Mr. Rowley. I think what happened in this instance, we responded to the broadcast of Mr. Pearson and his charge that the men were inebriated. We were primarily concerned with that at that time. And to get the statements from the men. But I do know that in the course of his interviewing of these individuals at the time, and taking their statements, he impressed upon them the fact that there was a violation.
The Chairman. Has there been any report made to the Commission to the effect that there was any violation of——
Mr. Rowley. No, sir; unless it is contained in this document here, sir.
The Chairman. I have not seen anything in there. It seems to me they were all given a complete bill of health. And I just wonder if that is quite consistent with the facts that the Commission should have.
Mr. Rowley. No, sir; as I said earlier, we don't condone their actions, nor do we try to belittle the violation. But in the circumstances, I took the decision that I thought right in view of the tragedy and so forth. In any other circumstance it would have been entirely different. But as I said earlier, I don't think that these people should be blamed for the tragedy that happened at that time, and that any attempt to assess formal punishment would in the light of history stigmatize them for the rest of their life, as well as their families.
Mr. Rankin. Mr. Chairman, I plan to leave that subject now—unless there is some further question.
The Chairman. Any further questions?
Very well.
Mr. Rankin. Chief Rowley, will you tell us whether you learned anything about the preparations in Dallas for the visit of the President on November 22?
Mr. Rowley. Yes; I read the report of Special Agent Lawson, who was designated as the advance agent for that visit.