I offer in evidence as Commission Exhibits 272 through 275, inclusive, the documents that have been so identified and marked.
The Chairman. They may be admitted.
(The documents heretofore marked Commission Exhibits Nos. 272 through 275, inclusive, for identification, were received in evidence.)
The Chairman. Now, Mr. McKenzie?
Mr. McKenzie. Thank you, Mr. Chief Justice.
We have brought with us the original copies of various letters received from—dating from 1959 through 1962, from Lee Harvey Oswald to Robert L. Oswald, together with some copies of a contract between Mr. Oswald—Robert Oswald, Marina Oswald, John Thorne, and James Martin. We bring those voluntarily and gladly. I would like to give them to the Commission with the understanding and stipulation that they will not be released to the press or to any news media, with the exception and understanding of your final report.
The Chairman. That is the only purpose we would have in having them, and we will not release them to the press or to any other person.
Mr. McKenzie. I understand that, sir. And the only reason I make that stipulation is for the record.
The Chairman. Yes. With the understanding that the Commission will use it for any purpose that is within the scope of the Executive order.
Mr. McKenzie. Absolutely.
The Chairman. And for no other purpose.
Mr. McKenzie. Absolutely.
The Chairman. Do you want to keep the originals and have copies made for us, or do you want to leave the originals with us?
Mr. McKenzie. Well, sir, we have already started making the copies this morning.
The Chairman. That is all right. Either way you want to do it.
Mr. McKenzie. Whichever way the Commission would prefer.
But we have started making copies this morning.
The Chairman. That is all right, then. You may do it that way.
Mr. Jenner, I guess you may proceed.
Mr. Jenner. Thank you, Mr. Chief Justice.
We have made copies of a number of the originals, additional ones of which are also being made. And as I identify the documents, I will be asking leave to introduce photostatic or xerox copies of the originals, and I will so indicate at the appropriate moment.
The Chairman. Very well.
Mr. Jenner. Mr. Chief Justice, Mr. Dulles—we have had a very short session with Mr. McKenzie and Mr. Oswald, which has been pleasant and of the character indicated here, with full cooperation by both gentlemen. And we have explained to Mr. Oswald that this particular phase of the matter covers Lee Harvey Oswald's entire life, and I added it also covered Mr. Oswald's life.
At times the particular thrust of the examination might not be particularly apparent to Mr. McKenzie, but he is at liberty to inquire as the case might be. But we are covering the entire lives.
Mr. Jenner. Mr. Oswald, would you be good enough to state your full name?
Mr. Oswald. Robert Edward Lee Oswald.
Mr. Jenner. And you reside now where?
Mr. Oswald. At 1009 Sierra Drive, Denton, Tex.
Mr. Jenner. What is your present business or occupation?
Mr. Oswald. I am employed by the Acme Brick Co. in the capacity of sales coordinator.
Mr. Jenner. What city or town?
Mr. Oswald. Denton, Tex.
Mr. Jenner. What is the nature of your employment by that company?
Mr. Oswald. I am in the market department of the Acme Brick Co., coordinating between the marketing and plant department, scheduling the plant's production, processing and handling all orders, correspondence relating to the orders, and generally following through in the line of customers service, from prior to placing the orders by various customers, architects, home builders and so forth, to the completion of the invoices.
Mr. Jenner. And how long have you been so employed by the Acme Brick Co.?
Mr. Oswald. April of this year, 1964, will be 4 years.
Mr. Jenner. And I think it might be helpful at this point—what is the date of your birth?
Mr. Oswald. April 7, 1934, sir.
Mr. Jenner. Can you tell me how many years old you are?
Mr. Oswald. I will be 30 years old April 7, 1964.
The Chairman. Mr. Jenner, if you excuse me now, I am going to attend a session of the Supreme Court. And if you are here this afternoon, I will be back to be with you.
Mr. Dulles (presiding). You may proceed, Mr. Jenner.
Mr. Jenner. Thank you. Mr. Dulles.
Would you identify your family—Mrs. Oswald, and your two fine children?
Mr. Oswald. Thank you. My wife's name is Vada Marie Oswald. My daughter's name is Cathy Marie Oswald, and my son's name is Robert Lee Edward Oswald, Jr.
Mr. Jenner. The ages?
Mr. Oswald. Cathy is 6 years old, and Robert Lee will be 3 years old this April.
Mr. Jenner. Would you give us Mrs. Oswald's maiden name?
Mr. Oswald. Vada Marie Mercer.
Mr. Jenner. She is a native of your present town?
Mr. Oswald. No, sir. She is from Keeter, Tex. My wife was raised on a farm. This community is located close to Boyd, Tex., which is approximately 35 miles northwest of Fort Worth.
Mr. Jenner. All right.
Your father's full name?
Mr. Oswald. Robert Edward Lee Oswald.
Mr. Jenner. Edward?
Mr. Oswald. Yes, sir.
Mr. Jenner. And he is now deceased?
Mr. Oswald. That is correct, sir.
Mr. Jenner. And as I recall, he died in August of 1939.
Mr. Oswald. That is correct.
Mr. Jenner. You were then about what—5 years old?
Mr. Oswald. Five years old, sir.
Mr. Jenner. Now, your mother is Marguerite Oswald?
Mr. Oswald. That is correct, sir.
Mr. Jenner. Do you recall her middle name?
Mr. Oswald. Claverie.
Mr. Jenner. And what was her maiden name?
Mr. Oswald. I don't remember.
Mr. Jenner. I think it was Claverie. You have a brother, John Pic?
Mr. Oswald. That is correct. John Edward Pic.
Mr. Jenner. And he is a stepbrother?
Mr. Oswald. Yes, sir; that is correct.
Mr. Jenner. And born of a marriage of your mother with whom?
Mr. Oswald. Pardon me. He is a half brother.
Mr. McKenzie. He is a half brother, Mr. Jenner.
Mr. Jenner. I am sorry to say that meant the same thing to me. But I am probably in error. A half brother.
Mr. Oswald. I am sorry. I didn't hear the next question.
Mr. Jenner. That is all right. You correct me when I am wrong. Don't hesitate to do that.
Your half brother's father was whom?
Mr. Oswald. This I do not know. I don't know his full name.
Mr.