Mr. Lane. He told me this about 2 weeks ago. When I spoke with Mr. Klein, about 3 days ago, 2 or 3 days ago, he indicated that he did not want to discuss any aspect of this matter with me. And I asked him if that was because he was told not to talk with anyone about this case, and he said yes.
And I said, "Who told you that?"
He said, "The FBI agents told me, ordered me not to discuss this case."
I pointed out to him that if he did not wish to discuss the case with me, I would not force him to. There was no way that he would be compelled to answer any of the questions that I asked him. But, however, in our democratic society, the FBI cannot order anyone not to discuss a case, and that such an order to him was not a valid order, if he wanted to discuss the case with me—he could.
So he did. And he told me what I informed you—that the FBI told him not to discuss the case, and that he mailed this rifle with the holes already bored and with the telescopic sight already mounted to someone named A. Hidell.
He also said that "No ammunition was purchased from me by Hidell at that time or since."
Senator Cooper. Mr. Chairman, may I ask a question?
The Chairman. Yes, sir.
Senator Cooper. Did he name any person with the FBI who told him not to discuss the case?
Mr. Lane. No; he did not.