(Jewish Daily Bulletin)
Harry H. Bennett, chief of the Ford investigators, in the first authoritative statement from any Ford source, said today he was satisfied no attempt was made on Mr. Ford’s life, and that the accident was caused by a careless speeder.
The story of Ernest Wilhelmn, 20 years old, and Carl Makovitz, 19, that they saw Mr. Ford’s coupe go over the embankment was discredited today by Mr. Bennett.
From a source highly responsible and close to Mr. Ford the information came last night that it was believed a preconceived attempt to assassinate Mr. Ford had been responsible for his injuries; while from another close source it was said that a great many men were working along numerous avenues of investigation and that it was believed the large car responsible was known.
“If at any time we had thought some one was intentionally trying to injure Mr. Ford we would have asked the aid of the Detroit police immediately,” said Mr. Bennett.
Previously the Federal Department of Justice, heads of the Detroit police force, the State police and the Federal Secret Service had denied that they were investigating or had been asked to help.
Rumors to the effect that an officer of Judge Raymond’s court, where the $1,000,000 libel suit is being tried, had joined other agencies investigating the Ford accident, were denied by Judge Raymond, who termed the reports “a gross misstatement.” He added: “There has been no request for an investigation and I can see no reason for any.”
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
