AFTER THE RECESS:
THE COURT: Are you ready to proceed, Gentlemen?
MR. WILLIAM WEGMANN: Yes, sir. We call Arthur Davis.
ARTHUR Q. DAVIS, a witness called by and on behalf of the Defendant, having been first duly sworn, was examined and testified as follows:
DIRECT EXAMINATION BY MR. DYMOND:
Q: For the record, Mr. Davis, would you please state your full name.
A: Arthur Quinton Davis.
Q: What is your occupation, Mr. Davis?
A: I am an architect.
Q: And with what firm are you connected, sir?
A: Curtis & Davis, Architects.
Q: Mr. Davis, in connection with your business do you have occasion to do much traveling, and more particularly between here and New York City?
A: Yes. I have an office in New York as well as New Orleans, and I make a trip once a week between New Orleans and New York.
Q: (Exhibiting book to witness) Mr. Davis, I show you a book which has been offered in evidence and marked for identification "State-55." Directing your attention to the bottom of the page covering the dates between December 12 and December 14, 1966, I ask you whether your signature appears therein.
A: Yes, the second from the bottom is my signature.
Q: And what is the bottom signature?
A: The second signature from the bottom of the page is my signature.
Q: And what is the name that appears directly below your signature, Mr. Davis?
A: Clay Bertrand.
Q: Now, Mr. Davis, do you recall having been at Moisant Airport on December 14, 1966?
A: Yes, I checked my records and I did go to New York on that day.
Q: Do your records indicate, or do you have any recollection, as to what time you left Moisant Airport or were at Moisant Airport on that date?
A: My records don't indicate that. To the best of my knowledge, it was somewhere midday. I know it wasn't the evening flight.
Q: Mr. Davis, upon the occasion of your being at the airport on that date, did you have occasion to go in the VIP Room?
A: Yes.
Q: Were any other people in there when you were in there?
A: This is the Eastern Airlines?
Q: That is correct, yes.
A: Yes, there were some other gentlemen in there.
Q: Are you acquainted with this Defendant Clay Shaw?
A: Yes.
Q: How long have you known him, sir?
A: Oh, I would think in excess of ten years.
Q: Did you or did you not see Mr. Shaw in the VIP Room of Eastern Airlines on that date, December 14, 1966?
A: No, I did not.
Q: Now, Mr. Davis, in view of the length of time during which you have known Mr. Shaw, would you say that you are generally and reasonably familiar with his manner of dress?
A: Well, as far as the occasions at which I have seen him, I would say that.
Q: Would you term him a conventional, conservative dresser, or otherwise, sir?
A: I don't think I have ever seen him in anything but a business suit.
Q: More specifically, Mr. Davis, have you ever seen Mr. Shaw wearing noticeably tight trousers?
A: No.
MR. DYMOND: We tender the witness.
CROSS-EXAMINATION BY MR. ALCOCK:
Q: Mr. Davis, do you recall who you were with in the VIP Room on that day? Were you
with anyone, sir?
A: No, I was alone.
Q: And you approximate this to be about midday, is that correct?
A: Yes, but I am not actually sure of the time.
Q: I see. Do you recall whether or not anyone else signed the book in your presence?
A: No, no one else.
Q: Do you recall whether or not the signature Clay Bertrand was in the book when you signed it?
A: I am relatively sure that I was the last signature when I signed.
Q: Did you see anyone sign the book after you signed it?
A: No.
MR. ALCOCK: May I have the book, please?
BY MR. ALCOCK:
Q: (Exhibiting book to witness) Mr. Davis, calling your attention to State Exhibit 55,
the exhibit from which you just identified your signature, I call your attention to the four names that precede yours, dated on 12/14/66, and I ask you if you know any of those other persons.
A: No.
Q: Calling your attention to the remaining signature on 12/14/66, do you know any of those persons?
A: No.
Q: Do you recall whether or not the book or the lines were filled all the way up until the line that you signed on, on that occasion?
A: I would assume that they would have been although I can't say definitely. I usually would sign the next line that would be open.
Q: You made a practice, Mr. Davis, of signing the VIP book when you go into that room?
A: No, not usually.
Q: Approximately how long did you remain in the room on that day?
A: Well, that is quite some time ago, but if I had to guess -- I usually get out to the airport a little early and I use that room to make phone calls, there is a private phone -- I would guess anywhere from 20 minutes to a half hour.
Q: And you don't recall seeing anyone sign the book while you were there, other than yourself? Is that correct?
A: No.
MR. ALCOCK: No further questions.
MR. DYMOND: That is all, Mr. Davis.
THE COURT: Is Mr. Davis excused from the obligations of the subpoena?
MR. DYMOND: He is.
(Witness excused.)
MR. DYMOND: Your Honor, at this time we would like to call the Defendant Clay L. Shaw.