Dr. Perry. That's correct, although several leading questions were directed toward me at the various conferences.
Mr. Specter. And to those leading questions you have said here today that you responded that a number of possibilities were present as to what might have happened?
Dr. Perry. That's correct. I had no way of ascertaining, as I said, the true trajectory. Often questions were directed as to—in such a manner as this: "Doctor, is it possible that if he were in such and such a position and the bullet entered here, could it have done that?" And my reply, "Of course, if it were possible, yes, that is possible, but similarly, it did not have to be so, necessarily."
Mr. Specter. So that, from the physical characteristics which you observed in and of themselves, you could not come to any conclusive opinion?
Dr. Perry. No, sir; I could not, although I have been quoted, I think, as saying, and I might add parenthetically, out of context, without the preceding question which had been directed, as saying that such was the case, when actually, I only admitted that the possibility existed.
Mr. Specter. And in the hypothetical of the rather extended nature that I just gave you that your statement that that is consistent with what you found, is that also predicated upon the veracity of the factors, which I have asked you to assume?
Dr. Perry. That is correct, sir. I have no way to authenticate either by my own knowledge.
Mr. Specter. Has your recollection of the nature of the President's neck wound changed at any time from November 22 to the present time?
Dr. Perry. No, sir. I recall describing it initially as being between 3 and 5 cm. in size and roughly spherical in shape, not unlike a rather large puncture wound, I believe is the word I used initially.
Mr. Specter. Have you ever changed your opinion on the possible alternatives as to what could have caused the President's wounds?