Commander Humes. Yes, sir.
Mr. Specter. Will you first of all read into the record the final conclusion reflected in your final report.
Commander Humes. I would rather read it from the final report. The final report reads:
"The projectiles were fired from a point behind and somewhat above the level of the deceased."
Mr. Specter. And what did the first draft of that sentence as shown on page 14 of your rough draft state?
Commander Humes. It stated as follows:
"The projectiles were fired from a point behind and somewhat above a horizontal line to the vertical position of the body at the moment of impact."
Mr. Specter. Now would you state the reason for making that modification between draft and final report, please?
Commander Humes. This examination, as I have indicated, was performed by myself with my two associates. The notes which we have just admitted as an exhibit are in my own hand and are my opinion, was my opinion at that time, as to the best way to present the facts which we had gleaned during this period.
Before submitting it to the typist, I went over this with great care with my two associates. One or the other of them raised the point that perhaps this sentence would state more than what was absolutely fact based upon our observations, pointing out that we did not know precisely at that time in what position the body of the President was when the missiles struck, and that therefore we should be somewhat less specific and somewhat more circumspect than the way we stated it. When I considered this suggestion, I agreed that it would be better to change it as noted, and accordingly, I did so.