Dershowitz on Kennedy Probe

Prof. Alan Dershowitz, in his suggestion that there be a new investigation of the assassination of President Kennedy, overlooks several important facts (“Trust Lost, New J.F.K. Probe Is Needed,” Op-Ed Page, Nov. 9). Every significant scientific question raised after the Warren Commission Report has in fact been re-investigated. Scientists have examined the autopsy pictures and concluded that the evidence was consistent with the Warren Commission Report. The National Academy of Sciences investigated the acoustics information raised by the House Select Committee and concluded that “reliable acoustics data do not support a conclusion that there was a second gunman.” The FBI has conducted further investigations. And recently it was disclosed that the Justice Department reviewed the new allegations and concluded “that no persuasive evidence can be identified to support the theory of a conspiracy in . . . the assassination of President Kennedy.”

It should be noted that the Warren Commission did not rely on any one agency, but rather on a number of government agencies, private sources and its own investigation. With respect to any event, there will always be inconsistencies because human perceptions and past events do not fit together neatly. One can hardly ever establish facts to an absolute certainty. It is rarely possible to prove conclusively a negative--i.e., that there was no conspiracy. The Warren Commission’s conclusions represent the most likely scenario, and there has been nothing developed since that report which suggests a more likely conclusion.

RICHARD M. MOSK

Los Angeles

(Mosk served on the staff of the Warren Commission.)