Mr. Lawson. To the FBI, sir. I just returned on the plane.
Mr. Stern. Was there at one point a reluctance on the part of the Dallas police to release the evidence?
Mr. Lawson. Yes, sir. They felt, from what I overheard, they felt they might be able to get an identification of the rifle from one of the local gunshops. There were various leads that they wanted to follow out on that rifle that evening and the next day. I believe there was some talk that they couldn't locate some of the gunshop owners, and some of the other things they wanted to do. So they wished to keep this rifle for a day or so and then release it.
Mr. Stern. I am told this has been covered with other witnesses, so there is no need to pursue it. I have nothing further.
Representative Ford. How long was this interview where Oswald was present?
Mr. Lawson. The press interview, sir?
Representative Ford. How long was he before the press?
Mr. Lawson. I would say 5 minutes at the most.
Representative Ford. I have no other questions.
Mr. Dulles. I have no other questions.