The Chairman.

Will you read it for the record?

Mr. Rankin.

Will you kindly read it?

Mr. Rowley.

"Violation or slight disregard of the above paragraphs excessive or improper use of intoxicating liquor at anytime will be cause for removal from the service. In interpreting the words excessive and improper, slight evidence tending to indicate unusual or questionable conduct will be considered proof that the use of liquor has been improper or excessive. Association with others who drink to excess will be considered as an indication of using more than a moderate amount of liquor. The excuse that liquor was used for medicinal purposes will not be accepted."

Mr. Rankin.

How do you construe and apply that?

Mr. Rowley.

Well, in this instance, it was wrong.

Mr. Rankin.

Now, were these men under this regulation considered to be on travel status, so that they should not be using intoxicating liquor?

Mr. Rowley.

Yes, sir.

Mr. Rankin.

And there is no question about that in your mind?

Mr. Rowley.

No, sir.

Mr. Rankin.

Has anything been done to reprimand and cause them to realize that this is a violation of your regulations?

Mr. Rowley.

They were interviewed by the inspector at the time. The seriousness of the matter was impressed upon them. And I think they recognize the seriousness of their acts.
The men we recruit are men that are college graduates and mature, and screen them very carefully, particularly before we assign them to the White House detail. They know and we know that they are in a fishbowl 24 hours day, and that, therefore, their conduct is always subject to scrutiny, and so forth, and that they are responsible individuals. Their records have that they have been performing in a high degree. They have worked end hours of overtime. They are dedicated. And if they were not, they would not be on the detail.
They realize the seriousness of the violation, and I went over it with my special agent in charge. He understands it. And I am quite sure that they all. understand it at this time.

Mr. Rankin.

I would like to have you examine Commission Exhibit No. 1018, Chief Rowley. and see if that is the regulation of the Secret Service that you have been referring to.

Mr. Rowley.

Yes; that is what I have been reading here, sir.

Mr. Rankin.

Mr. Chief Justice, I would like to offer as a part of the record the regulation, Commission Exhibit No. 1018.

The Chairman.

It may be admitted.
(The document was marked for identification as Commission Exhibit No. 1018, and received in evidence.)

Mr. Rankin.

Chief Rowley, have you had any other complaints similar to this in regard to the conduct of the Secret Service agents on the Presidential or White House detail?

Mr. Rowley.

We had one in the last month. We had charges leveled at us by an agent of the Secret Service----

Mr. Rankin.

Will you tell us about that?

Mr. Rowley.

Who is currently under indictment, and who will be brought to trial on criminal charges on the 29th of June. And, for that reason, while I have no reluctance to discuss it, I think we should go off the record, because I don't want to in any way prejudice the case.

The Chairman.

There is no reason to discuss that case here, Chief.
Is there anything in particular that would affect this situation you wanted to know about, Mr. Rankin?

Mr. Rankin.

Mr. Chief Justice, the only thing would be the investigation as to whether or not there was comparable conduct. I didn't know whether the Commission would like to know what that investigation was and what the results of it were.

The Chairman.

Well, I suppose there is no objection to the Chief telling us what this complaint was, but not insofar as it bears on the crime that he is charged with.