Mr. Rowley. "Violation or slight disregard of the above paragraphs or the excessive or improper use of intoxicating liquor at any time will be cause for removal from the service. In interpreting the words 'excessive' and 'improper,' slight evidence tending to indicate unusual or questionable conduct will be considered proof that the use of liquor has been improper or excessive. Association with others who drink to excess will be considered as an indication of using more than a moderate amount of liquor. The excuse that liquor was used for medicinal purposes will not be accepted."
Mr. Rankin. How do you construe and apply that?
Mr. Rowley. Well, in this instance, it was wrong.
Mr. Rankin. Now, were these men under this regulation considered to be on travel status, so that they should not be using intoxicating liquor?
Mr. Rowley. Yes, sir.
Mr. Rankin. And there is no question about that in your mind?
Mr. Rowley. No, sir.
Mr. Rankin. Has anything been done to reprimand and cause them to realize that this is a violation of your regulations?
Mr. Rowley. They were interviewed by the inspector at the time. The seriousness of the matter was impressed upon them. And I think they recognize the seriousness of their acts.
The men we recruit are men that are college graduates and mature, and we screen them very carefully, particularly before we assign them to the White House detail. They know and we know that they are in a fishbowl 24 hours a day, and that, therefore, their conduct is always subject to scrutiny, and so forth, and that they are responsible individuals. Their records have indicated that they have been performing in a high degree. They have worked endless hours of overtime. They are dedicated. And if they were not, they would not be on the detail.