(Testimony of Winston G. , Accompanied By Fred B. Smith, Lawson)
Mr. Lawson.
in the building. They have kind of a semisecurity of their own that way. So it was good in that respect. There were hanging bridges and balconies, as I have said, side corridors and what not. After we left there, we went to the Women's Building at the fairgrounds, to look that over, and in this particular case the food would have had to have been brought in because there isn't any kitchen there, which was a plus at the Trade Mart. They had a regular cafeteria there and a catering service, which the Women's Building didn't have. The Women's Building is on one floor, quite low ceilinged, and the press coverage that is usually quite in evidence when the President is anywhere, both from the traveling press with him and the local press would have required their usual press coverage, and it would not have been as good in the Women's Building, because of the low ceilings.
They usually like to be up at least as high as the President or higher, 1, 2, or 3 feet. So we could put them in a balcony at the Trade Mart but we could not do so, at least get them any higher because of the low roof at the Women's Building. There were numerous columns in the Women's Building that would have blocked everybody's view of the people at the head dinner table, guests, and the guests there. So there were pluses and minuses for both buildings, and I so informed people in Washington and Mr. Puterbaugh informed people in Washington also.
Representative Ford.
Who made the decision as to the Trade Mart or the Women's Building at the fairgrounds?
Mr. Lawson.
That was made in Washington, sir.
Representative Ford.
By whom, do you know?
Mr. Lawson.
I am assuming by the White House. I know that Mr. Puterbaugh was in contact with the National Democratic Headquarters people, and they were in contact with the White House and with the various groups down in Texas, the Governor's office as well. When the decision was finally made, we were told that it had been made but not to tell anyone yet because the announcement would come probably from the Governor's office.
Representative Ford.
Do you make a report in writing in this kind of a situation, the relative advantages and disadvantages of the two buildings?
Mr. Lawson.
No, sir.
Representative Ford.
From a security point of view?
Mr. Lawson.
No, sir.
Representative Ford.
How do the people in Washington make the decisions then?
Mr. Lawson.
Mr. Puterbaugh told the people he was in contact with and I told Mr. Behn's office what I saw.
Mr. Stern.
Who is Mr. Behn.?
Mr. Lawson.
Mr. Behn is the agent in charge of the White House detail. What I saw in both buildings. As I say the decision was made back here in Washington.
Representative Ford.
You summarized your views on this kind of a situation to Mr. Behn?
Mr. Lawson.
Yes, sir.
Representative Ford.
Who is your superior. By telephone, not in writing?
Mr. Lawson.
No, sir.
Representative Ford.
Is this the case in all instances?
Mr. Lawson.
Well, it usually doesn't happen. Usually I know when you are going some place if the function is to be at the Statler Hotel or something like that.
Representative Ford.
Do you know whether or not Mr. Behn made any recommendations on this?
Mr. Lawson.
I have no idea.
Representative Ford.
You gave him your observations and your recommendations?
Mr. Lawson.
I don't know if I gave it to him. I gave his office. Now there were at that time two assistants.
Representative Ford.
Did you make a recommendation one over the other?
Mr. Lawson.
No; I did not. I said that I was sure we could effectively handle
|
