Mr. Jenner. How did that impression arise? Because of the lack of analysis or real critique on his part of that which he was reading? Inability to assimilate the thrust of a work?
Mr. Thornley. No; I wouldn't say that. I would say he could analyze what he read very well, but it was a very subjective impression, and the idea I got was that there were a lot of things he didn't know, and just a lot of facts that he wasn't familiar with. I guess sometimes, probably in discussions, I would run into something. I would mention something and he would say, "What is that?"
I know we did have a couple of very hot arguments and I am sure we were throwing facts at one another, and he was certainly able to belt them out when he wanted to, facts that suited his purpose in arguing.
Mr. Jenner. What was your impression of his—the extent of his formal education and the extent of any private education of his; that is, reading—self-education.
Mr. Thornley. Self-education. I was certainly surprised that—when I read in the papers that he had not graduated, I think they said he had not graduated from high school.
Mr. Jenner. That is correct.
Mr. Thornley. I thought he had graduated from high school. I assumed that. I would say that his self-education certainly must have been—perhaps, in fact, he took USAFI courses, U.S. Armed Forces Institute courses, or something along that line, because he was one who gave the impression of having some education, certainly.
Mr. Jenner. Do you have an impression of his intellect?
Mr. Thornley. Yes; I think he was——
Mr. Jenner. I am speaking in the abstract.