belin.
Did he tell you why or why not?
Mr. Baker.
No, sir. We had several occasions where we were assigned there and we were moved by request.
Mr. Belin.
On that day, you mean?
Mr. Baker.
Well, that day and several other occasions when I have escorted them.
Mr. Belin.
On that day when did you ride or where were you supposed to ride after this assignment was changed?
Mr. Baker.
They just--the sergeant told us just to fall in beyond it, I believe he called it the press, behind the car.
Mr. Belin.
Beyond the press?
Mr. Baker.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Belin.
Did he tell you this after the President's plane arrived at the airport or was it before?
Mr. Baker.
It seemed like it was after he arrived out there.
Mr. Belin.
Had you already seen him get out of the plane?
Mr. Baker.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Belin.
About what time was it before the motorcade left that you were advised of this, was it just before or 5 or 10 minutes before, or what?
Mr. Baker.
It was 5 or 10 minutes before.
Mr. Belin.
All right.
Then the motorcade left and you rode along on a motorcycle in the motorcade?
Mr. Baker.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Belin.
Was it a two-wheeler or a three-wheeler?
Mr. Baker.
It was a two-wheeler.
Mr. Belin.
You rode with the motorcade as it traveled through downtown Dallas?
Mr. Baker.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Belin.
And eventually what is the fact as to whether or not the motorcade got to Main Street?
Mr. Baker.
You say how fast?
Mr. Belin.
No; did the motorcade get to Main Street in Dallas, was it going down Main Street at anytime?
Mr. Baker.
Yes, sir; it did.
Mr. Belin.
All right.
I wonder if you would pick up your actions with the motorcade as it went down Main Street commencing at, say, Main and Record Streets.
Mr. Baker.
Well, it was the usual escort. We were traveling about somewhere around 5 to 10 miles an hour.
Mr. Dulles.
There is a map right behind you.
(Discussion off the record)
Mr. Belin.
Back on the record again.
Mr. Dulles.
Would you state exactly where you were riding? We know a good deal about this, the cars the way they were paced. There was a car
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