Testimony of Laurance R. Wilcox

The testimony of Laurance R. Wilcox was taken at 2 p, m., on March 31, 1964, in the office of the U.S. attorney, 301 Post Office Building, Bryan and Ervay Streets, Dallas, Tex., by Mr. Wesley J. Liebeler, assistant counsel of the President's Commission.

Mr. Liebeler.

Before I start, I want to swear you in as a witness.
Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you are about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?

Mr. Wilcox.

I do.

Mr. Liebeler.

Mr. Wilcox, my name is Wesley J. Liebeler. I am a member of the legal staff of the Commission appointed by President Johnson to investigate the assassination of President Kennedy.
Staff counsel have been authorized to take the testimony of witnesses the Commission pursuant to authority granted to the Commission under Executive Order 11130, dated November 29, 1963, and Joint Resolution of Congress No. 137.
The Commission rules of procedure require that copies of that Executive order and the congressional resolution, as well as copies of the Commission's rules and procedures relating to the taking of testimony be provided to each witness prior to the time his testimony is taken. I now provide you with copies of those documents. The general nature of the testimony that we wish to get from

you today relates to investigations made by Western Union Telegraph Co. concerning the possibility that Lee Harvey Oswald received money orders through the offices of your company, either in Dallas or the surrounding area, and the possibility that he may have sent telegrams to other persons through the facilities of your company.

Mr. Liebeler.

Before we get into the details of your testimony, would you please state your full name for the record?

Mr. Wilcox.

Laurance R. Wilcox.

Mr. Liebeler.

By whom are you employed?

Mr. Wilcox.

Western Union Telegraph Co.

Mr. Liebeler.

In what capacity?

Mr. Wilcox.

District manager.

Mr. Liebeler.

What are your duties as district manager?

Mr. Wilcox.

Administrative; in charge of the operation for Western Union in the city of Dallas.

Mr. Liebeler.

You are general manager then of the area which includes just the city of Dallas; is that correct?

Mr. Wilcox.

District manager.

Mr. Liebeler.

Of just the city of Dallas; is that correct?

Mr. Wilcox.

Yes; and immediate surrounding towns such as Garland, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Irving, and Lancaster. That is all I can think of right.

Mr. Liebeler.

You are generally in charge of the operations of the company within that particular area; is that correct?

Mr. Wilcox.

Yes, sir.

Mr. Liebeler.

Did there come a time, Mr. Wilcox, when you caused a search to be made of the records of the Western Union Telegraph Co. to determine whether or not Lee Harvey Oswald had ever received or sent any telegrams through the offices under your jurisdiction?

Mr. Wilcox.

Yes, sir.

Mr. Liebeler.

Would you tell us about that?

Mr. Wilcox.

Can I refer to these papers?

Mr. Liebeler.

You may refer to any papers that you wish.

Mr. Wilcox.

I want to so that I will have this exactly right as to what place. My first knowledge of the message that was supposed to have been sent by Oswald was when Mr. Hamblen, early night manager at my office, visited me telling me----

Mr. Liebeler.

Is that Mr. C. A. Hamblen?

Mr. Wilcox.

Yes, sir.