(Testimony of Winston G. , Accompanied By Fred B. Smith, Lawson)
Mr. Lawson.
was nothing in the radical-type rightwing movement so-called in the Dallas area that they knew of that was going to harm President Kennedy.
Mr. Stern.
Did anything else occur? Did you have any discussions of this problem with the local police?
Mr. Lawson.
We talked with the local police on many occasions as to what would happen if there were demonstrations, pickets and so forth, if they knew of any activity, and I believe S. A. Howlett from the Dallas office did the same thing. The papers, the newspapers in Dallas had a few articles on how watchful the police were going to be of the crowd, with particular emphasis on disturbances or pickets, and some of the local committee, host committee, as well as some of the local political groups in the area were worried that perhaps the police would be overzealous in controlling picketing or disturbances, and asked me if I could find out just what the police were planning to do in this event, that there were some wild rumors as to just what the police were going to do. And because we like to have our local Agents who have to work with the police in these areas maintain the liaison I asked Mr. Sorrels if he would contact the chief of police and find out exactly what they planned to do in relation to picketing, and discussed the new ordinance that had been passed on the Monday, November 18 I believe it is, prior to the President's visit. And we were told that the police would accept peaceful picketing, but that the new ordinance was strictly to give them some power to act if pickets or individuals were interfering with lawful assembled groups, if they were trying to make noise to drown out people who were bona fide speakers at lawful groups, or if they were trying to interfere with any person entering or departing a lawful assembly.
Mr. Stern.
Did anything occur in connection with a circular that was being circulated at the time?
Mr. Lawson.
Yes sir; I learned of a circular which had been distributed in various parts of the city, blue in color with President Kennedy's picture on it, and a list of grievances against him called treasonist to the United States. I was given a copy of the circular in the police chiefs office, and requested Mr. Sorrels, our local agent in charge he had received a copy of this circular, and I asked him to check with the district attorney's office, the Federal district attorney, to see if it was against the Federal law. At quick reading myself it didn't look like it was a violation of Federal law but I was in no position to judge it, and I could see no direct threat.
Mr. Dulles.
What Federal law did you have in mind then?
Mr. Lawson.
Under our jurisdiction, sir, of protection of the President and investigation of letters or other threats in connection to the President.
Mr. Dulles.
This circular that you referred to is this the advertisement in the papers?
Mr. Lawson.
No.
Mr. Dulles.
Was this something different?
Mr. Lawson.
I never saw the advertisement in the paper the morning of the 22d, and the first knowledge I had of that particular advertisement was after I had returned from Dallas.
(Discussion off the record.)
Representative Ford.
What page?
Mr. Stern.
Exhibit 4 to the attachment of exhibits.
Mr. Lawson, I show you a one-page document marked "Commission Exhibit No. 770" for identification with two photographs of President Kennedy, and the title "Wanted for Treason." Is this a copy, a photograph of the circular you have been describing?
Mr. Lawson.
It is, sir.
Mr. Stern.
May it be admitted?
Mr. Mccloy.
It may be admitted.
(Commission Exhibit No. 770 was received in evidence.)
Mr. Stern.
The newspaper advertisement was a series of questions addressed to President Kennedy asking why he had done certain things.
Mr. Dulles.
I remember seeing it. Have you any idea as to the number of these circulars that were distributed, any estimate?
Mr. Lawson.
No sir; I have no idea how many were put out. They appeared in certain sections of the city I was told. The police told me they had no idea
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