(Testimony of Declan P. Ford)
The Chairman.
As to the purpose so you understand what we are doing here today?
Mr. Ford.
Yes, sir.
The Chairman.
Will you please rise. Do you solemnly swear the testimony you give before this Commission will be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
Mr. Ford.
I do.
The Chairman.
Be seated please and Mr. Liebeler will ask the questions.
Mr. Liebeler.
Will you state your name, sir?
Mr. Ford.
Declan P. Ford.
Mr. Liebeler.
Where do you live?
Mr. Ford.
Dallas, Tex.
Mr. Liebeler.
What is your employment?
Mr. Ford.
I am a consulting geologist.
Mr. Liebeler.
Are you independently employed?
Mr. Ford.
Yes; I am self-employed.
Mr. Liebeler.
Would you give us a brief statement of your educational background?
Mr. Ford.
I was graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1948, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geology, and was first employed by Tidewater Associated Oil Co. as a geologist, later with the Continental Oil Co. as a geologist, and then later with DeGollyer McNaughton, a consulting firm in Dallas, Tex, until 1962, October. I went into business for myself as a consulting geologist. All this time has been in exploration, development of oil and gas fields both in the United States and foreign countries.
Mr. Liebeler.
Have you been employed in and about the Fort Worth and Dallas area ever since you graduated from college?
Mr. Ford.
No; I have only been in the Dallas area since January 1960.
Mr. Liebeler.
Your wife's name is Katherine Ford?
Mr. Ford.
Yes.
Mr. Liebeler.
When were you married?
Mr. Ford.
We were married July 1960. July 2.
Mr. Liebeler.
Were you married at any time prior to that?
Mr. Ford.
No; I was not.
The Chairman.
'62, did you say?
Mr. Ford.
1960.
Mr. Liebeler.
Are you acquainted with Jack Ruby?
Mr. Ford.
No; I am not.
Mr. Liebeler.
Do you know of any connection between Lee Oswald and Jack Ruby?
Mr. Ford.
No; I don't.
Mr. Liebeler.
Directly or indirectly?
Mr. Ford.
No.
Mr. Liebeler.
Do you know Mr. John M. Grizzaffi?
Mr. Ford.
Yes; I knew him.
Mr. Liebeler.
Do you known whether or not he is a friend or associate of Jack Ruby's?
Mr. Ford.
I don't know. I have heard that he knows Jack Ruby, I don't know how well he knows him.
Mr. Liebeler.
Do you know whether Mr. Grizzaffi had any contact with the Oswalds or knew them?
Mr. Ford.
None that I knew of.
Mr. Liebeler.
When did you first meet the Oswalds?
Mr. Ford.
In 1962, and I think it was in August of 1962, I am not sure of the exact date.
Mr. Liebeler.
Would you tell us the circumstances of the meeting?
Mr. Ford.
I was a guest at the house of some friends, the Mellers, and the Oswalds had been there for lunch, and we came over after lunch to have cocktails and to meet Lee and Marina Oswald.
Mr. Liebeler.
Who was there at that time?
Mr. Ford.
Mr. Meller and his wife, Anna Meller, George Bouhe, my wife and myself, Marina and Lee Oswald, and 1 can't remember for sure if anybody
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