(Testimony of James Herbert Martin)
Mr. Rankin.
Did Marina say anything about how much she wanted Robert to get?
Mr. Martin.
Yes.
Mr. Rankin.
What did she say about that?
Mr. Martin.
Ten percent.
Mr. Rankin.
She just said 10 percent, is that all?
Mr. Martin.
Yes.
Mr. Rankin.
Did Marina make any explanation of how she decided that Robert should get a share, too?
Mr. Martin.
No, other than she wanted to give Robert something.
Representative Ford.
May I ask a question?
Mr. Rankin.
Surely.
Representative Ford.
Was there any discussion at any time, Mr. Martin, as to whether Marguerite should have any benefits from it?
Mr. Martin.
No.
Mr. Rankin.
Did Marina discuss with you at that time what Robert was to do for his 10 percent?
Mr. Martin.
No.
Mr. Rankin.
Do you recall any discussion about what you were to do for your share?
Mr. Martin.
Yes, to sell her story.
Mr. Rankin.
And what would Mr. Thorne do for his 10 percent?
Mr. Martin.
Handle all the legal work involved.
Mr. Rankin.
Did you ever hear any discussion about what Robert was to do for his percentage?
Mr. Martin.
We said that--let's see--we would discuss with him on various occasions any of these contracts, but that he was--he would take over the handling of Marina's affairs in case of my disability.
Mr. Leech.
Off the record.
(Discussion off the record.)
Mr. Rankin.
Was there anything more said than you have related about what Robert would do for his share?
Mr. Martin.
No. I think I probably remarked to him that there would probably be plenty for him to do.
Mr. Rankin.
Was there any dispute between any of you or with Marina at this time about the percentages?
Mr. Martin.
No. The only thing that I recall was the terms of the contract, of my contract.
Mr. Rankin.
Was something said about that?
Mr. Martin.
Was 10 years.
Mr. Rankin.
Yes.
Mr. Martin.
And Marina thought that was too long.
Mr. Rankin.
What did she say about that?
Mr. Martin.
She said she thought 10 years was too long.
Mr. Rankin.
What did you say?
Mr. Martin.
Let's see, she wanted a 1 year contract and I told her that actually 1 year, there is no telling how this story would develop or anything, and that 1 year might interfere with the sale of the story.
Mr. Rankin.
What did she say to that?
Mr. Martin.
That they agreed to it.
Mr. Rankin.
She agreed then to the 10 years?
Mr. Martin.
Yes.
Mr. Rankin.
Was any interpreter present at that time?
Mr. Martin.
No.
Mr. Rankin.
So whatever Marina understood about was from her understanding of English and communication with you and Robert and Mr. Thorne?
Mr. Martin.
Well, Lee Gopadze had discussed it prior to that.
Mr. Rankin.
Was that in your presence?
Mr. Martin.
No. He just discussed it, the general terms, I assume.
Mr. Rankin.
But you don't know.
Mr. Martin.
Of course. I couldn't understand what he was saying. We left the contracts with her for several days.
|