Mr. Jenner.

as to what Mrs. Paine might have or did say to her and from, I gather, your general knowledge at that time that he had gone from this country to Russia?

Mr. Mamantov.

That's correct.

Mr. Jenner.

And had returned with Marina as his wife?

Mr. Mamantov.

That's correct, and not only through Mrs. Paine, because after we found out--many people of Russian descent were somehow acquainted with Lee Oswald and Marina, so we heard later from different sources of him and his political opinions.

Mr. Jenner.

Now, do I correctly interpret your testimony that because there is a Russian emigre group here that is lively and interested in each other, that they took an interest, if for no other reason, that they took an interest in Marina and to an extent, Lee Oswald, to expand her acquaintance in the Dallas-Irving-Fort Worth area and make them comfortable to the extent that you people out of the kindness of your heart could do so? I don't want to describe it incorrectly--give me your reaction to that.

Mr. Mamantov.

My reaction--I never was asked to help them, never was approached by them or people who tried to help them.

Mr. Jenner.

What was your impression, that people were trying to help them?

Mr. Mamantov.

People who tried to help them, I told them on many occasions they shouldn't do it.

Mr. Jenner.

What do you mean?

Mr. Mamantov.

Well, I told Mrs. Paine--Mrs. Paine was an interested person.

Mr. Jenner.

Why?

Mr. Mamantov.

Because, in my opinion, Oswald was a Communist and was sent here with certain purpose, whether to kill or what to do, but he had an assignment and because my belief was and still is, and which is strengthened due to the 22d assassination.

Mr. Jenner.

And these views and opinions of yours are not based on any direct knowledge on your part of Lee Harvey Oswald, that is, any direct contact during the course of events up to November 22, that is, you don't point to any specific knowledge on your part, but it is a realization----

Mr. Mamantov.

It is a realization of what the people told me of his political viewpoints, their home being in the Soviet Union and supposedly being an undesirable person, but I have again past cases in my life where exactly what he did, other people, they are doing it, and I am sure you have heard many questions on TV and those questions were asked before.

Mr. Jenner.

And I take it, Mr. Mamantov, that you regard yourself, and that you are a loyal and dedicated, naturalized American.

Mr. Mamantov.

Yes; I am.

Mr. Jenner.

And you are proud and concerned about your standing in that respect?

Mr. Mamantov.

Yes, sir; but I'm not a member of the John Birch Society, I am not a member of any organization except my professional and local Republican Party.

Mr. Jenner.

At any time prior to November 1963, were you aware of or has there come to your attention any information or statement attributed to Oswald, that to you indicated that he had animosity or opposition to President John F. Kennedy as an individual, as I say, prior to November 22?

Mr. Mamantov.

Yes; I understand---no, sir.

Mr. Jenner.

Or any animosity or opposition to John F. Kennedy in his capacity as President of the United States?

Mr. Mamantov.

No, sir; only the information was relayed to me that he was opposed to the Government of the United States, without mentioning the President or any other name.

Mr. Jenner.

And you have no information on which you personally can rely of your personal knowledge, indicating that Oswald was a Communist?

Mr. Mamantov.

You mean if I have proof--physical proof?

Mr. Jenner.

Yes.

Mr. Mamantov.

No, sir.

Mr. Jenner.

When did you meet George Bouhe?

Mr. Mamantov.

It is September or, I mean, late part of September or early