(Testimony of Richard Edward Snyder)
Mr. Coleman.
you are not going to make any further inquiry or do anything further in connection with Oswald, is that correct?
(The document referred to was marked Commission Exhibit No. 926 for identification.)
Mr. Snyder.
That is correct.
Mr. Coleman.
Then, sir, on February 1, 1961, you received a Department of State instruction which was marked as Commission Exhibit No. 930, which requested the Embassy to ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs--to inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that Mr. Oswalds moth was worried about his personal safety, and was anxious to hear from him.
(The document referred to was marked Commission Exhibit No. 930 for identification.)
Mr. Coleman.
Did you ever make such an inquiry of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?
Mr. Snyder.
No, I think I did not.
Mr. Coleman.
Do you know just when that Department instruction reached the Embassy in Moscow?
Mr. Snyder.
The date should be stamped on the document.
Mr. Coleman.
Well, on the copy we have, sir, there is no date. I take it you have no independent recollection?
Mr. Snyder.
No; it should have been within a week, though.
Mr. Coleman.
I take it, though, you would say that Commission Exhibit No. 930 went by diplomatic pouch.
Mr. Snyder.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Coleman.
This didnt go by cable?
Mr. Snyder.
No, that is not a telegraphic form.
Mr. Coleman.
On February 13, 1961, you received a letter from Mr. Oswald, did you not?
Mr. Snyder.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Coleman.
I show you a copy of a letter which has been marked as Commission Exhibit No. l 931, and I ask you whether that is a copy of a letter you received from Mr. Oswald.
(The document referred to was marked Commission Exhibit No. 931 for identification.)
Mr. Snyder.
Yes, sir.
Representative Ford.
Mr. Chairman, it would be helpful, I think, if we would pass these around, or if copies would be available to us at the time. Otherwise--at least I am not able to know what is transpiring between the counsel and the witness.
Are these extra copies of these we could have to examine as the exhibit is submitted to the witness?
Mr. Slawson.
We could have them made up, Mr. Ford. I dont think there are any extra ones right now.
The Chairman.
Well, suppose before you pass it to the witness you pass it to me, and I will pass it to Congressman Ford, and then over to Commissioner Dulles.
Mr. Snyder.
This letter is presumably the reason why no action was taken on the previous operations memorandum. It was overtaken, presumably, by Oswalds letter.
Mr. Coleman.
Could you indicate for the record what Oswald said in his letter which has been marked as Commission Exhibit No. 931?
Mr. Snyder.
Perhaps I might just read the letter into the record.
The letter is dated February, no date.
Dear sirs----
Mr. Dulles.
What year?
Mr. Snyder.
1961.
Since I have not received a reply to my letter of December 1960, I am writing again asking that you consider my request for the return of my American passport.
I desire to return to the United States, that is if we could come to some agreement concerning [sic] the dropping of any legal proceedings against me. If so, then I would be free to ask the Russian authorities to allow me to leave.
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