(Testimony of Bernard William , Accompanied By Weissman)
Mr. Weissman.
organizations---about the financial support of these organizations, that they might be a source of funds?
Mr. Weissman.
You mean from individuals who would contribute?
Senator COOPER. Yes.
Mr. Weissman.
Yes.
Senator COOPER. Was there any discussions as to what individuals were supporting these organizations?
Mr. Weissman.
Just those that we had occasionally read about in Life or Look or Time---people like Hunt, H. L. Hunt.
Mr. Jenner.
Of Dallas, Tex.?
Mr. Weissman.
Of Dallas, Tex.--the oilman. In other words, people who are known to be conservative, sympathized with the conservative philosophy. And we didn't know at the time---in fact, I still don't know personally whether or not they do contribute. I just know it is said they do. But whether they do or not, I have no idea.
Representative Boggs.
It has been established, I presume, who paid for this newspaper advertisement.
Mr. Weissman.
Well, this is something else. I am still not sure of who paid for it.
Mr. Jenner.
The newspaper advertisement is Commission Exhibit No. 1031.
Representative Boggs.
Did you bring the money in to pay for it?
Mr. Weissman.
Yes; I did.
Representative Boggs.
Do you know where you got it?
Mr. Weissman.
I know where I got it. But I don't know where he got it from. I got it from Joe Grinnan.
Mr. Jenner.
Joseph P. Grinnan, Room 811, Wilson Building, Dallas Tex., independent oil operator in Dallas.
Representative Boggs.
How did you happen to get it from him?
Mr. Weissman.
Well, Joe was the volunteer coordinator for the John Birch Society.
Representative Boggs.
And how did he hand it to you--in a check or cash?
Mr. Weissman.
In cash.
Representative Boggs.
How much was it?
Mr. Weissman.
It was a total of $1,462, I believe. We had 10 $100 bills day, and the balance the following day. Now, as far as I know, Joe didn't any of this money up personally, because I know it took him 2 days to collect it.
Representative Boggs.
Do you think you know where he got it from?
Mr. Weissman.
I don't know. I really don't know.
Representative Boggs.
He didn't tell you where he got it from?
Mr. Weissman.
No; he did, not.
Representative Boggs.
But you are convinced in your own mind that it wasn't his money?
Mr. Weissman.
Yes; because he seemed to be--he didn't seem to be too solvent.
Representative Boggs.
Did you solicit him for this money?
Mr. Weissman.
No; I didn't.
Representative Boggs.
Who did?
Mr. Weissman.
I believe---well, I believe Larrie did. I think the idea for the ad originated with Larrie and Joe.
Representative Boggs.
And Larrie solicited the money?
Mr. Weissman.
No; I don't think so. I think it was Joe who originally broached the subject.
Representative Boggs.
How did you happen to end up with the money?
Mr. Weissman.
This was an expression of confidence, you might say, that Joe Grinnan had in me.
Representative Boggs.
Did you write the copy?
Mr. Weissman.
I helped.
Representative Boggs.
Who else?
Mr. Weissman.
Larrie.
Representative Boggs.
So Joe Grinnan gave you the money, and you and Larrie wrote the copy?
Mr. Weissman.
We wrote the copy before that.
|