(Testimony of Ruth Hyde Paine Resumed)
Mrs. Paine.
School Book Depository. But the major impression I carry about his feeling of work at the School Book Depository was that it was income, and he was glad to have it.
I recall Marina's saying that Lee Oswald looked upon his brother Robert as a fool in that he was primarily interested in his home and family and that his interests in the world didn't really step beyond that. Marina commented then herself on this, and said she thought those were very legitimate interests.
Mr. Jenner.
In his presence?
Mrs. Paine.
No; not in his presence. She was telling me what Lee had said when he was not there.
Mr. Jenner.
What is your impression of Robert Oswald?
Mrs. Paine.
Well, as I have testified, I have very little impression of him, having only met him twice. I might add to that that he seems a nice guy, as far as I can see fairly regular, plain person. But that is my guess. I cannot say I have a clear impression of my own.
Mr. Jenner.
Do you recall an occasion when Marina had a conversation with Mrs. Gravitis?
Mrs. Paine.
By telephone. Oh, no; we went over one time, I think.
Mr. Jenner.
And there was a conversation that went back and forth about their life in the United States up to that point?
Mrs. Paine.
Yes; some of that conversation went back and forth faster than I could follow it.
Mr. Jenner.
Well, do you recall an incident in the course of that conversation in which Mrs. Gravitis made a remark that anyone could get work in that locality, and that there was plenty of construction work going on, to which Marina responded that construction work was beneath the diginity of her husband?
Mrs. Paine.
No; I recall a conversation of this nature, or you have just recalled it to me, that Mrs. Gravitis thought that jobs were available if you were willing to do the work. I don't recall just what Marina's reply was. I do recall her saying that he found his work at the Minsk factory more physically heavy than he was easily able to handle, and the reference to--I don't recall her objection to the mention of construction, but if there was one I would guess it was more this nature, than indicating being above such things.
Mr. Jenner.
That he might find heavy construction work or construction work generally physically difficult?
Mrs. Paine.
Yes; this from my recollection of what she said about the Minsk job, not from my recollection of this conversation.
Mr. Jenner.
Do you recall during the course of that conversation some comments in which Marina implied that when they were in Fort Worth, at least, that, arising out of her experience there, that both of them rather did not want further contact with the people in Fort Worth because her husband Lee did not agree with them personality wise?
Mrs. Paine.
I don't recall anything of that nature.
Mr. Jenner.
Do you ever recall her saying during the course of that conversation that her husband was an idealist?
Mrs. Paine.
I don't recall that, either. I have been trying to recall whether the name of Peter Gregory came up in any conversation with Marina. I have earlier testified today that it was my impression that I had not heard his name until the 22d of November. I have a vague impression that he was mentioned, or that this name was known to me. But it is very hard for me to get a hold of.
Mr. Jenner.
To recall, you mean?
Mrs. Paine.
To recall; yes. At some point, and it might have been that afternoon of the 22d, or it might have been earlier, there was a conversation which has left me with the clear impression that Marina admired and thought highly of Peter Gregory.
Mr. Jenner.
Peter is the father or the son?
Mrs. Paine.
Peter is the father. But, as I say, my recollection is vague on this, and I don't know when that conversation might have taken place.
Mr. Jenner.
Did you ever say to your sister that you were of the opinion that Lee Oswald was a Communist?
Mrs. Paine.
I don't recall.
|