Representative Ford.

Is there anything significant about him being sent to Minsk, as far as you are concerned?

Mr. Snyder.

No, no; the only pattern that I would discern is that it is in all cases to my knowledge all cases of which I have had knowledge, the invariable pattern of the Soviets is to send defectors somewhere outside of the capital city--to settle them in some city other than Moscow. There have been some minor exceptions to this.
What is the name--the British defector, and the two foreign office men Burgess and McLean. McLean lives or did live, until his death, just on the outskirts of Moscow.

Mr. Dulles.

McLean is still alive.

Mr. Snyder.

Pardon me Burgess. Is Burgess the one married to an American?

Mr. Dulles.

Philby is married to an American.

Mr. Snyder.

One of the two, Burgess or McLean, is married to an American.

Mr. Dulles.

McLean is.

Mr. Snyder.

I had an interview with McLean's mother-in-law at the Embassy. At any rate, this was one exception.

Representative Ford.

It has been alleged that in Minsk there are certain training schools for foreigners, or possibly for citizens of the Soviet Union. Are you at all familiar with that? Is there any information you have on it?

Mr. Snyder.

No; I have not, Mr. Ford.

Representative Ford.

Did you ever contact any Soviet officials about Oswald at the time of this first interview?

Mr. Snyder.

No.

Representative Ford.

Is that unusual or is that usual?

Mr. Snyder.

It is usual.

Representative Ford.

In other words, you, in your capacity, would not normally contact a Soviet official about someone such as Oswald?

Mr. Snyder.

That is right; yes, sir. In other words, there is nothing at that stage of the game which--for which I would have any reason to go to the Soviet authorities.

Representative Ford.

Even the fact that he had a visa 5 days overdue?

Mr. Snyder.

Well, of course, I am already aware in a sense and am acting under my awareness that he is living under controlled circumstances. He is not simply living in a hotel and nobody knows about it. That he is in contact with Soviet authorities, and is there with their knowledge and consent. So that----

Representative Ford.

It is implied consent, even though it may not be official as far as the documents are concerned?

Mr. Snyder.

Well, actually, the document itself is quite eloquent on this subject, I think. There is the very negative fact that his visa is 5 days overdue, and he is still there that speaks pretty loudly for the fact that he is living there without a valid visa, at least without a valid visa in his passport, with the knowledge and consent of the Soviet authorities. It could hardly be otherwise.

Representative Ford.

Mr. Dulles, we have a quorum call over on the floor of the House. I will have to leave. Will you take over as Chairman? I will be back shortly.

Mr. Dulles.

Very gladly. I have one or two questions.
(At this point, Representative Ford withdrew from the hearing room.)

Mr. Dulles.

Is there any question as to whether a minor can renounce his nationality?

Mr. Snyder.

To my knowledge, there is not. To my knowledge----

Mr. Dulles.

I will withdraw that question and ask Mr. Chayes that when it comes, because that probably is a matter for him rather than for you.
Does the Embassy in Moscow have any facility for learning about or finding out about errant American citizens, or any American citizens that are wandering around Russia? Do they register at the Embassy?

Mr. Snyder.

They may.

Mr. Dulles.

There is not a requirement?