Mr. Rankin. But that wouldn't necessarily mean that there was any plot or conspiracy to assassinate President Kennedy, would it? Or does it to you?
Mr. Johnson. Well, I would rather think not. I mean I would rather think that nobody would proceed from any of this to the point of assassination. And there it is a matter I think where a person may have an opinion and not necessarily have evidence that could substantiate the opinion.
Mr. Rankin. Or you could speculate easily?
Mr. Johnson. That is speculation.
Mr. Rankin. Whether it was a rightist plot or there was a leftist plot?
Mr. Johnson. If there was a plot, it was only a rightist plot.
Mr. Rankin. And you say that because you consider the act of assassination to accomplish political ends is not within the Communist Party philosophy; is that right?
Mr. Johnson. That is basically true. The second basic point would be the attitude of the Communist towards President Kennedy was one of high regard and respect, even though sharply differing on many things, but it was always that.
Mr. Rankin. Mr. Johnson, do you have any other papers or knowledge bearing upon the assassination of President Kennedy that you haven't related here?
Mr. Johnson. No, I do not.