"To aid us in our objectives, we have requested the on-camera presence of President Johnson, the Commission members and selected witnesses who have given testimony here in Washington. We would like to request your cooperation in appearing on our program. In our opinion, your presence and perhaps a statement of your feeling and of your feelings in truthful note and fashion will serve to alleviate the tension and misgivings following the death of Officer Tippit and, of course, the other Dallas tragedies. I would be most anxious to have your reaction and will contact you personally concerning our request.
"I look forward to talking with you.
"Sincerely, Buck Richard Pennington, Producer, Television Service U.S. Information Agency, Washington 25, D.C., phone Worth 2-0319."
When did you receive this?
Mr. Howlett. Just a moment, I talked to Mrs. Markham about this—she called me on the telephone about that. The U.S. Information Agency is a legitimate Government organization and they are planning to do this. They have contacted us to assist them in the location of some witnesses and we checked with our office in Washington and they came back and told us it was a legitimate venture, but we were, the Secret Service, was engaged with the Commission and that we wouldn't be able to help, but it is supposed to be a legitimate operation.
Mr. Liebeler. So, you have discussed this with Agent Howlett, is that right, as he indicated?
Mrs. Markham. Now, this man—Buck Pennington?
Mr. Liebeler. Yes.
Mrs. Markham. He called me right after I got this telegram and whatever you think—he wanted me to come up there Monday or Tuesday. Do you think it would be all right?