Mr. Hubert. Did he tell you any reason other than the maneuverability? That was the whole reason?
Chief Stevenson. That’s right. In view of the threats that we had had, they were going to use the truck as a decoy, and that if they did encounter a group of people on the streets, they could maneuver the car more easily and get around them. I left and went to the basement to notify the men in the basement; Captain Jones, who was my captain.
I met Chief Lumpkin in the hall, and as we went down on the elevator I advised him of the change. Reached the basement. I advised Captain Jones and Chief Batchelor. Now, I didn’t advise Captain Talbert because I don’t believe I saw Captain Talbert there immediately upon my arrival in the basement.
Mr. Hubert. So that as far as you know, then the only people who knew of the change of plans was yourself, Chief Curry, Chief Lumpkin, and then you told Batchelor?
Chief Stevenson. I told Captain Jones and Chief Batchelor and Chief Lumpkin on the way to the basement.
Mr. Hubert. Now the two detectives, Dougherty and Brown, who were to drive the two cars, were they told what their role was to be?
Chief Stevenson. Yes; not of my own knowledge, but I understand they had gotten their instructions before they left the homicide office that Dougherty would drive the car containing Oswald and that Brown would be in the car immediately preceding him.
Mr. Hubert. Now Rio Pierce was told too, I suppose?
Chief Stevenson. He was instructed to get his car and park it in front of the armored truck as if he was leading the armored truck with the prisoner.
Mr. Hubert. Was he aware that the armored truck would not contain Oswald?