(Testimony of Bernard William , Accompanied By Weissman)
Mr. Weissman.
I am pretty sure it was on the 28th or the morning of the 29th---on the Town Hall thing? That was the afternoon of the 28th of April, I believe. I believe it was April. It was prior to his coming to a hearing here at the Commission. And in any case, I telephoned him several days after our radio and telephone conversation--I telephoned him at his office in Manhattan and got him on the line again. And I said. "Well, what has happened?" I was very curious as to what he had done about this.
Mr. Jenner.
Where did you reach him?
Mr. Weissman.
At his office in Manhattan. I do not know the address. I had first contacted a law firm he was associated with previously, and they gave me his office number in lower Manhattan. And I telephoned him at his office. The secretary answered, then he got on the line. And he said this time--I don't recall exactly what was said before or after this particular part of the conversation. But I said that I want to meet this guy in Dallas, the one who told him this story and call him a liar to his face, and that I wanted it to be a public meeting, and Mark Lane said he would arrange for a public meeting, he would pay my transportation to Dallas to see this guy as soon as he could arrange a meeting. And I have not heard from him since.
Mr. Jenner.
To check that date you gave us again, Mr. Weissman--Mr. Lane appeared before the Commission on Wednesday, March 4, 1964.
Mr. Weissman.
March 4? March? I did not think it was that long ago. If he appeared March 4, then the conversation--well, I stand corrected. I am not positive of the month.
Mr. Jenner.
It might have been February 28th?
Mr. Weissman.
It might have been. If it was March 4 he appeared here, it might have been February 28, because there seemed to be several weeks lapse between his coming here----
Mr. Jenner.
Are you certain, however, that your telephone conversation with him the evening of the broadcast following the Town Hall meeting was before he appeared before the Commission?
Mr. Weissman.
Unless he appeared twice, I am a 100 percent positive.
Mr. Jenner.
And from what source did your information come that he had appeared before the Commission?
Mr. Weissman.
Newspapers.
Mr. Jenner.
I think we can close this. I show you Garner Exhibit No. 1. Did you ever see the person who is shown on that photograph?
Mr. Weissman.
No.
Mr. Jenner.
I show you Commission Exhibit No. 520 and direct your attention to the man in the white tee shirt between the two policemen. Did you ever see him before?
Mr. Weissman.
No.
Mr. Jenner.
Prior to November 22, 1963, had you ever seen him?
Mr. Weissman.
Never.
Mr. Jenner.
And except for these photographs, and whatever newspaper clippings or photos you have seen since November 22, or television shows on or after November 22, have you ever seen that person in the flesh?
Mr. Weissman.
Never.
Mr. Jenner.
Did you ever have any contact with him of any kind?
Mr. Weissman.
Never.
Mr. Jenner.
Telephone calls, letters, memoranda of any kind or character?
Mr. Weissman.
Never.
Mr. Jenner.
Mr. Chairman, there is correspondence that Mr. Weissman has, and I wonder if it would be convenient with the Commission if we could return at 2:30. In the meantime I will be able to look at some of the material he has to see if any of it is relevant and helpful to the Commission.
Mr. Dulles.
I would like to adjourn at this time if we can, because I have a luncheon appointment.
Mr. Jenner.
That is what I am suggesting, sir.
Mr. Dulles.
Good.
We will adjourn until 2:30.
(Whereupon, at 1:05 p.m., the President's Commission recessed.)
|
